VMT Public Policy Impact Analysis

Our President & CEO, Lori Pfeiler along with Gary London of London Moeder Advisors attended an SB743 committee of CALTRANS last week. SB 743 is the legislation that establishes Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) as the standard to measure traffic impacts of a development. Gary studied the impact of the County’s VMT policies on development in the unincorporated area. The study finds that if the county wanted to stop development they were very successful. If they wanted to limit the production of GHG, they were not successful at all. By limiting development in the unincorporated area families are forced to drive farther to find suitable housing.

CALTRANS reviews transportation projects to determine if they induce more car travel rather than reduce car travel. If there is an increase, the project must mitigate VMT. The committee was interested in our study to understand how VMT policies impact development in general.

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Trip to Sacramento

Lori Pfeiler attended the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce advocacy trip to Sacramento last week. One focus of the trip was housing. The group met with many legislators who discussed their expectations for housing legislation this year. Assembly member Boerner’s AB 87 will address short-term rentals and the density bonus, while Assembly member Ward is leading efforts on building standards, mandatory city plan checks, fire-resistant yet affordable housing models, and senior housing support. Last year, 90 housing bills were processed in the legislature, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

Lori asked all speakers to take into consideration the 42 state agencies that regulate housing. These agencies impact our ability to build housing just as much or more than the legislation that is passed.

If you would like to read more about the Sacramento trip, click here:

SD Regional Chamber Trip to Sacramento