Due to a recent change in state law, cities and counties are now required to consider the amount of driving (vehicle miles traveled or VMT) when they evaluate development projects. With the Equitable VMT Mitigation Program, VTA seeks to develop a framework, where cities, the county and developers can work together to improve transportation options that reduce driving and improve equity along the way.
Through the community engagement process, the project team has gathered valuable feedback on how to tailor transportation improvements funded by this program to meet the community’s needs. VTA has released a draft report that summarizes the recommended program framework, as well as the project background, feedback that the team heard from the community, and next steps.
One of the key elements of the VMT mitigation program framework is what types of transportation improvements a program could fund. Based on community and local jurisdiction feedback, the project team is recommending that a program could fund Financial Incentives (such as E-Bike Subsidies), Capital Improvements (such as Bus Speed Improvements), and Services (such as Enhanced Vanpools).
VTA is interested in receiving comments and questions on the report from community members, local jurisdictions, organizations and other stakeholders. Comments are due by December 18, 2024, and may be emailed to community.outreach@vta.org.
You can learn more about the project goal and how community input helped shape the program framework through the Equitable VMT Mitigation fact sheet. Fact sheets are also available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin.
Join the Project Team at Community Events to Learn More
Virtual Community Meeting November 21 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Learn about the project recommendations and bring your questions and comments at the upcoming virtual community meeting on Thursday, November 21. Project staff will discuss the project background, the program framework, and the next steps in developing a program.
Ask VTA December 10 | 6-7 p.m.
Ask VTA is an continuing virtual facilitated Q&A series that highlights different VTA topics. The session on Tuesday, December 10 will feature a general overview on Equitable VMT Mitigation and other related topics, along with the opportunity to ask the project team questions.
VTA Committee Meetings November 13, 14, & 21
VTA staff will also be bringing Equitable VMT Mitigation as a Discussion Item to VTA Committees in November. The team will present at the November TAC, CAC, BPAC, PAC and CMPP meetings. Join us (either in-person or online) to hear the discussion and offer a public comment.