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1. What is the University Place Transportation Benefit District (UPTBD)?

In 1987, the State Legislature created Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs) as an option for local governments to fund transportation improvements. Chapter 36.73 of the Revised Code of Washington provides for the establishment of TBD by cities and counties for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district.
 
In 2005 and 2007, the Legislature amended the TBD statute to expand its uses and revenue authority, including the ability to authorize a $20 annual vehicle license fee (VLF), and up to an additional $80 of VLF, if approved by voters within the district.
 
The state legislature provided local governments with these tools because inflation has eroded the local share of gas tax and because a series of statewide ballot initiatives passed over the last 12 years have eliminated other traditional sources of funding for local transportation needs. For example, in 2002 a statewide initiative had the effect of repealing a $15 annual countywide VLF that had been dedicated to the same local street maintenance needs supported by the Seattle TBD's annual fee.

2. Who runs the UPTBD?

The University Place Transportation Benefit District is governed by the University Place City Council, as authorized by the State Law.

3. What other cities have established or are considering a Transportation Benefit District (TBD)?

The following cities have established or are considering a TBD:

• DuPont
• Bainbridge Island
• Bremerton
• Buckley
• Burien
• Carbonado
• Des Moines
• East Wenatchee
• Eatonville
• Edmonds
• Electric City
• Grandview
• Kelso
• Kenmore
• Kittitas County
• Lakeforest Park
• Lynnwood
• Mabton
• Maple Valley
• Mountlake Terrace
• Olympia
• Orting
• Prosser
• Royal City
• Shoreline
• Snohomish County
• Snoqualmie
• Spokane
• Tacoma
• Toppenish
• Wenatchee
• Zillah

All of these areas collect annual VLF's through a Transportation Benefit District. Others collect sales taxes through TBDs. Additional TBD information can be found at the MRSC's Transportation Benefit Districts page.

4. What funding sources are available to TBDs?

Funding is available based on voter approval.

Without voter approval:

• Annual vehicle fee up to $20. This fee is collected at the time of vehicle renewal and cannot be used to fund passenger-only ferry service improvements.
• Transportation impact fees on commercial and industrial buildings. Residential buildings are excluded. In addition, a county or city must provide a credit for a commercial or industrial transportation impact if the respective county or city has already imposed a transportation impact fee.

With voter approval:

• Property taxes: a one-year excess levy or an excess levy for capital purposes
• Up to 0.2 percent sales and use tax
• Up to $100 total annual vehicle fee per vehicle registered in the district
• Vehicle tolls
  
  
  

5. Why did the UPTBD implement a $20 VLF without voter approval?

In large part, the legislature authorized the $20 VLF to replace a $15 countywide license fee dedicated to local street funding that had been eliminated by passage of I-776 in 2002.

6. How is University Place's TBD spending my $20?

The TBD budget spends the revenue on a mix of maintenance and preservation as well as safety and enhancements to University Place's existing transportation network.

7. Where can I call to update the address on my vehicle registration or ask questions about emissions testing, vehicle license renewal or any other question related to vehicle licensing?

For other questions relating to Vehicle Licensing, please contact the state Department of Licensing, Vehicle Licensing division at 360.902.3770. Locally, you can contact the Pierce County Auditor’s office at 253.798.7427.