AgdaPkt 2016-10-17 Closed and Special Joint SA PFA

Browse Search

8.B. - Page 1 REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager October 17, 2016 SUBJECT Citywide Transportation Plan Scope of Work RECOMMENDATION Review and provide input on the proposed scope of work for the Citywide Transportation Plan BACKGROUND Over the past six years, the Bay Area economy has steadily grown. San Mateo County has seen the unemployment rate drop from 8.8% in January 2010 to 3.2% in August 2016. While there are numerous benefits to an improved economy, there are potential downsides. Traffic congestion is an obvious example, as congestion generally increases along with the employment rate. In fact, a recent Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) report found that Bay Area traffic congestion (measured by per commuter delay) has increased 70% since 2010. A summary of the report can be read here: http://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/fresh-data-bay-areas-vital-signs-show-big- jump-freeway-congestion-2015 Increased congestion can be felt even more acutely along the Peninsula (San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties) where a majority of Bay Area jobs have been created over the past 6 years. This surge in employment has not only resulted in a significant increase in new residential and office development, but a substantial increase in the occupancy rates of existing buildings. Furthermore, the number of jobs associated within residential neighborhoods, such as construction workers, gardeners and home occupations, have also increased. This economic growth has led to increased traffic throughout the City, not only on major thoroughfares, but in residential neighborhoods. Traffic circulation changes may also be compounded by new technology that allows drivers to avoid congestion on major thoroughfares, but cutting through residential neighborhoods. At the February 8, 2016 "Managing Growth" Study Session, the Council directed staff to move forward with the several strategies to help better manage economic growth. A key strategy was the development of a comprehensive citywide transportation plan.