Regional Vehicle Miles Travelled Mitigation Program

Background

The SGVCOG is embarking on a study to explore the potential for a Regional Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) Mitigation Program. Following the passage of SB 743, local jurisdictions are required to evaluate transportation impacts under CEQA in terms of VMT rather than level of service. In 2020, the SGVCOG developed a Regional VMT Analysis Model to help member agencies evaluate the VMT impacts of development projects and comply with SB 743 requirements. Now, the SGVCOG is continuing to support member jurisdictions through this transition by studying the opportunity to create a Regional VMT Mitigation Program.

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Goals of the Study

The Study will explore methodologies for jurisdictions to mitigate VMT impacts through implementing actions that reduce VMT across the San Gabriel Valley region. Under the current transportation impact practices across California, the lead agency may impose appropriate mitigation measures or collaborate with the adjacent agencies to determine the fair share contribution when a proposed project is expected to exceed the lead agency's established VMT impact thresholds. 

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VMT impacts are regional in nature, mitigation strategies allow for more flexibility to mitigate impacts and enable more effective allocation of mitigation dollars by spending them in places where they will have the greatest effect in reducing VMT. 

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Primary goals of the Study are: 

• Address local development projects' impact on the regional transportation system

• Develop an approach that would fund and implement regional transportation projects that reduce VMT, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and consistency 

• Expand the types of transportation programs and projects that could be implemented to mitigate VMT impacts 

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Project Approach

The Study's Project Team will be engaging extensively with member jurisdictions to understand how a Regional VMT Mitigation Program could best serve the diverse needs across the region. A Project Working Group (PWG) and Sub-Area Groups comprised of local city staff will guide the direction of the effort to ensure all needs and perspectives are reflected in the development of the program's framework. 

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Project Timeline

• Initiation: Fall 2021

• Completion: Fall 2022

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Participating Cities Include: