Yelm officials address traffic issues amid city growth concerns

In the heart of Yelm, Washington, city planners gathered to address pressing concerns about growth and traffic during the Planning Commission Meeting on March 17, 2025. As discussions unfolded, a clear message emerged: while the city is experiencing significant growth, the root of its traffic challenges lies beyond its borders.

One planner emphasized that the influx of new subdivisions and apartment developments often raises concerns about traffic congestion. "Every time we do a new subdivision, we hear lots of people saying no growth until we figure out our traffic problems," they noted. However, they argued that the real issue is not the growth within Yelm itself, but rather the approximately 50,000 through trips that occur daily on Yelm Avenue, largely driven by traffic from neighboring cities.

The conversation shifted towards the importance of effective communication with the community. Planners expressed a desire to clarify that growth is not the primary cause of traffic issues, but rather a symptom of broader regional dynamics. "I hope we can figure out a way to message that better so that people understand when we are getting this growth, which is good for Yelm, that it's not the cause of the problem that they think it is," one planner remarked.

As the meeting progressed, the completion of the Yelm loop was highlighted as a potential solution to alleviate some of the through traffic. "I think that part of the loop that's getting close to being completed will siphon off quite a bit," a participant noted, suggesting that improvements in transportation infrastructure could lead to a shift in traffic patterns.

While planners acknowledged that congestion would not disappear entirely, they pointed out that the nature of congestion could change. Increased local activity, driven by a growing population, could lead to a different kind of congestion—one that reflects a vibrant community rather than merely through traffic. "If you weren't doing the Yelm loop and there weren't these improvements coming through, we would be seeing really, really negative effects for Yelm in the future," a planner warned.

The meeting also touched on the representation of Yelm in regional planning discussions, with Joe DePinto and Tracy Wood serving on relevant councils. Their involvement ensures that Yelm's interests are considered in broader transportation planning efforts.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Yelm stands at a crossroads. With growth on the horizon and traffic challenges to navigate, the city’s planners are committed to fostering a community that balances development with the quality of life for its residents. The path forward will require not only infrastructure improvements but also a concerted effort to engage and inform the public about the complexities of traffic and growth in their city.