Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority MTA s Role in the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) Sustainability Summit June 9, 2010 Douglas R. Failing, Executive Director, Highway Programs
SB 375 and MTA 2 SB 375 mentions County Transportation Commissions However, no specifics are identified A subregional council of governments and the county transportation commission (MTA) may work together to propose the sustainable communities strategy and an alternative planning strategy for that subregional area
3 MTA/SCAG SB 375 Cooperation Agreement Clearly communicate the assumptions and process for developing the SCS Identify specific deliverables to be completed by SCAG and MTA to support an efficient and collaborative approach to planning in LA County
Guiding Principles 4 Recognize community diversity, allow flexibility Maximize benefit of Measure R and existing transportation network Work toward SCS, not Alternative Planning Strategy Capture co-benefits health, air quality, conservation Bottoms-up planning process Encourage collaboration, not competition Engage stakeholders through transparent process Emphasize need for secure source of transit and redevelopment funding
Plan of Cooperation MTA role 5 Participate in SCAG s SCS planning workshops Coordinate educational events to share best practices in sustainable transportation Develop web-based tool for cities to evaluate GHG reduction benefit of transportation projects Partner with SCAG to create LA County Working Group to explore transportation strategies and opportunities for interagency collaboration
6 Plan of Cooperation MTA role (cont.) Consider policy changes to support SCS implementation, based on feedback from Working Group Complete Congestion Mitigation Fee Study Seek federal and state resources for SCS planning and implementation Support Gateway Cities COG in sub-regional SCS planning process
Implementation Tools MTA regional transportation projects TOD program Station Area Urban Design Planning Highway Projects Measure R Local Return Call for Projects Congestion Mitigation Fee Program 7
Transit-Oriented Development Program 8
Station Area Urban Design Planning 9
Highway Projects 10 The 30-10 goals must reflect both Transit and Highway projects collectively interwoven to not only accomplish the stated aspirations of Measure R but also address the issues of sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gasses as reflected in the SB 375 legislation. - Board Motion, April 14, 2010
Measure R Local Return 11 15% of Measure R funding is distributed to local jurisdictions on a per capita basis The City of Los Angeles has committed 10% of these funds to bike and pedestrian programs
Call for Projects 12 The 2009 Call for Projects application process encouraged projects that integrate sustainability into their projects. Eligible Projects Regional Surface Transportation Improvements Signal Synchronization & Bus Speed Improvements Transportation Demand Management Bike Improvements Pedestrian Improvements $330 million approved by MTA Board in 2009
Congestion Mitigation Fee Study 13 Potential new funding source for cities to implement sustainable transportation projects Funds generated from one time fee applied to all types of new development Locally controlled program. Revenue is retained and projects are selected by jurisdiction Depending on fee amount, revenue could range from $75 -$599 million annually Pilot Study underway in San Gabriel Valley, South Bay Cities, Culver City Working Group. MTA Board and local jurisdiction action are required to implement
Next Steps Proceed with actions in Cooperation Agreement LA County SB 375 Working Group Seek grant funding to support SCS planning in LA County Participate and contribute to regional dialogue on best practices for reducing GHGs Incorporate SB 375 goals into planning and delivery of regional transportation projects Work with MTA Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee on policy actions as advised 14