Bobby Forch

Friends of Seattle's picture

Bobby Forch is running for Seattle City Council Position 8.

Table of Contents

 

Analysis

Bobby Forch is a Strategic Advisor in the Major Projects Division of the Seattle Department of Transportation. He rightly supports the Bicycle Master Plan, the draft Pedestrian Master Plan, and the proposed backyard-cottage ordinance. To improve the multifamily housing zoning code, Mr. Forch suggests we hold a Portland-style design competition. There was much to like in Mr. Forch’s questionnaire and interview.

But we disagree with Mr. Forch’s position on the commuter tax (“head tax”) and his support for the deep-bore tunnel. He also disappointed on the issue of how to fund alternative transportation, retreating during his interview to the candidates’ favorite, “prioritize.” On funding bike and pedestrian infrastructure, Mr. Forch unfortunately had no more ideas than, “This should be part of the Transportation Budget.”

Mr. Forch is affable and seems as if he would be a collegial member of the City Council. But this is an election when we need change in city government (Mr. Forch, again, is a city employee) and innovation. We recommend not voting for Mr. Forch.

 

Interview

 

Video:

 

Questionnaire Responses

Table of Contents:

General Questions

 

Friends of Seattle's Mission

I believe we have much of the same philosophy and perspective on what Seattle needs to be an even better place to live and work.

Qualifications

  • Please describe any professional accomplishments that demonstrate your effectiveness as an elected official (if you are an incumbent) or would demonstrate your effectiveness as an elected official (if you have not yet held office).

I believe I have the experience to get results on these issues. I am a Strategic Advisor in the Major Projects Division of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). I am especially proud that in the last three years, the City's contracting with disadvantaged businesses increased by more than 40 percent.

Representing Seattle

Background: Seattle is the most populous city in Washington and is the state's economic engine. At the same time, Seattle cannot address many of its problems without working with King County, regional entities (Sound Transit and the PSRC), and the state government. Yet many observers believe that Seattle's interests are represented inadequately at those levels. For example, the Muni League has criticized the 40-20-40 rule for allocating new Metro transit funding. Further, transit advocates note that the state's current tax system disadvantages transit. And the Legislature refused to allocate federal stimulus dollars for road projects in Seattle.

  • As an elected official representing Seattle, how would you work with King County, regional governmental entities, the state legislature, and the governor to ensure their budgets and policies address Seattle's needs?

My experience here is very relevant. I have worked on inter-agency committees to achieve mutual goals on contracting measures related to both the state and the city. I would continue to keep the lines of communication open and make sure we make decisions that benefit Seattle.

City Council Committees

  • If you are elected, which issues would you like included in your portfolio as a committee chair?

Economic Development, Public Safety, Youth Violence, and Transportation.

Issues

 

Waste Reduction

Background: Rather than build an expensive new transfer in Georgetown to handle the growing volume of trash generated in Seattle, the City of Seattle adopted a "Zero Waste Strategy" centered on reducing waste. As part of that strategy, the City Council adopted a 20-cent "green fee" for disposable shopping bags.

  • Do you support the green fee? Why or why not?

Yes. It just makes good sense.

Alaskan Way Viaduct

Background: Governor Gregoire signed a legislative bill ordering the Washington State Department of Transportation to design a bored tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This bill contains language allocating cost overruns to Seattle citizens, although some question whether the language has legal significance. Notwithstanding that provision, the City of Seattle committed $930 million and the Port of Seattle $300 million to finance the tunnel. Although the exact tax consequences of these commitments are not totally clear, it is safe to assume that the Port's contribution would result in higher property taxes for Seattle property owners, and the City's pledge would be funded with increases in property taxes, City Light utility rates, and possibly other taxes and fees.

  • Do you support the plan to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a bored tunnel? Why or why not?

    • Yes. In reality, though, the state has made a decision, and now the issue is managing that project appropriately.

  • If you support the tunnel, what would you do to address the cost-overruns issue?

    • I think we need to give some of that responsibility to the businesses in the Central Business District, to reduce the burden on the residents. I would also insist that there be better accountability with the State to ensure the minimization of cost over-runs.

  • If you oppose the tunnel, what would you do to prevent its implementation?

    • N/A

Transit

Background: The City of Seattle already contributes to local transit. The City put together the financing package to construct the South Lake Union streetcar line, and the City and King County Metro share the ongoing operating costs for that line. Further, the Bridging the Gap tax package finances some Metro bus service within Seattle, and Bridging the Gap also pays for street improvements designed to expedite bus travel.

  • If elected, how do you intend to improve the in-city transit system?

Rework city bus service so it integrates with light rail and work with the new county administration to reduce costly Metro overhead and focus on service for riders.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Background: The City of Seattle has adopted a Bicycle Master Plan, which provides a vision for improving bicycling facilities in Seattle.

  • Do you support the Bicycle Master Plan? [Yes/No only please]

    • Yes.

  • If you support it, do you have ideas for improving the plan?

    • No.

  • If you support it, how do you suggest the City fund the plan?

This should be part of the Transportation Budget.

Pedestrian Infrastructure

The City Council is considering whether to adopt a draft Pedestrian Master Plan.

  • Do you support the Pedestrian Master Plan? [Yes/No only please]

    • Yes.

  • If you support it, do you have ideas for improving the plan?

    • No, I think it's an excellent plan.

  • If you support it, how do you suggest the City fund the plan?

Again, this should be in the Transportation Budget.

Land Use and Multifamily Housing

Background: According to U.S. Census data cited in the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, about half of Seattle's households live in multifamily housing. Further, according to the Plan, approximately 40% of Seattle's total land area is set aside for residential use-35% for single-family residences but only 5% for multifamily dwellings. That 5% dedicated to multifamily housing tends to be concentrated in "urban villages" or along arterial streets, which are noisy and dirty. However, "backyard cottages" (also known as "detached accessory dwelling units) are also allowed in singe-family zones in Southeast Seattle.

  • Would you support legislation to allow backyard cottages to be built in all single-family zones? [Yes/No only please]

    • Yes.

  • Would you ever support a contract rezone or a broader rezone allowing for more housing to be built on a site? [Yes/No only please]

    • Yes.

  • If you support the concept of rezoning, what criteria would you use in deciding where more housing should be built?

These proposed housing plans need a design review commission, including neighbors and developers to ensure the quality of the neighborhoods are maintained. The developers should aim to bring value to the neighborhood.

Many newly built townhouses in Seattle are architectural atrocities, and site plans tend to be car-dominated. Most townhouse developments are exempt from the City of Seattle's Design Review Program. It is also difficult to find attractive new condos and apartment buildings. To address some of these problems, the City Council is considering a package of revisions to the zoning code.

  • Do you support the proposed revisions to the multifamily housing zoning code? [Yes/No only please]

    • Yes.

  • If you support the revisions, do you have ideas for improving the proposed revisions?

    • I like the concept of the way Portland approached this issue. I think we should set a design commission of neighbors and developers that pre-approve design plans. Developers who choose to implement those plans will receive priority permitting. This ensures neighbors know what they're getting in their neighborhood, and developers save on costs.

City Governance

Yes.

Creative Response

  • If you have additional thoughts on how to improve Seattle's city government or to make Seattle a more livable and sustainable city, please note them here.

We are in the toughest economic times in a generation.

I am running because I believe the Seattle City Council can do more to turn around our economy while supporting the values we believe in as a city. If we are going to improve basic city services, our first priority needs to be getting this economy moving again. Our city needs to invest in strong public safety, new sidewalks, transit that connects to light rail, new parks and open spaces, human services and other basic infrastructure needs. However, our city is facing large deficits that leave us with little money to move this city forward.

We can't make those investments by taxing people out of Seattle. Here's what I will do:

  • Create a new Small Business Division within the City's Office of Economic Development to work with our small businesses to create jobs
  • Protect our industrial base along our waterfront to protect those living wage jobs and preserve our fishing industry.
  • Eliminate the employee head tax that encourages city businesses to locate elsewhere
  • Ensure new infrastructure projects are on-time and on-budget
  • Rework city bus service so it integrates with light rail and work with the new county administration to reduce costly Metro overhead and focus on service for riders
  • Reduce the wastestream (such as petroleum products and harmful chemicals) from major construction projects to protect the environment
  • Reduce Seattle stormwater runoff going directly into Puget Sound by 5% by leveraging new technology such as porous concrete

I believe I have the experience to get results on these issues. I am a Strategic Advisor in the Major Projects Division of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). I am especially proud that in the last three years, the City's contracting with disadvantaged businesses increased by more than 40 percent.

I've helped our small businesses. I've made city government work smarter. I've championed our city's kids. I believe I have the experience and commitment to results to be one of your next Seattle City Councilmembers.

I live in Seattle's central district with my wife and son. I have been a board member for Northwest Children's Fund and am a current member of the 37th District Democrats. I am committed to ensuring Seattle continues to be a world-class city.