The city of Fresno has completed the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction Program, and the public is invited to comment.

The program intends to reduce citywide VMT by creating mitigation for future development projects that exceed the city’s VMT thresholds.

VMT is a measurement that evaluates the amount and distance a proposed development project might cause people to drive. It is calculated by estimating the number of daily vehicle trips a project will generate and multiplying that by the average distance of those trips.

Mitigating vehicle miles traveled when building new developments can contribute to improved quality of life, according to Caltrans. “A VMT-based approach encourages thoughtful development with better connections to jobs, schools, and commercial centers. It supports active transportation, creates healthier communities, and helps us reach our climate goals.”

Fresno’s program includes two key components that may be used separately or together: an Urban Design Calculator, and a Mitigation Fee and Mitigation Bank. The calculator would evaluate how different design features in a development project could lower VMT, while the mitigation bank would provide funding for VMT-reducing projects.

VMT-reducing measures could take several forms. They could include improvements for active transportation such as walking and biking. Enhanced street connectivity could benefit transit facilities, pedestrians, and cyclists. Multimodal transportation programs could support various travel options such as walking, biking, and public transit.

Members of the public can submit comments on the Draft EIR now through Aug. 15 to Fresno’s Planning and Development Department.