Downtown Corridor Study
The Yelm City Council will consider adoption of the Yelm Downtown Transportation Strategy at their April 23, 2019 Council meeting.
The Yelm Planning Commission received public testimony to gain community input during a public hearing held March 18, 2019. Following public input, the Commission forwarded the draft plan to City Council with minor changes to reflect ideas and concerns brought up by residents and local businesses.
Project Summary:
The City of Yelm partnered with SCJ Alliance in an effort to identify strategies that balance the Yelm Avenue and 1st Street corridor’s character as a main street with their function as a regional highway. The purpose of the project was to develop transportation-focused strategies that promote economic development opportunities and improve mobility for everyone in Yelm’s historic downtown core. The planning effort involved significant public engagement to evaluate existing conditions, infrastructure constraints, and opportunities in downtown Yelm. The resulting Downtown Transportation Strategy includes solutions for:
- Flow — Increase the flow of people in downtown by improving efficiency and circulation on streets
- Vitality — Enhance the vitality of the community through streetscape improvements that highlight Yelm’s unique character
- Connectivity — Provide connectivity for better access to downtown businesses, civic buildings, and public space.
- Safety — Improve safety for all travelers, but especially pedestrians and cyclists
Study Area:
The study will focus on the area surrounding the intersection of Yelm Ave (SR 510) and 1st Street S (SR 507), the commercial and civic heart of the city. We will consider the surrounding street network between SW Railroad Street and 4th Street SE and between SE Mosman Avenue and Jefferson Avenue NE, including critical pedestrian connectivity points.
Thank you to everyone that has dedicated time and energy to participate in this planning process to this point. 
