Karl Otterstrom

Karl Otterstrom has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of transit and transportation planning. Karl started their career as an Associate Planner at Latah County, Idaho, where they were responsible for zoning code enforcement and participated in transportation studies. Karl then worked as an Intern/Assistant Planner at R.W. Thorpe & Associates, followed by a role as a Transit Planning Intern at the US Department of Transportation.

In 2006, Karl joined King County Metro as a Transportation Planner II/III, where they played a key role in developing transit plans and policies, including securing funding for Bus Rapid Transit projects. Karl also contributed to the implementation of tolling across Lake Washington.

Karl's expertise led him to Eastern Washington University, where they served as Quarterly/Adjunct Faculty from 2013 to 2020, teaching courses related to transit and multimodal transportation planning.

Currently, Karl holds the position of Chief Planning and Development Officer at the Spokane Transit Authority. As Director of Planning and Development for over a decade, they led a team responsible for route and schedule design, long-range planning, and capital development. Karl successfully implemented service reductions that increased ridership, reduced operating costs, and saved future replacement costs. Additionally, they authored and manages updates to the agency's comprehensive plan.

Overall, Karl Otterstrom's work experience demonstrates their expertise in transit planning, policy development, grant writing, and successful project implementation.

Karl Otterstrom earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University, which they completed between 1999 and 2002. Karl later pursued a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Washington, specializing in Land use and transportation, from 2004 to 2006. In February 2007, Karl obtained AICP certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.