Gilroy council approves citywide VMT/GHG reduction program contract after trimming community‑engagement task

The Gilroy City Council voted 5–2 on April 14 to award a contract to Ascent Environmental to develop a citywide vehicle‑miles‑traveled greenhouse‑gas (VMT/GHG) reduction program, a climate action plan and transportation demand management (TDM) guidance. Council approved an amended contract that excludes an optional enhanced community engagement task, reducing the total authorized amount to $440,816.

City staff told the council the work is funded primarily by a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning grant of $335,529 and requires a local match. The program is intended to implement elements of the 2040 General Plan, produce a menu of mitigation measures for CEQA compliance, and create a standardized process so applicants need not produce ad‑hoc VMT analyses for every project.

The staff report, which followed a request for proposals and review of five firms, recommended awarding the full proposal including optional items — enhanced community outreach, CEQA documentation (not eligible for grant funds), and a safety‑element update — for $473,841. Council discussed the scope, timing and cost implications for residents and developers and sought assurances the city retained discretion over which mitigation measures would be required of future projects.

Council members raised concerns that VMT‑based mitigation could impose costs on residents if viable transit alternatives are not in place. Staff and a consultant representative said the program would create a menu of mitigation options from which the city could choose and that any local rules would still have to fall within state requirements. The city attorney noted that charter‑city status was not expected to change the underlying legal obligations discussed.

After debate, councilmember(s) moved and seconded an amendment to adopt “Alternative 1,” removing the enhanced community engagement task and reducing the contract total to $440,816. The motion passed on roll call: Council member Bracco — no; Council member Klein — yes; Council member Fugatse — yes; Council member Hilton — aye; Council member Marks — no; Council member Ramirez — yes; Mayor Bozzo — yes. Motion passes 5–2.

Staff said the contract will be executed if approved and that the Caltrans grant must be closed out by June 30, 2027; project work should be complete by May 2027. Council directed staff to continue community outreach consistent with the city’s resources and to return with any future recommendations that would impose costs on residents.

The program will produce the city’s VMT policy, a climate action plan and TDM guidelines, and is intended to streamline CEQA review by giving applicants a menu of mitigation measures. The contract includes optional CEQA documentation and a safety element update that staff said will help the city meet state planning mandates.