Want to walk, roll, bike, or take transit during these last wintery days but not sure where to start? Get all your winter weather questions answered! The Street Trust joined us for a virtual multimodal winter clinic last month, and even if you missed the live event you can still watch! Get all the knowledge you need for getting around walking, rolling, and using public transportation when it's dark, rainy, icy, snowy, and cold.

​Want to join in on the Winter Walk & Roll Week, but not sure where to start? Get all your winter questions answered! Join us and The Street Trust for a virtual multimodal winter clinic this Tuesday, February 11 at noon - 1:00 p.m. Learn about this week’s incentives, and get all the knowledge you need for getting around walking, rolling, and using public transportation when it’s dark, rainy, icy, snowy, and cold.

Member Spotlight: LAIKA, ​Setting Standards in Sustainable Transportation for the Stop-Motion Industry

LAIKA is committed to telling original, timeless stories and sharing them with the broadest possible audience, all while leading the way in filmmaking. By blending cutting-edge technologies with traditional techniques, they craft state-of-the-art classics. This spirit of innovation also shapes the studio's approach to environmental stewardship, as they aim to drive sustainability advancements within the stop-motion industry.

“We implement practical solutions that minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency to ensure studio accountability in reducing our carbon footprint. Through research, education, and action, we aim to inspire stress-free, sustainable habits among LAIKAns while also supporting partnerships with our local communities and organizations that share our values around environmental responsibility. Westside Transportation Alliance is one such partner,” said Carla Chen, Sustainability Program Manager at LAIKA.

LAIKA is focused not only on what stories they tell but also on how they tell them, and that includes continually evaluating and improving behaviors and processes at the studio to be better stewards of the environment. Encouraging and facilitating greener commuting habits among employees is an important arrow in their quiver, as the transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, accounting for 35% of all emissions in 2021, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)*. 

The LAIKA Sustainability Program promotes transportation subsidy initiatives to reduce roadway congestion and carbon emissions by offering incentives to encourage employee use of alternative or low-emission modes of transportation. 

Westside Transportation Alliance (WTA) is a long-term partner in helping LAIKA develop and maintain its robust transportation subsidies. LAIKA’s Carpool Program reduces commuter miles across the Portland metro area each month, with an average employee participation rate of 21% (based on the DEQ 2023 Employee Commute Options, or ECO, Survey).

LAIKA provides employees with access to 12 at-cost EV charging stations that reduced CO2 emissions by an estimated 49,167 pounds in 2024, according to Blink Charging. The studio also offers 50% off monthly bus passes for employees.

LAIKA Sustainability sponsors an annual on-site Bike Repair Event in partnership with WashCo Bikes, a non-profit organization in Hillsboro whose vision is to create a future where bicycling is seen as the safe and practical choice for short-distance trips. Last year, more than 30 employees’ bikes were repaired at no cost to them. In addition, the studio offers a Bike Borrowing Program, with bikes available for employees to use to run errands or enjoy a ride during their breaks. 

Since 2023, LAIKA has participated in Energy Trust of Oregon’s Strategic Energy Management Program, which is dedicated to identifying improvement opportunities in energy conservation. LAIKA’s commitment to innovation in sustainability earned the studio Washington County’s Green Business Leader Gold Award in 2023, a three-year designation.

In 2024, LAIKA attained EVAL Silver certification in Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership through Forth Mobility and was distinguished by the Environmental Media Association (EMA) with their Green Seal Award for Studios, a recognition program that identifies best practices through a point system focused on sustainability. EMA is an organization dedicated to promoting environmental progress in the entertainment industry, and LAIKA is the first stop-motion company to achieve their Green Seal Award for Studios.

About LAIKA
LAIKA was founded in 2005 in Oregon by President & CEO Travis Knight. The studio’s five films Coraline (2009), ParaNorman (2012), The Boxtrolls (2014), Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), and Missing Link (2019) have all been nominated for the Academy Award® for Outstanding Animated Feature. Kubo and the Two Strings won the BAFTA® Award for Best Animated Film and received an additional Oscar® nomination for Visual Effects. Missing Link was awarded the Golden Globe® for Best Animated Film. LAIKA was awarded a Scientific and Technology Oscar® in 2016 for its innovation in 3D printing. LAIKA is currently in production on its next animated film Wildwood. The studio is developing the animated feature films The Night Gardener, from an original idea by Bill Dubuque, creator of the hit series Ozark, and Piranesi, based on the NYT bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke. LAIKA has launched a Live Action subsidiary with a range of projects in development including feature films based on the action thriller novel Seventeen by screenwriter John Brownlow and an original script Crumble, written and directed by Brian Duffield with Phil Lord and Chris Miller producing. Oscar®-nominated screenwriter Jon Spaihts (Dune) will write and make his directorial debut on another original live action film project. Learn more at www.laika.com.

*Source: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/pages/ghg-inventory.aspx​

​By joining one of ODOT's statewide transportation safety committees, you'll play a vital role in shaping policies and programs that save lives and make our roads safer for everyone. ODOT is currently seeking members for: 

• Oregon Transportation Safety Committee​
• Governor's Advisory Committee on Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
• Governor's Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety​

Who Can Apply?
Any Oregonian with an interest in transportation safety can apply. Diverse perspectives are valued to help make Oregon's roads safer for everyone.

What You Need to Know

• Terms: Each appointment is for four years.
• Travel: Most committees require little or no travel. Many meetings also offer a virtual option for added convenience. When travel is needed, the committee covers costs.
• Interviews: Interviews can be done in person or online using Microsoft Teams.
• Applications: Applications are always open and managed through Workday. Find guidance for applicants here.

For more information about these committees, visit ODOT's Governor's Advisory Committees webpage.

As businesses embrace return-to-work initiatives, offering transportation support is essential to ease commuting challenges for employees. By offering incentives for cost-effective commute options and flexible work schedules, companies can help employees—especially those living far from the office—reduce travel expenses while enjoying the continued benefits of flexibility. 

Reducing Commute Costs
For many employees, commuting expenses can add up quickly, particularly for those who live long distances from their workplace. Companies can help by offering rideshare programs, transportation subsidies, and on-site facilities for bike commuters. These benefits not only lower costs but also improve morale and retention.

Supporting Hybrid and Remote Workers
Flexible work schedules, including hybrid and remote options, help ease commute burdens for employees while enabling employers to tap into a broader talent pool. In Oregon, which has the second-highest share of remote workers in the country, return-to-work initiatives are trending. While many businesses are encouraging a return to the office, there is still strong support for hybrid and remote work arrangements—at least part of the time. This flexibility not only reduces commuting costs and time for employees but also helps companies attract and retain top talent, maintaining the benefits of flexibility even as the workplace evolves.

By integrating transportation support and flexible work arrangements, businesses can ease return-to-work challenges, reduce turnover, and improve overall employee satisfaction. These initiatives are key to creating a more dynamic and employee-friendly work environment.

As always, WTA is here to help! Reach out today, and we'll help you develop a tailored strategy to support your workforce. 

The start of a new year offers a perfect opportunity to explore alternative ways of getting around. Whether it's taking public transit, walking, or biking to work--even just once a week--changing up your commute can bring numerous benefits. A new mode of transportation can break up the routine, offering a fresh perspective on your neighborhood, all while helping you get outside, stay active, and reduce stress. Plus, leaving the driving to someone else can provide a welcome break from the pressures of traffic. Why not kick off the year with a healthier, more enjoyable way to commute? 

Don't know where to begin? We're here to help! WTA offers personalized commute consultations to help you plan a custom route with expert advice, making your commute easier and more efficient! 

Click here for helpful resources to get you started. To request a commute plan, click here.  

The City of Beaverton invites you to participate in the Planning Department's new Designing Walkable Places Project, which aims to revise development rules to create more vibrant spaces throughout the city, offering future opportunities for more people to live in these areas. 

This initiative will focus on areas where commercial development, apartments, or mixed uses are allowed, removing barriers to desired growth. It will also promote the creation of lively, accessible destinations for people to walk, bike, or use mobility devices. 

Unite Oregon's Washington County Chapter will be hosting an interactive workshop for the Walkable Places project on Wednesday January 22nd from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Click here for more details and to reserve your spot. ​

At WTA, our mission is to promote transportation options and reduce single-occupancy driving. Through our partnerships with local businesses, public agencies, and community organizations, we continue to foster a more sustainable and accessible transportation future for Washington County. In this issue, we are proud to highlight some of the incredible accomplishments of our members, express our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, and share exciting opportunities for future collaboration.

Celebrating our Members and Their Achievements

Organizations Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
A big congratulations to the following organizations for earning their EVAL (Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership) Certifications. This new national certification recognizes their leadership in adopting electric vehicles, supporting employees' use of transportation options, and contributing to a more sustainable future:

• City of Tigard
• City of Hillsboro
• City of Vancouver
• Edwards Vacuum
• Genentech
• LAIKA Studios
• Nike

Active Transportation Challenge Winners
We'd like to take a moment to revisit the winners of our Active Transportation Challenge and congratulate them once again for their outstanding achievements. The Active Transportation Challenge took place throughout May and was open to those living and working in Washington County who were signed up and logging trips on the Get There Oregon platform. 

Team Winners

• First Place: City of Hillsboro
• Second Place: Vernier Science Education

​We also wanted to recognize the following individuals for their achievements in the challenge: 

• First Place: Lauren from LAIKA Studios
• Second Place: Melinda from the City of Hillsboro 
• Third Place: Nick from the City of Hillsboro

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it a success! Your commitment to active transportation is inspiring. 

Recognizing Our Incentive Prize Winners and Participants
We are proud to announce that we awarded 93 individuals from more than 12 employers for their dedication to using transportation options through our incentive programs and challenge events in 2024. A big thank you to the following employers for your continued support in promoting and encouraging your employees' use of commute options. Employees from all of the listed organizations earned incentives.

• City of Hillsboro
• City of Tigard
• City of Tualatin
• Genentech
• Intel
• Kaiser Permanente
• LAIKA Studios
• Nike
• Vernier Science Education
• Washington County

​
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Members -- Your Support Makes It All Possible

​Platinum Members

• Intel
• Nike
• Washington County

Gold Members

• City of Beaverton
• Columbia Sportswear
• City of Hillsboro

Silver Members

• Lam Research
• Portland Community College
• Portland General Electric
• City of Tigard
• Community Partners For Affordable Housing 

Bronze Members

• Edwards Vacuum
• Genentech 
• LAIKA Studios
• TriMet
• Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District
• Vernier Science Education

Basic Members

• Commute With Enterprise
• Kaiser Permanente
• Thomas, Coon, Newton & Frost Law Firm

Affilate Members

• Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce
• Beaverton Round Executive Suites
• Cascade Bikes
• Forth 
• The Intertwine
• New World Ebikes
• Ride Connection
• Rock Creek Cyclery 
• The Street Trust
• Showers Pass
• Tualatin Chamber of Commerce
• WashCo Bikes
• Washington County Chamber of Commerce
• Westside Economic Alliance
• Vvolt 

Looking Ahead 

Join Our Transportation Options Discussion Group
We invite professionals in the fields of planning, sustainability, and economic development to join our Transportation Options Discussion Group. This collaborative forum offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and work together to create innovative solutions. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to Jeff Pazdalski for more information. 

Partnering for Progress
If you're interested in seeing your organization featured in next year's edition, or if you'd like to collaborate with WTA on initiatives supporting commute options in Washington County, we'd love to hear from you. We are committed to fostering creative solutions and exploring innovative ideas that enhance commuting. Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities!

What is an Employee Commute Trip Reduction Program?
An Employee Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program is designed to help organizations reduce single-occupancy vehicle use by encouraging transportation options including carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, remote work, and flexible schedules. The goal of a CTR program is to decrease the environmental impact of commuting while improving employee convenience and well-being. To support this, organizations typically provide resources, incentives, and benefits to employees, helping them adopt these alternative commuting methods and reduce their reliance on driving alone.

Why start a CTR Program?
Employers often start CTR programs to achieve business goals, offer employee benefits, and, in some cases, comply with applicable CTR regulations. While some states have statewide CTR rules, Oregon's Employee Commute Options (ECO) rules apply to employers with 100 or more employees in the Portland Metro area. Regardless of whether a CTR rule applies, many employers implement these programs for the advantages they bring to both the organization and employees.

Employer Benefits: 

• Boost employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity
• Attract and retain talent
• Improve employee health and wellness
• Support sustainability efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from commutes

Employee Benefits: 

• Save money on gas and vehicle maintenance
• Boost health and wellness
• Reduce stress from traffic and parking

How do I start a CTR Program?
If you're ready to implement or enhance your CTR Program, WTA is here to support you every step of the way! Contact us today, and we’ll provide tailored resources and recommendations to help your employees reduce their reliance on driving and explore commute options that fit their lifestyle. We offer both free services and additional support through our membership programs for more comprehensive solutions. You can also visit Get There Oregon's "For Employers" page to access more information.