Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with W-Trans for the Preparation of a Parking and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Study in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $187,415
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Housing and Homelessness
SUMMARY
This action approves and authorizes the City Manager to execute a Consulting Services Agreement with a transportation consulting firm, W-Trans, to analyze the City’s parking standards, conduct stakeholder outreach, and recommend Zoning Code amendments. W-Trans would also develop complementary Transportation Demand Management (TDM) standards to improve mobility options and reduce parking demand for development projects.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Consulting Services Agreement with W-Trans for a not-to-exceed amount of $187,415.
BACKGROUND
In December 2022, the City adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element, which identifies the City’s parking requirements as a constraint to housing production. To address this constraint, Housing Element Program 14 was added to retain “the services of a third-party parking consultant to analyze the City’s minimum parking standards and conduct stakeholder outreach to identify recommended reductions or eliminations of residential parking minimums.”
Additionally, Housing Element Program 14 calls for the City to consider development of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) requirements to “encourage reduction in vehicle trips and reliance on automobile parking.” Implementation of these programs were later incorporated into the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Priority Work Plan.
The City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on June 11, 2024, for the preparation of Analysis and Recommendations for Amendments to Parking Requirements, TDM Standards and Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy. The proposal period closed on July 12, 2024 and the City received one responsive proposal. After reviewing the response, the W-Trans proposal was determined to successfully meet the City’s evaluation criteria, including:
• Experience and team organization
• Project understanding and knowledge of the related regulations and policies
• Product delivery approach and ability to work with City staff
• Capability to meet schedule and stay within budget
Analysis
As detailed in the Scope of Services included as Attachment B, W-Trans, working in conjunction with sub-consultant Nelson\Nygaard, will survey the existing policy framework and local and regional TDM-related policies to prepare a Parking and TDM Best Practices Review. The scope of services would also include community engagement in the form of a public workshops and focus group/interview meetings.
The consultant team would prepare a Recommended TDM Framework, a TDM Policy Handbook, and a Technical Memo listing Off-Street Parking Code Reforms. The team would also provide support at public hearings to present the findings to the Planning Commission and City Council. It is anticipated that the Parking and TDM Study will be completed by Winter 2025.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Policy T-1.7 Off-Street Parking Standards. Implement variable parking standards that reflect such factors as proximity to transit, type of occupancy (seniors, etc.), number of bedrooms (for housing), and the expected level of parking demand. Parking requirements should reflect the City's goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled.
• Action ED-4.2.A: Commercial Zoning Review zoning regulations for the City’s commercial districts, including parking standards, to ensure that they support the City’s retail goals.
• Housing Element Action 14.1: Retain services of a third-party parking consultant to analyze the City’s minimum parking standards and conduct stakeholder outreach to identify recommended reductions or eliminations of residential parking minimums to implement the 2021 Climate Action Plan, reduce identified constraints to housing production and make housing developments more financially feasible. Consider establishing a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Ordinance to encourage reduction in vehicle trips and reliance on automobile parking. Stakeholder outreach shall include discussions with for-profit and nonprofit housing developers, housing advocates, and environmental groups. Recommend any necessary changes to the City’s Zoning Code to the Planning Commission at a public hearing for a recommendation to the City Council by January 2025.
Environmental Review
This activity is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Information Collection) as it involves data collection and analysis which will not result in a major or serious disturbance to an environmental resource.
Financial Impacts
Sufficient funds are available in the FY2024-2025 Planning Division budget in account 010-41-001-5120 to fund the not-to-exceed contract amount.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution authorizing W-Trans CSA Not-to-Exceed $187,415
Attachment B: W-Trans Scope of Services and Cost Schedule
PREPARED BY:
Lourdes Juarez, Associate Planner, Community Development Department