The Fresno City Council held an extended hearing on Nov. 6 over a proposed Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) mitigation program and the related environmental impact report (EIR). Staff described the methodology behind the proposed program and the proposed mitigation measures and fee schedule intended to fund a citywide package of projects to offset VMT increases from development.

Planning Director Jennifer Clark summarized the policy mechanics and said the VMT analysis relies on a regional activity‑based model. “So citywide, our excess VMT is 67,000 vehicle miles traveled per capita per day,” Clark said during the presentation. The staff‑proposed program contains a list of mitigation projects to be funded, a fee calculation method and screening tools for projects that may be exempt or may reduce VMT through design.

The public comment period drew developers, builders, and small‑business owners who sought additional clarity. Several builders urged the council to adopt the program so projects now in the pipeline could move forward without a case‑by‑case EIR for every project; business owners asked for exemptions for small retail and requested more time to evaluate proposed fees. Food bank and social‑service leaders had urged quick action earlier in the meeting on an unrelated item.

Council debate was extensive. Early in the afternoon, one amendment to the proposed program passed on a 4–3 vote; later in the day the council recorded a further action on the EIR and program and voted, on the record, with a recorded tally reported in the transcript (the final recorded vote is shown in the public transcript). Councilmembers asked staff to return with clarified implementation language, and the city attorney’s office researched procedural questions about fee collection timing for commercial versus residential projects. Administrative staff confirmed the standard for similar city impact fees is collection at building permit issuance for non‑residential projects and at occupancy for residential buildings. The council also asked staff to return with additional details on exemptions, phasing, and how the mitigation bank projects will be selected and tracked.

What the council approved (on introduction): The EIR and the proposed VMT mitigation program were introduced and amendments were adopted for further refinement. Staff will return with final, adopted language and additional implementation details. The transcript records amendment and motion votes at the Nov. 6 session.

Why it matters: California law requires that lead agencies use VMT as a metric for transportation‑related CEQA impacts. The approach the city takes affects project timelines, mitigation costs and the relative competitiveness of Fresno for housing and commercial development. The proposed program is intended to provide a predictable, programmatic mitigation pathway rather than piecemeal EIRs for every project.

Who spoke (partial list): Jennifer Clark (Planning Director), industry speakers (BIA, developers), small business owners, members of the public.

What happens next: Staff will refine the proposed program language and mitigation project list and return to council with a final ordinance and EIR certification for adoption. The city attorney will provide supplemental guidance on fee collection timing and legal defensibility.