Title:
Title
A Resolution in Support of SACOG’s Green Means Go Pilot-Program
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-00282
Location
Location: Citywide
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution in support of SACOG’s Green Means Go multi-year pilot program to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the six-county Sacramento region by accelerating infill development, reducing vehicle trips, and electrifying remaining trips.
Contact: Remi Mendoza, Senior Planner, (916) 808-5003; Gregory J. Sandlund, Principal Planner (916) 808-8931, Community Development Department
Body
Presenter: None.
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Green Means Go Public Flyer
3-Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: SB 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008) directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish regional targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In March 2018, CARB established new SB 375 emissions reduction targets for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments’ (SACOG’s) Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS). SACOG’s per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of 19 percent by 2035 is conditional on the implementation of a new pilot program that addresses specific conditions and challenges relating to GHG emission reductions.
In December 2018 the SACOG Board of Directors approved the policy framework for the new Green Means Go pilot-program (Attachment 1 - Green Means Go Public Flyer). Green Means Go is intended to enable the region to meet a target of 19 percent GHG reductions for the six-county Sacramento region by accelerating infill development, reducing vehicle trips, and electrifying remaining vehicle trips in specific areas called “Green Zones”. This pilot program will test if providing incentives and removing barriers can affect how much infill occurs, and ultimately impact residents’ housing and travel choices. The pilot program aims to secure state-funded financial support in the upcoming 2019-20 State Budget. The program is to be administered by SACOG through an application process open to SACOG’s member jurisdictions in the six-county region.
City of Sacramento participation in the Green Means Go pilot-program would demonstrate support for attainment of regional and statewide climate goals. As a first step, SACOG is encouraging member jurisdictions within in its six-county region to submit a letter of support or supportive resolution and up to five pre-applications for Green Zones by March 15, 2019. The supportive resolution and pre-applications will assist SACOG with its State advocacy efforts to secure funding for this pilot program. Staff is recommending that the City Council pass a resolution in support of the Green Means Go pilot-program with the expectation that this program will support affordable housing and sustainable infill development in the City of Sacramento and the region.
Policy Considerations: In March 2015, the City adopted the 2035 General Plan. The General Plan takes several steps to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and is the City’s action plan for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. SACOG’s proposed Green Means Go pilot-program aligns with the GHG reduction goals and policies as established in the 2035 General Plan. These policies include:
• LU 1.1.1: Regional Leadership. The City shall be the regional leader in sustainable development and encourage compact, higher-density development that conserves land resources, protects habitat, supports transit, reduces vehicle trips, improves air quality, conserves energy and water, and diversifies Sacramento’s housing stock.
• LU 1.1.4 Leading Infill Growth. The City shall facilitate infill development through active leadership and the strategic provision of infrastructure and services and supporting land uses.
• LU 1.1.5 Infill Development. The City shall promote and provide incentives (e.g., focused infill planning, zoning/rezoning, revised regulations, provision of infrastructure) for infill development, reuse, and growth in existing urbanized areas to enhance community character, optimize City investments in infrastructure and community facilities, support increased transit use, promote pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, increase housing diversity, ensure integrity of historic districts, and enhance retail viability.
• LU 2.6.1: Sustainable Development Patterns. The City shall promote compact development patterns, mixed use, and higher-development intensities that use land efficiently; reduce pollution and automobile dependence and the expenditure of energy and other resources; and facilitate walking, bicycling, and transit use
• M 1.5.5 Support Zero- and Low-Emission Vehicle Adoption. The City shall continue to collaborate with its State and regional partners to support) rapid adoption of zero-emissions and low-emission vehicles, including standardizing infrastructure and regulations for public electric vehicle charging stations, streamlining the permit process for private electric vehicle charging stations (including home charging stations), developing guidelines and standards for dedicated and preferential parking for zero-and low-emissions vehicles (including charging stations for plug-in-electric vehicles, where necessary).
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: The Environmental Services Manager has determined that a resolution in support of SACOGs Green Means Go pilot-program is not a project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 and is therefore, not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The resolution supporting the program is an administrative activity of the government that would not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Sustainability: SACOG’s Green Means Go pilot-program is consistent with General Plan goals and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support infill development, and zero- and low-emission vehicle adoption. Effectively coordinating growth in “green zones” with transportation investments will reduce dependence on the use of private automobiles, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per household, reduce the use of fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and help meet air quality standards.
Commission/Committee Action: None.
Rationale for Recommendation: A resolution in support of SACOGs Green Means Go pilot-program demonstrates that City of Sacramento is committed to helping the State of California and the SACOG region reach its 19 percent greenhouse gas reduction goal. Funding from this program would help provide critical infrastructure to catalyze sustainable, urban infill development and affordable housing in areas throughout the City.
Financial Considerations: None.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): None.