Agenda

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C. 80

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:	March 30, 2021

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Committee on Cut the Commute Pledge

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 03/30/2021

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Jody London, 925-674-7871

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: March 30, 2021
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Committee on Cut the Commute Pledge.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None.

BACKGROUND:

On November 3, 2020, the Board of Supervisors referred to the Sustainability Committee (Committee) the question of “how best to engage and encourage other Contra Costa employers to consider accepting the Cut the Commute Challenge.” The Committee was asked to report back to the Board in March 2021.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

The Sustainability Committee discussed the Cut the Commute Pledge referral at its November 9, 2020 and January 25, 2021 meetings. Over the course of these meetings, the Committee received reports from 511 Contra Costa, the transportation demand management agency. Data on the commute patterns of County employees was included in the November 9, 2020 agenda, as well as the report provided by 511 Contra Costa at the January 25, 2021 meeting.

At the November 9 meeting, the Committee discussed the complexity of the issue, equity considerations with telecommuting, and the importance of discussing the issue with employers moving forward. The Committee concluded that there should be a joint effort and multi-party conversation about working from home that includes 511 Contra Costa, Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), East Bay Leadership Council, labor unions, and transit providers.

At the January 25 meeting, the Committee received information from 511 Contra Costa about work from home trends currently in the County, the process 511 Contra Costa is using to engage employers, and how 511 Contra Costa plans to address equity issues. At that meeting, community members raised concern about increased automobile use and decreased transit ridership as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee pointed out the role technology and government policy might play in reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions moving forward. The Committee noted the importance of continuing to offer transit services for those who rely on transit.

The Committee concluded that 511 Contra Costa’s mission – to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by serving Contra Costa County with information, resources, and tools that promote alternatives to driving alone – positions it well to promote work-from-home programs and policies with employers in the county. The Committee recommends that this work should focus less on the specific details of the Cut the Commute pledge and more on identifying how to promote alternate work schedules that reduce vehicle miles traveled, where appropriate, and with attention to the equity issues that can arise.

The Sustainability Committee will continue to receive work-from-home updates from CCTA and 511 Contra Costa.