Vehicle Miles Traveled - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Barrier 2: Vehicle Miles Traveled

Barrier Statement

Sprawling land use, siloed planning, and underinvestment in clean and active transportation limit access to low-carbon mobility options and hinder efforts to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

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How communities are experiencing this barrier

View the details on what communities have shared with SLECC from across the state.

Key challenge discussed in - San Diego

Local governments and agencies often operate in silos, resulting in fragmented approaches to electrified transit, bike infrastructure, and pedestrian safety instead of integrated regional systems

Key challenge discussed in - San Diego

Transit deserts persist in unincorporated and tribal areas, where clean and active transportation infrastructure is minimal or nonexistent, leaving residents without low-carbon mobility choices

Key challenge discussed in - San Diego

Regional stakeholders noted a persistent disconnect between transportation planning and land use decisions, leading to sprawling development that undermines clean transit adoption

Key challenge discussed in - San Diego

For San Diego, binational communities face barriers in accessing funding and programs to improve transportation resilience, especially for Indigenous Kumeyaay people whose communities span the U.S.–Mexico border

Local Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by local leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

Local Solution

Streamline permitting for infill and transit-oriented development – Simplify approvals for housing near jobs and transit, reducing dependence on cars

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

Local Solution

Regional collaboration for mode shift – Create regional governance frameworks to coordinate VMT reduction strategies across jurisdictions, linking land use, housing, and transportation planning

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

Local Solution

Integrate mobility into CAPs – Local governments suggested embedding VMT reduction targets and active transportation strategies directly into Climate Action Plans

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

State Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by state leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

State Solution

Reform funding allocation formulas – Adjust formulas so small jurisdictions and disadvantaged communities can compete fairly for state transportation and climate funds

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

State Solution

Invest in electrified transit fleets – State investment in electric buses and supporting charging infrastructure to complement VMT reduction while also cutting emissions

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

State Solution

Align VMT policies with climate goals – State policy should strengthen requirements that link land use, housing, and transportation planning to measurable VMT reductions

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Diego

Solution Spotlight

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Additional Resources

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