Cities are the economic engines of the state and Washington’s transportation system is the backbone of our economy, providing the vital connections that link our homes to our work places and carry products to market.

A strong state and local transportation system is necessary to create and maintain living-wage jobs in our region.

Our region is poised for continued economic recovery and growth, but that growth will be threatened if we do not invest, now, in livable and connected communities across the state.

We urge our elected officials in Olympia to pass a balanced transportation investment package during the special session of the Legislature, recently convened by Gov. Jay Inslee.

New multi-modal transportation investment is the key to a prosperous future for Kirkland and for the Puget Sound region.

State and local transportation revenue is necessary to maintain transportation infrastructure investments, address stormwater systems and complete projects that are essential for a healthy transportation system.

Access to a healthy transportation system is critical to our quality of life, as residents commute to jobs, school, and other activities.

Like most cities, Kirkland has our own critical transportation needs. Our citizens recognized this fact and in 2012 they approved Proposition 1, a permanent property tax levy to address city street maintenance and pedestrian safety needs.

Yet, even with Kirkland voters’ approval of Proposition 1, Kirkland still has $249 million in unfunded street, bridge and sidewalk needs. These projects are crucial to the safety of our residents and to the economic development of the city.

State-authorized direct funding and local-option financing tools are desperately needed to allow cities such as Kirkland to address local growing transportation issues and help us ensure our economic prosperity.

All of the transportation investment options under consideration by the Legislature, in even the most generous combination, will leave substantial unmet needs because they account for less than a quarter of the transportation needs local communities face today.

Tolling and construction on State Route 520 have dramatically increased our residents’ and employees’ reliance on King County Metro.

Yet, without transportation revenue investments from the state, Metro must plan for devastating service cuts. As proposed, these cuts will impact Kirkland and the region and will especially impact those who rely on public transportation to get to jobs, school, medical and other services.

Our transportation system is the backbone of our economy. The time is now for us to make a down payment toward this critical infrastructure, move people and goods, grow jobs and the economy, and retain the quality of life that makes our region and Kirkland such a special place to live.

Please join us and urge your legislators to invest in your transportation system now.

Joan McBride is the city of Kirkland’s mayor and Jeanne Acutanza is a board member of the Transportation Choices Coalition.