TO: Washington State CTR Board Members

FROM: Karen M. Parkhurst

Re: Reconsideration of April 2014 Board actions

At its April meeting, theBoard discussed and decided on goalsfor vehicle miles traveled (VMT) anddrive alone rate (DAR) for 2015-19 (13% VMT/10% DAR). The Board also adopted a new 2013/14 baseline.

Normally, we take a deliberative “1st reading and then action” approach to decision making, with discussion at one meeting, and then action at a subsequent meeting. In this instance, we eliminated the two-step process.

I suggest that we discuss this agenda item at our May meeting, but delay action until June. This will return us to our standard procedure. However, to help WSDOT prepare for implementation, I would recommend a “straw poll” to indicate direction.

Having voted on the prevailing side, I ask that the Board reconsider its decision.

  1. Baseline:
  1. Historically, we have changed the baseline when the program changed significantly. The program has not changed significantly.
  2. If/When the Legislature takes action to adopt the Community Trip Reduction program; this would constitute a major change that would likely require a baseline change.
  3. Baseline changes cause confusion and distraction at the jurisdiction, community, and worksite level. (confirmed by TAG at 5/21/14 meeting)
  4. Baseline changes require reprogramming of certain reporting and database functions by WSDOT, without sufficient funding to do this work. (confirmed with WSDOT staff)

Conclusion: There is no compelling reason to change the baseline now, and cost and clarity reasons to keep it the same. The TAG noted their support for continuing with the current baseline.

Recommendation: I recommend that we keep the 2007/08 baseline for 2015-19.

  1. Goals
  1. The Board expressed support for “aspirational” goals.
  2. What we have heard about the goals: The goals are arbitrary and difficult to explain. Some worksites/jurisdictions feel they will never reach the goals, so rather than aspirational, they are frustrating.
  3. Jurisdictions articulate that they wish to set local goals that reflect what is “on the ground” in their area in the way of land use, infrastructure, policy and culture. Their local goals may include measures such as greenhouse gas reduction in addition to or instead of the current VMT/DAR. Jurisdictions may also set geographic goals – similar to the “zone” system at the beginning of the program. This allows jurisdictions to consider local employment patterns, local environmental strategies (such as air quality, sustainability and climate change initiatives), and local congestion.
  4. WSDOT staff has confirmed that within existing rulemaking authority, we can allow for local goal setting. In fact, the board approved local goal setting in 2012, as part of planning for the 2011-2015 program cycle. This does not require changes to the legislation, just the rules (WAC).
  5. WSDOT staff has confirmed that the current survey/database system allows for different goals at the worksite level. They would need to spend some time testing this function; but theoretically it should not require additional funding.
  6. WSDOT can provide technical assistance (tools) in local goal setting.

Conclusion: We need aspirational, but “possible” goals, set at the local level. The Board already approved locally set goals in its deliberation on the 2011-15 program cycle. We can move the program forward to locally tailored goals through amending the program rules.

Recommendation: Allow local jurisdictions to set goals based on their current level of progress and community reality, with a 1-2% aspirational factor.

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