In 2013, the State signed into law SB 743 requiring the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to develop alternative methods to measure transportation impacts under the CEQA.  The OPR proposes to replace the Level of Service standard, which historically measures vehicle traffic flow and delay, with VMT, which measures miles traveled by vehicles within a specific area.  In January 2016, the OPR released revisions to the CEQA Guidelines that require VMT as the primary metric for transportation performance that better aligns with California’s long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

The Consultant will develop a methodology for measuring VMT and establishing a baseline year method supported by the OPR.  The agreement will include development of thresholds for existing and proposed land uses described in the General Plan.  These thresholds will be used to evaluate VMT for incoming development projects and identify potential mitigation measures.

Staff sent out three requests for proposal to consultant firms and received two proposals.  A panel consisting of three staff members rated the proposals on the basis of qualifications, work plan and references.  Based on the evaluation results, Fehr & Peers, Inc. received the highest rating.  The following is a summary of the rating:

There is no additional impact to the general fund. The project will be funded equally by the Planning’s Division operational funds and the Engineering’s Division Capital funds.  

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Award a contract to Fehr & Peers, in the amount of $80,400, to prepare a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Thresholds in accordance with Senate Bill 743 (SB 743); and

• Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract on behalf of the City and approve minor modifications as necessary.

By: Dai Vu, T.E., Traffic Engineer