Did you know that over one-third of Issaquah’s total carbon emissions come from transportation? The way we get to work, school and around town plays a major role in our community’s carbon footprint. That’s why one of the city’s top priorities in updating the Issaquah Climate Action Plan is helping residents make low-impact travel choices.
Why Transportation Matters
When the city launched the Climate Action Plan in 2021, it set ambitious goals to address climate change by reducing emissions from transportation. Even though the plan is getting a 5-year refresh in 2026, helping people drive less and use more sustainable options will remain a cornerstone of the city’s strategy.
In addition to supporting our community in making progress towards climate goals, rethinking how we move around the community has many other benefits:
- Cleaner Air Means Healthier People! Reducing major sources of air pollution from transportation can lower asthma rates (especially for kids), reduce heart and lung disease, and provide overall improved public health.
- Less Traffic Means More Livable Neighborhoods! Traffic is one of the biggest areas of concern for our residents, according to the 2025 Community Survey. Rethinking how we get around town can make for less traffic congestion, safer streets for walking and biking, and stronger local connections. (You might discover something new if you walk or bike instead of drive.)
- Save Money for Households and the Community! When you choose to walk, bike, carpool or take transit, that means more money in your pocket by saving on fuel, vehicle maintenance and parking. For the city, fewer cars on the road means savings on repair and maintenance. Instead, that money can be spent on projects that improve and enhance our transportation infrastructure such as bike lanes, sidewalks and technology to boost traffic flow.
Smart Choices You Can Make Right Now
Metro Flex makes getting around easy, plus kids and teens ride for free. Photo by City of Issaquah.
Whether you’re heading to school, commuting to work or running errands, small changes in how you travel can save money and reduce your impact.
Students & Families: Ride the school bus, play Bus Bingo, walk, ride your bike or carpool with friends.
Youth 18 & Under: Ride most transit services for free with the Youth Transit Pass or hop on MetroFlex within Issaquah and Sammamish at no cost.
College Students: Many schools offer discounted ORCA cards. Check MyORCA.com for details.
Seniors & Riders with Disabilities: Reduced fares are available through ORCA LIFT and the Senior Regional Reduced Fare Permit.
Working Adults: Join Switch Your Trips to track commutes and win prizes, explore employer commute incentives, or save costs with Vanpool, Vanshare or MetroFlex on-demand rides.
The City’s Role: Making Sustainable Travel Easier
The City of Issaquah continues to invest in:
Utilize our expansive trail system to run your errands or commute to work. Photo by City of Issaquah.
- EV charging infrastructure
- Bike lanes and safety improvements
- Better transit access
- Pedestrian safety projects
- MetroFlex and services that support short trips throughout the community
Plus, state and city programs offer occasional incentives like e-bike rebates or transit discounts to help make the switch even easier.
Let’s Move Toward a Cleaner Future
The climate crisis requires all of us—residents, businesses, city staff and leaders—to take action. By rethinking how we move through our community, we can create a cleaner and healthier Issaquah for generations to come.
Every trip matters. Let’s make them count.
Stacy McKinstry is the sustainability manager at the City of Issaquah. Windley Knowlton is a Civic Spark Fellow for the City of Issaquah.
As published in the fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
