City Council Packet - 04/10/2012
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNNING COMMISSION
WITH
BEAVERTON CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
April 10, 2012 - 6:30 p.m.
Beaverton City Library - 12375 SW Fifth Avenue; Conference Room AB,
Beaverton, OR 97005
6:30 PM
1.STUDY SESSION MEETING
A. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING (MEETING LOCATION: BEAVERTON CITY LIBRARY, 12375 SW
FIFTH AVENUE, CONFERENCE ROOM AB, BEAVERTON OR 97005)
Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project
Understanding
Our Land Use and
Transportation Choices
PHASE 1 FINDINGS I JANUARY 12, 2012
2 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
C L A C K A M A S
W A S H I N G T O N
Y A M H I L L
M A R I O N
C L A C K A M A S
W A S H I N G T O N
W A S H I N G T O N
C L A C K A M A S
W A S H I N G T O N
M U L T N O M A H
C L A R K MU L TNO
M
A
H
Y A M H I L L
MU L TNOMAH
CLACKAMAS
MU L TNOMAH
CLACKAMAS
St Johns
Bethany
T anasbourne
Orenco Hollywood
Sunset
Rockwood
Hillsdale
Lents
Pleasant
V alley W est Portland
Lake Grove
Gateway
W ashington
Square
St Johns
Bethany
T anasbourne
Orenco Hollywood
Sunset
Rockwood
Hillsdale
Lents
Pleasant
V alley W est Portland
Lake Grove
Gateway
W ashington
Square
10 0 10 0 Miles
4 3
99 W
21 0
1 0
8
50 0
99 E
99E
4 7
3 0
2 6
2 6
2 6
2 6
22 4
21 7
212
1 4
1 4
2 0 5
2 0 5
2 0 5
8 4
8 4
5
5
5
P o r t l a n d P o r t l a n d
V a n c o u v e r V a n c o u v e r
F o r e s t
G r o v e
C a m a s
T r o u t d a l e
T i g a r d
M i l w a u k i e
L a k e
O s w e g o
T u a l a t i n
S h e r w o o d
G l a d s t o n e
W e s t
L i n n O r e g o n
C i t y
W i l s o n v i l l e
C a n b y
Newberg
D a m a s c u s
F o r e s t
G r o v e
C a m a s
W ashougal W ashougal
T r o u t d a l e
T i g a r d
M i l w a u k i e
L a k e
O s w e g o
T u a l a t i n
S h e r w o o d
G l a d s t o n e
W e s t
L i n n O r e g o n
C i t y
W i l s o n v i l l e
C a n b y
Newberg
D a m a s c u s
H i l l s b o r o
B e a v e r t o n
G r e s h a m
H i l l s b o r o
B e a v e r t o n
G r e s h a m
C l a c k a m a s
R
i
v
e
r
B a n k s
B u r l i n g t o n
N o r t h
P l a i n s
C o r n e l i u s
R o c k c r e e k
O a k
H i l l s C e d a r
M i l l
A l o h a
G a s t o n
C e d a r
H i l l s
M a y w o o d
P a r k
R a l e i g h
H i l l s
F a i r v i e w
W o o d
V i l l a g e
K i n g
C i t y
D u r h a m
H a p p y
V a l l e y
Canemah
O a k
G r o v e
Sauvie ’s
Island
Sauvie ’s
Island
R i v e r g r o v e
J o h n s o n
C i t y
C l a c k a m a s B o r i n g
Barton
Orient
Eagle Creek
Redland
Willamette
Carver
Dundee
Farmington
W est
Union
Murray/Scholls
Sta f ford
S a n d y
E s t a c a d a
B a n k s
B u r l i n g t o n
N o r t h
P l a i n s
C o r n e l i u s
R o c k c r e e k
O a k
H i l l s C e d a r
M i l l
P a r k r o s e P a r k r o s e
A l o h a
G a s t o n
C e d a r
H i l l s
M a y w o o d
P a r k
R a l e i g h
H i l l s
F a i r v i e w
W o o d
V i l l a g e
K i n g
C i t y
D u r h a m
H a p p y
V a l l e y
Canemah
O a k
G r o v e
R i v e r g r o v e
J o h n s o n
C i t y
C l a c k a m a s B o r i n g
Barton
Orient
Eagle Creek
Barlow
Redland
Willamette
Carver
Dundee
Farmington
W est
Union
Murray/Scholls
Sta f ford
S a n d y
E s t a c a d a
C
o
l
u
m
b
i
a
R
i v e r
C
o
l
u
m
b
i
a
R
i v e r
W
i l l
a
m
e t t e R i v e r
C l a c k a m a s
R
i
v
e
r
T u a l a t i n R i v
e
r
C o l u m
b i a
R
i v
e r
C o l u m
b i a
R
i v
e r
W
i
l l a m e t t e R i v
e r
V a n co u v e r
La k e
T u a l a t i n R i v e r
S
a n d y R i v e r S
a n d y R i v e r
Urban g r owth
boundary
County boundary
O REG O N
W A SH ING T O N The Portland
metropolitan region
3 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
The following pages summarize the purpose, scope and key findings from Phase 1 of the Climate
Smart Communities Scenarios Project. The region’s decision-makers will use this information to direct
development of alternative scenarios in Phase 2.
This information is for research purposes only and does not necessarily reflect current or future policy
decisions of the Metro Council, MPAC or JPACT.
Table of contents
Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Why this work matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
A collaborative approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Oregon joins other states, regions and communities to lead the way . . .10
The challenge for our region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Principles to guide our approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Phase 1: methods and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Phase 1: findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Bringing it all together: implications for Phase 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Where we are headed in Phase 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Phase 1: Supplemental Information
Phase 1: 2010 base year and alternative scenario inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Our starting point is the Reference Case – current plans and policies . . . 24
Community Design – what we tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Community Design – considerations moving forward . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Pricing – what we tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Pricing – considerations moving forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Marketing and incentives – what we tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Marketing and incentives – considerations moving forward . . . . . 31
Roads – what we tested . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Roads – considerations moving forward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Fleet and technology – what we tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Fleet and technology – considerations moving forward. . . . . . . . . . . 35
Phase 1 at a glance: results from selected scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Acknowledgements
Technical Work Group
Tom Armstrong, City of Portland
Kenny Asher, City of Milwaukie
Andy Back, Washington County
Chuck Beasley, Multnomah County
Karen Buehrig, Clackamas County
Lynda David, Regional Transportation Council
Jennifer Donnelly, Department of Land Conservation and
Development
Denny Egner, City of Lake Oswego
Jessica Engelmann, TriMet
Brian Gregor, Oregon Department of Transportation
Mara Gross, TPAC citizen member
Jonathan Harker, City of Gresham
Eric Hesse, TriMet
Jon Holan, City of Forest Grove
Katherine Kelly, City of Gresham
Nancy Kraushaar, City of Oregon City
Alan Lehto, TriMet
Mary Kyle McCurdy, 1000 Friends of Oregon
Mike McKillip, City of Tualatin
Margaret Middleton, City of Beaverton
Dan Rutzick, City of Hillsboro
Tyler Ryerson, City of Beaverton
Lainie Smith, Oregon Department of Transportation
Metro Staff
Janna Allgood, Communications
Kim Ellis, Planning and Development
Mike Hoglund, Research Center
Nuin-Tara Key, Research Center
Tom Kloster, Planning and Development
Janice Larson, Communications
John Mermin, Planning and Development
Josh Naramore, Planning and Development
Dylan Rivera, Communications
Patty Unfred, Communications
Ray Valone, Planning and Development
Dennis Yee, Research Center
Design Support
Jeanne Galick, Graphic Designer
For more information, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/climatescenarios
4 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Executive summary
Making
a great
place
Transportation
choices
Regional
climate change
leadership
Vibrant
communities
Equity
Clean air
and water
Economic
prosperity
The region’s six desired out -
comes – endorsed by city and
county elected officials and
adopted by the Metro Coun -
cil in December 2010.
Over the years, the diverse communities of the Portland metro -
politan region have taken a collaborative approach to planning
and investment that has helped make our region one of the most
livable in the country. We have set the region on a wise course –
but times are challenging. A faltering economy, troubling jobless
rates, rising energy, housing and transportation costs, climate
change and other challenges demand continued leadership, inno -
vation and collaboration to ensure this region remains a great
place to live, work and play.
Joining other states around the country, Oregon has been a
leader in addressing climate change with ambitious goals to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all sources to 75
per cent below 1990 levels by the year 2050. The Oregon Legis -
lature, in 2009, passed the Jobs and Transportation Act (House
Bill 2001). Section 37 of the Act requires Metro, the regional
government of the Portland metropolitan area, to develop
two or more alternative land use and transportation scenarios
designed to accommodate planned population and job growth
and reduce GHG emissions from light vehicles. Section 37 also
requires Metro to adopt a preferred scenario after public review
and consultation with local governments, and calls for local
governments in the Portland metropolitan region to implement
the adopted scenario. Adoption is anticipated in 2014, but Sec -
tion 37 does not define a specific deadline.
To guide Metro’s scenario planning work, the Land Conserva -
tion and Development Commission (LCDC) adopted, in May
2011, the Metropolitan Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
Rule, OAR 660-044, also required by section 37. The rule iden -
tifies GHG emissions reduction targets for each of Oregon’s six
metropolitan areas. The targets identify the percentage reduc -
tion in per capita GHG emissions from light vehicle travel that
is needed to help Oregon meet its GHG emissions reduction
goals. In 2005, the region’s roadway GHG emissions were 4.05
MT CO 2 e per capita. The adopted target for the region is the
equivalent of 1.2 MT CO 2 e per capita by 2035. LCDC will
review the state targets in 2015 and may identify adjustments in
light of new information available at that time.
The Portland metropolitan region is undertaking scenario plan -
ning in three phases as part of the Climate Smart Communi -
ties Scenarios Project to demonstrate climate change leadership
and respond to the Jobs and Transportation Act. The Scenarios
Project is building on the land use and transportation strate -
gies contained in the 2040 Growth Concept, the long-range
vision adopted by the region in 1995. Since its adoption, Metro
and its partners have collaborated to help communities realize
their local aspirations while moving the region toward its goals
for making a great place: vibrant communities, economic pros -
perity, transportation choices, equity, clean air and water, and
regional climate change leadership. Local and regional efforts to
implement the 2040 Growth Concept provide a good basis for
the GHG scenario planning work required of the region.
The region has completed the first of three phases of the Sce -
narios Project – Understanding Choices. Phase 1 focused on
understanding the region’s land use and transportation choices
by conducting a review of published research and testing 144
regional scenarios. The analysis demonstrated the GHG emis -
sions reduction potential of current plans and policies, as well as
which combinations of more ambitious land use and transporta -
tion strategies are needed to meet the state target.
5 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
1.2
MT CO 2 e
The region’s per
capita roadway
GHG emissions
target for 2035
This report was prepared by Metro staff in consultation with a technical
work group, the Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee (TPAC), the
Metro Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC), the Joint Policy Advisory Com -
mittee (JPACT), the Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) and the Metro
Council.
Phase 1 Scenarios Project Findings
The work completed to date yielded the following findings:
Finding 1: Current local and regional
plans and policies are ambitious and
provide a strong foundation for meeting
the region’s GHG reduction target.
Finding 2: The reduction target is
achievable but will take additional
effort and new strategic actions.
Finding 3: Most of the strategies under
consideration are already being imple -
mented to varying degrees in the region
to achieve the 2040 Growth Concept vision and other
important economic, social and environmental goals.
Finding 4: A range of policy choices exists to reduce GHG
emissions; the best approach is a mix of strategies.
Finding 5: Community design and pricing play a key role in
how much and how far people drive each day and provide
significant GHG emissions reductions.
Finding 6: Fleet, technology and pricing strategies provide
similar significant GHG emissions reductions, but no single
strategy is enough to meet the region’s target.
Finding 7: Road management and marketing strategies
improve system and vehicle efficiency and reduce vehicle
travel to provide similar, but modest, GHG emissions
reductions.
The assumptions used in Phase 1 are ambitious and were based
on the need to create a starting point to test scenarios. The
region’s decision-makers will use the Phase 1 research and sub -
sequent stakeholder engagement to direct development and eval -
uation of additional scenarios in Phases 2 and 3.
The Scenarios Project will continue to build on the region’s long
tradition of innovation, excellence in urban planning and con -
servation and stewardship of our natural environment. People
are already making personal choices that will help reduce the
region’s GHG emissions – they carpool or take transit to work
and walk to the store when possible. They support investments
that are needed to create climate smart communities – thriving
downtowns and main streets supported by transit, neighbor -
hoods with safe and convenient sidewalks and bicycle connec -
tions and proximity to jobs, parks and services, and more fuel-
efficient vehicles. Future project phases will likely identify addi -
tional policies and strategies needed to achieve the needed GHG
emissions reductions while meeting other economic, social and
environmental goals and supporting the individual needs and
aspirations of communities throughout the region.
All those involved in the Scenarios Project recognize that there
are many unknowns. The region will need to be innovative
and flexible as the work moves forward to respond to and take
advantage of what is learned in each project phase. This can be
achieved but will require strong partnerships and close collabo -
ration with local, regional, and state partners as well as engag -
ing a diversity of individual, community and business perspec -
tives to help shape the region’s preferred strategy.
6 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Making a Great Place
Over the years, the diverse communities of the Portland metropolitan region
have taken a collaborative approach to planning and investment that has helped
make our region one of the most livable in the country. We have set the region
on a wise course – but times are challenging. A faltering economy, troubling
jobless rates, rising energy, housing and transportation costs, climate change and
other challenges demand continued leadership, innovation and collaboration to
ensure this region remains a great place to live, work and play.
Purpose and scope
In 2009, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2001, the
Jobs and Transportation Act.1 Section 37 of the JTA directs
Metro to “develop two or more alternative land use and
transportation scenarios” by January 2012 that are designed
to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from light-duty
vehicles.
The Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, and this
report, respond to HB 2001 and subsequent GHG emissions
reduction targets adopted by the Land Conservation and
Development Commission in May 2011. During Phase 1,
more than 140 regional scenarios were tested to learn the
GHG emissions reduction potential of current plans and
policies, as well as which
combinations of more
ambitious land use and
transportation strategies
are needed to meet the
state GHG targets. A
review of published
research complemented the
scenarios analysis.
This report summarizes
key findings from Phase 1
and implications for future
project phases. Metro staff
conducted the research
with the assistance of a technical work group of members from
the Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee (TPAC) and
the Metro Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC), consistent
with policy direction from the Joint Policy Advisory Committee
(JPACT) and the Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC).
Introduction
Marketing
and
incentives
Technology
Pricing
Roads
Community
design
Fleet
Policy areas tested in Phase 1
1 http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2000.dir/hb2001.en.pdf
7 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Responding to climate change
by making a great place
More than a decade ago, the region set a course for growth
with the adoption of the 2040 Growth Concept. Over the years,
Metro and its partners have collaborated to help communities
realize their unique aspirations while moving the region toward
its goals to make the Portland metropolitan area a great place to
live, work and play.
Responding to climate change is one of the most pressing issues
of our time. Mounting scientific evidence shows Oregon’s cli -
mate is changing. Oregon has been a national leader in address -
ing climate change with ambitious goals to reduce GHG emis -
sions. Now it’s time for regional and local leaders to focus and
act on the investments and actions needed to collaboratively
realize local aspirations and shared regional goals, as well as
address state climate goals. The Scenarios Project is intended to
do just that.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important to the health
of the region and the planet. The Scenarios Project will demon -
strate that the region can progress toward the GHG reduction
goals set by the state within the context of achieving outcomes
of equal importance to residents: a healthy economy; clean air
and water; and access to good jobs, affordable housing, trans -
portation options, nature, trails and recreational opportunities.
The Scenarios Project is not only addressing climate change
for the sake of state mandates. Through this effort, the region
will build on a long tradition of innovation, excellence in urban
planning, and conservation and stewardship of our natural envi -
ronment. The bold decisions made decades ago mean we drive
much less than other regions our size – giving Portland metro -
politan area a head start over other cities and regions across the
country. In this context, the Scenarios Project will consider poli -
cies, investments and actions needed by 2035 to tackle the cli -
mate challenge. The Project will show that solutions are at hand
that will turn the challenge of climate change into opportunities
to enhance the region’s resilience, prosperity and quality of life,
now and for generations to come.
For now, the Scenarios Project will focus on developing a
regional strategy for reducing GHG emissions from cars, small
trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) – as required by the
Jobs and Transportation Act. Preparation for and adaptation
to a changing climate will be addressed in future phases and
through other efforts already underway in the region and state.
Why this work matters
Climate smart strategies can
bring many benefits to the
region – including significant
savings in fuel costs, less
time spent in traffic as well
as other benefits to the
environment, public health
and the economy.
48%
Materials
(goods and
food)
27%
Energy
10% Other passenger
transport
< .01% T ransit
1% Local f r eight
14%
Passenger cars
and trucks
Regionalgreenhouse gas
emissions sources (2006)
Source: Metro
8 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
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M u l t n o m a h C o .
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V a n c o u v e r
L a k e
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c r e a t i o n o f t h i s m a p . M e t r o c a n n o t a c c e p t a n y r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r e r r o r s , o m i s s i o n s , o r p o s i t i o n a l a c c u r a c y .
T h e r e a r e n o w a r r a n t i e s , e x p r e s s e d o r i m p l i e d , i n c l u d i n g t h e w a r r a n t y o f m e r c h a n t a b i l i t y o r f i t n e s s f o r a
p a r t i c u l a r p u r p o s e , a c c o m p a n y i n g t h i s p r o d u c t . H o w e v e r , n o t i f i c a t i o n o f a n y e r r o r s a r e a p p r e c i a t e d .
W i l l a m e t t e R .
0 2 4 1 m i l e s
0 3 6 1 .5 K i l o m e t e r s
M a k i n g a g r e a t p l a c e
C e n t r a l c i t y
R e g i o n a l c e n t e r
T o w n c e n t e r P r o p o s e d h i g h c a p a c i t y t r a n s i t t i e r 1
T h e M e t r o 2 0 4 0 G r o w t h C o n c e p t d e f i n e s t h e f o r m o f r e g i o n a l g r o w t h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t f o r t h e P o r t l a n d m e t r o p o l i t a n r e g i o n .T h e G r o w t h C o n c e p t w a s a d o p t e d i n D e c e m b e r 1 9 9 5 t h r o u g h t h e R e g i o n 2 0 4 0 p l a n n i n g a n d p u b l i c i n v o l v e m e n t p r o c e s s . T h i s c o n c e p t i s i n t e n d e d t o p r o v i d e l o n g -t e r m g r o w t h m a n a g e m e n t o f t h e r e g i o n .
T h e m a p h i g h l i g h t s e l e m e n t s o f p a r a l l e l p l a n n i n g e f f o r t s i n c l u d i n g : t h e 2 0 3 5 R e g i o n a l T r a n s p o r t a t i o n P l a n t h a t o u t l i n e s i n v e s t m e n t s i n m u l t i p l e m o d e s o f t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , a n d a c o m m i t m e n t t o l o c a l p o l i c i e s a n d i n v e s t m e n t s t h a t w i l l h e l p t h e r e g i o n b e t t e r a c c o m m o d a t e g r o w t h w i t h i n i t s c e n t e r s , c o r r i d o r s a n d e m p l o y m e n t a r e a s .
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e s e i n i t i a t i v e s , v i s i t h t t p ://w w w .o r e g o n m e t r o .g o v /2 0 4 0
A r e a s a d d e d t o t h e U G B ,e f f e c t i v e 0 1 /1 8 /1 2
N e i g h b o r h o o d
U r b a n r e s e r v e
U r b a n g r o w t h b o u n d a r i e s
R u r a l r e s e r v e
P a r k s a n d n a t u r a l a r e a s
E m p l o y m e n t l a n d
I n t e r c i t y r a i l t e r m i n a l
A i r p o r t s
N e i g h b o r c i t i e s
H i g h s p e e d r a i l
M a i n l i n e f r e i g h t
M a i n s t r e e t s
C o r r i d o r s
S t a t i o n c o m m u n i t i e s
C o u n t y b o u n d a r i e s
P l a n n e d h i g h c a p a c i t y t r a n s i t
E x i s t i n g h i g h c a p a c i t y t r a n s i t
9 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Building on community aspirations and the 2040 Growth
Concept to achieve state climate goals
Adopted in 1995, the 2040 Growth Concept is the region’s blue -
print for the future, guiding growth and development based on
a shared vision to create livable, prosperous and equitable com -
munities. The growth concept encourages development in cen -
ters, corridors and employment areas to support environmental,
social and economic objectives.
How we get there
The Scenarios Project is a multi-year collaborative effort designed
to help communities realize their aspirations for growth and
development and maximize achievement of the region’s six
desired outcomes and state climate goals.
Phase 1 (January to December 2011)
Understanding choices by testing policy options
In 2011, the region used scenario planning and other research
to understand the choices for meeting the state GHG emissions
reduction target. The analysis included development of a Strat -
egy Toolbox report synthesizing published research on different
strategies in terms of their GHG reduction potential, benefits to
communities, synergies, and implementation opportunities and
challenges to be addressed in Phase 2.
In addition, Metro in collaboration with state and local part -
ners, developed and analyzed 144 alternative scenarios. The sce -
narios will be used to identify potential policy options for poli -
cymakers to discuss during 2012. The regional policy discussion
will shape potential strategies recommended for further evalua -
tion in Phase 2.
Phase 2 (January to December 2012)
Shaping the direction by turning policy options
into a draft regional strategy
In 2012, the region will design and evaluate more customized
alternative scenarios, applying the findings from Phase 1 and
incorporating strategies identified in local and regional plan -
ning efforts that are underway. This phase will also evaluate
the benefits, impacts, costs and savings associated with differ -
ent strategies across environmental, economic and equity goals.
Case studies will be developed to illustrate potential commu -
nity effects. This phase will result in development of alternative
scenarios that will be subject to further analysis and review in
Phase 3.
Phase 3 (January 2013 to June 2014)
Building the strategy and implementation
In 2013 and 2014, the region will collaboratively build and
select a preferred scenario after public review and consultation
with local governments. This phase will define policies, invest -
ments and actions needed to implement the preferred scenario.
This work will also include development of a finance strategy.
Effective implementation of the preferred strategy will likely
require the participation and cooperation of government agen -
cies, the private sector and community organizations.
A collaborative approach
2011
Phase 1
2012
Phase 2
2013 – 14
Phase 3
Understanding
choices
Shaping
the direction
Building
the strategy
Jan 2012
Accept
findings
Fall 2012
Direction on
alternative
scenarios to
be tested
June 2014
Adopt preferred
strategy;
begin
implementation
We are here
Climate smart communities scenarios project timeline
2013
Release hybrid
alternative
scenario
For more information,
visit the project website
at
www.oregonmetro.
gov/climatescenarios
10 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Oregon joins other states, regions and communities to lead the way
For years, states and metropolitan regions have been taking
action to address climate change in the absence of federal legis -
lation. A wide range of policies have been adopted at the state
and regional levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop
clean energy resources and promote more energy-efficient vehi -
cles, buildings and appliances. More information on these
efforts can be found at www.c2es.org.
Although climate change will ultimately require national and
international responses, the actions taken by states and regions
will continue to play an important role by developing and test -
ing innovative solutions, demonstrating successful programs,
and laying the groundwork for broader action.
Many states have completed or are in the process of revising
or developing comprehensive Climate Action Plans. They view
policies that address climate change as an economic opportu -
nity, not as a burden on commerce. These states are trying to
position themselves as leaders in new markets related to cli -
mate action: producing and selling alternative fuels, ramping up
renewable energy exports and attracting high-tech business.
Economic issues are just one motivator for state policies that
address climate change. Policies to improve air quality, reduce
traffic congestion, and develop domestic, clean energy supplies can
all have climate benefits. Thus states are discovering that climate
policies often bring about benefits in these other areas as well.
Like many other states, Washington, Oregon and California
have significant state laws on climate change, with specific and
varied provisions focusing on reducing transportation-related
GHG emissions.
2007
Similar to many other states, the
Oregon Legislature established
statewide GHG emissions reduc -
tion goals in 2007. The goals apply
to all emission sectors – energy pro -
duction, buildings, solid waste and
transportation – and direct Oregon
to:
• stop increases in GHG emissions
by 2010
• reduce GHG emissions to 10 per -
cent below 1990 levels by 2020
• reduce GHG emissions to at least
75 percent below 1990 levels by
2050.
The 2007 Oregon Legislature also
established the Oregon Global
Warming Commission (OGWC) –
a 25-member commission charged
with helping coordinate state -
wide efforts to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and guide the state
toward its climate goals. The com -
mission was charged with helping
the state, local governments, busi -
nesses and residents prepare for
the effects of climate change. More
information about the OGWC can
be found at www.keeporegoncool.org/
States with adopted
climate action plans
Source: Center for Climate & Energy Solutions
In progress
Completed
States with adopted GHG
emissions reduction targets
Source: Center for Climate & Energy Solutions
West Coast MPOs
Portland
Seattle
San Francisco
Sacramento
Los Angeles
San Diego
The largest West Coast metro -
politan planning organizations
have been engaged in scenario
planning and climate action plan -
ning to meet state GHG emissions
reduction targets .
11 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
20%
17%
21%
20%
18%
19%
Portland Metro 2
Salem-Keizer
Corvallis
Eugene-Springfield 3
Bend
Rogue Valley
Metropolitan area Adopted target 1
2035 GHG targets
for Oregon metropolitan areas
per capita light vehicle GHG emissions reduction
1 Adopted by the Land Conservation and Development
Commission in May 2011
2 Required scenario planning and adoption
3 Required scenario planning
45-minute travelshed extent
MPO boundary
2009
The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2001, directing
Metro to “develop two or more alternative land use and trans -
portation scenarios” by January 2012 that are designed to
reduce GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles. The legislation
also mandates:
1) adoption of a preferred scenario after public review and con -
sultation with local government
2) local government implementation through comprehensive
plans and land use regulations that are consistent with the
adopted regional scenario.
2010
In 2010, the OGWC developed an Interim Roadmap to 2020
that includes recommendations in all sectors of the state’s econ -
omy – energy, transportation and land use, materials manage -
ment, forestry, agriculture, and industrial use – to meet state
climate goals.
The first Oregon-specific assessment of climate change impacts
was released by the Oregon Climate Change Research Insti -
tute (OCCRI) in December 2010. The OCCRI Oregon Climate
Assessment Report is the work of over 100 researchers across
the Oregon University System with input from the OGWC. The
report documents likely impacts to Oregon’s weather patterns,
water supplies, agricultural production, forest health, fish and
wildlife species and ecosystems, public health, transportation
infrastructure and coastal communities.
In addition, state agencies collaborated with the OGWC, the
OCCRI and each other to produce the first comprehensive
Oregon policy framework for climate change adaptation plan -
ning in December 2010. The Oregon Climate Change Adapta -
tion Framework identifies near term, low cost and high benefit
actions Oregon can take. These actions will help Oregonians
minimize the impacts of climate change to their communities
and livelihoods, and to the environmental values we hold dear in
this state.
2011
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the
Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD)
are leading the state response relative to the transportation sec -
tor through the Oregon Sustainable Transportation Initiative
(OSTI). As part of this effort, the Land Conservation and Devel -
opment Commission (LCDC) adopted per capita roadway GHG
emissions reduction targets for light-duty vehicles for all six met -
ropolitan areas within Oregon on May 19, 2011.1
While there is no legislative direction to reduce GHG emissions
beyond the transportation sector, the Interim Roadmap to 2020
and other state efforts provide a comprehensive framework and
starting point for considering how best to address climate change
in Oregon.
1 http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/docs/rulemaking/trac/660_044.pdf
12 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
While the overall state GHG emissions reduction goals call for
reductions from 1990 emissions levels by 2050, state agencies
were tasked with estimating a 2005 baseline and an intermedi -
ate GHG emissions reduction goal for the year 2035 to inform
the Scenarios Project.
LCDC adopted the Metropolitan Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Targets Rule (OAR 660-044) in May 2011.1 The rule identifies
GHG emissions reduction targets for Oregon’s six metropoli -
tan areas. The targets identify the percentage reduction in GHG
emissions from light vehicle travel that is needed to help Oregon
meet its long-term goal of reducing GHG emissions to 75 per -
cent below 1990 levels by the year 2050.
The LCDC target-setting process assumed changes to the vehi -
cle fleet mix, improved fuel economy, and the use of improved
vehicle technologies and fuels that would reduce 2005 emissions
levels from 4.05 to 1.51 MT CO 2 e per capita by the year 2035.2
The adopted target for the Portland metropolitan area calls
for a 20 percent per capita reduction in GHG emissions from
light vehicle travel by the year 2035. This target reduction is
in addition to the reduction expected from changes to the fleet
and technology sectors as identified in the Agencies’ Technical
Report. Therefore, to meet the target, per capita roadway GHG
emissions must be reduced by an additional 20 percent below
the 1.51 MT CO 2 e per capita by the year 2035 – to 1.2 MT
CO 2 e per capita.
The challenge for our region
The region’s 20 percent per capita reduction is anticipated to
come from a combination of community design, pricing, mar -
keting/incentives and road policies. If the fleet and technology
improvements assumed in OAR 660-044 are not achieved, then
greater reductions may be needed through these other policies.
LCDC will review the state targets in 2015 and may identify
adjustments at that time in light of new information available at
that time.
R e g i o n ’s t a rg e t =
1 .2 M T C O 2 e
R e g i o n ’s 2 0 3 5 G H G e m i s s i o n s r e d u c t i o n t a rg e t
i n p e r c a p i t a t e r m s
2 0 % r e d u c t i o n
F l e e t a n d t e c h n o l o g y
= 1 .5 M T C O 2 e
C o m m u n i t y d e s i g n
P r i c i n g
M a r k e t i ng & i n c e n t i v e s
R o a d s
2 0 05
2 0 3 5
2 050
The adopted target for the region is the equivalent of 1.2 MT CO 2 e per
capita. While the target is based on 2005 emissions values, it has been
calibrated to 1990 emissions levels, and if achieved by the year 2035
ensures the region is on track to meet the overall state 2050 GHG emissions
reduction goal.
MT CO 2 e stands for metric
ton of carbon dioxide
equivalent.
Measured and stored at
standard atmospheric pres -
sures, one metric ton of CO 2
occupies a cube approxi -
mately the size of a 3-story
building (27 x 27 x 27 feet).
It is equivalent to 112 gallons
of gasoline.
1.2
MT CO 2 e
1 http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/docs/rulemaking/trac/660_044.pdf
2 See Agencies’ Technical Report at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/
TP/docs/OSTI/TechRpt.pdf.
The region’s per capita road -
way GHG emissions target
for 2035
13 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Regional and local leaders agree that the Portland region must
provide leadership in addressing climate change. The Scenarios
Project supports this goal by supplementing state actions with a
collaborative regional effort that will also advance local aspira -
tions and the implementation of the 2040 Growth Concept. In
this spirit, the Metro Council and the region’s transportation
and land use policy committees agreed upon six principles to
guide this scenario planning effort.
Phase 1 of the Scenarios Project focused on understanding the
region’s choices for reducing light vehicle GHG emissions. Test -
ing broad-level, regional scenarios revealed the potential of cur -
rent plans and policies as well as what combinations of land use
and transportation strategies (grouped under six policy areas)
are needed to meet the state GHG targets.
Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project guiding principles
1. Focus on outcomes and benefits
The strategies that are needed to reduce GHG
emissions can help save individuals, local
governments and the private sector money, grow
local businesses, create jobs and build healthy,
livable communities. These multiple benefits should
be emphasized and central to the evaluation and
communication of the results.
2. Build on existing efforts and aspirations
Start with existing local and regional plans that
include strategies to achieve the six desired outcomes
for a successful region, illustrated at right.
3. Show cause and effect
Provide sufficient clarity to discern cause and effect
relationships between strategies tested.
4. Be bold, yet plausible and well-grounded
Explore a range of futures that may be difficult to achieve but are possible in terms of
market feasibility, public acceptance and consistency with local aspirations.
5. Be fact-based and make information relevant, understandable and tangible
Develop and organize information so decision-makers and stakeholders can understand
the choices, consequences (intended and unintended) and tradeoffs. Use case studies,
visualization and illustration tools to communicate results and make the choices real.
6. Meet state climate goals
Demonstrate what is required to meet the state GHG emissions reduction target for
cars, small trucks and SUVs, recognizing reductions from other emissions sources must
also be addressed in a comprehensive manner.
The Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) and the Joint Policy Advisory Committee
on Transportation (JPACT) endorsed the six principles on June 8 and June 9, 2011
respectively, to guide all Scenarios Project phases.
Principles to guide our approach
Successful centers like downtown Hillsboro are dynamic, walkable places
that have a concentration of businesses, shops and entertainment, and
strong transit service. They combine offices, retail and housing with quality
streetscapes, parks and plazas, fountains or other urban amenities.
Making
a great
place
Transportation
choices
Regional
climate change
leadership
Vibrant
communities
Equity
Clean air
and water
Economic
prosperity
The region’s six desired outcomes –
endorsed by city and county elected
officials and adopted by the Metro
Council in December 2010.
14 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
In May 2011, a work group of members from TPAC and MTAC
was charged with helping Metro staff develop the Phase 1 sce -
narios assumptions, consistent with the guiding principles and
evaluation framework endorsed by the Metro Council, JPACT
and MPAC in June 2011.
The technical work group defined the scenario assumptions to
be tested while Metro and ODOT staff developed tools to sup -
port the analysis in summer 2011. The model development work
concluded in September 2011, and the initial model runs were
completed in October.
Metro staff used a regionally tailored version of ODOT’s
Greenhouse Gas State Transportation Emissions Planning
(GreenSTEP) model to conduct the analysis. Using GreenSTEP
– the same model used to set the region’s GHG emissions reduc -
tion target – ensures compatibility with state’s planning efforts
and provides a common GHG emissions reporting tool across
the state.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has made GreenSTEP
available to other states and regions as part of the Energy and
Emissions Reduction Policy Analysis Tool (EERPAT). EERPAT
was developed to assist with analyzing greenhouse gas reduc -
tion scenarios and alternatives for use in the transportation
planning process, scenario planning efforts and to measure the
reduction potential of various transportation strategies to meet
state greenhouse gas reduction goals and targets. The Tool uses
GreenSTEP, developed by the Oregon State DOT, as its founda -
tion, and is expected to have regular enhancements.1
The foundation of this work is the development of a Base Case –
the existing conditions for 2010 – and a Reference Case – a fore -
cast of how the region will perform in 2035 based on projected
population and demographic trends.
The Reference Case assumes the realization of existing plans
and policies, and represents the Level 1 assumptions for each
policy area. The remaining 143 scenarios test plausible com -
binations of land use and transportation strategies that could
affect GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles.
Strategies were organized into six policy areas:
n Community design
n Pricing
n Marketing and incentives
n Roads
n Fleet
n Technology
Each of these policy areas include individual strategies that have
been shown to affect GHG emissions (see page 15). While some
strategies are new, many of the strategies tested are already being
implemented to varying degrees to realize the 2040 Growth
Concept and the aspirations of communities across the region. A
summary of the strategies tested is provided on pages 22 to 35.
Including the Reference Case, a total of 144 scenarios have been
analyzed at a preliminary level for their GHG emissions reduc -
tion potential. In addition to the scenarios analysis, staff com -
pleted the Strategy Toolbox report. The Strategy Toolbox report
summarizes published local, national and international research
on strategies that can help reduce transportation-related GHG
emissions and meet other policy objectives. The report docu -
ments benefits of different strategies to a community, synergies
between strategies, and implementation opportunities and chal -
lenges to be addressed in Phase 2.
Key findings from Phase 1 will be used to refine scenario inputs
to develop customized alternative scenarios for further analyses
in Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Phase 1: methods and tools
www.oregonmetro.gov/climatescenarios
Strategy Toolbox
for the Portland metropolitan region
Review of the latest research on greenhouse gas
emissions reduction strategies and the benefits they
bring to the region
Climate Smart Communities: Scenarios Project
October 2011
1 http://www.planning.dot.gov/FHWA_tool
15 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Putting stakes in the
ground to create a
starting point
The assumptions used Phase
1 are ambitious and were
based on the need to cre -
ate a starting point to test
scenarios. Each level of effort
tests different implementa -
tion levels for each of the
policy areas.
In Phase 2, the level of imple -
mentation of these strategies
as well as their timing and
sequencing will be explored
and further refined to devel -
op alternative scenarios that
will be subject to analysis and
further review in Phase 3.
Community
design Pricing Marketing/
incentives Roads Fleet Technology
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2 2
3 3
Phase 1: building blocks for regional scenarios
Testing combinations of plausible strategies
L E V E L 3
MOST AMBITIOUS
L E V E L 2
MORE AMBITIOUS
L E V E L 1
CURRENT POLICIES
2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
Strategies tested
n Community design: Complete neighborhoods and mixed-use areas, urban growth boundary, transit service, bike travel, parking
n Pricing: Pay-as-you-drive insurance, gas tax, road use fee, carbon fee
n Marketing and incentives: Eco-driving, individualized marketing programs, employer commute programs, car-sharing
n Roads: Freeway and arterial capacity, traffic management
n Fleet: Fleet mix and age
n Technology: Fuel economy, carbon intensity of fuels, electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle market share
16 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Phase 1: findings
Community
design
Marketing/
incentives
Roads Fleet Technology
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Current plans and policies
provide a strong foundation but do not meet target
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
Pricing
1.8
MT CO 2 e
2
1
1.2
MT CO 2 e
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Targets are achievable
but will take additional effort and new strategic actions
2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1.2 MT CO 2 e
(20% below 2005)
2 .91 MT CO 2 e
(40% below 2005)
.72 MT CO 2 e
(53% below 2005)
Community
design
Marketing/
incentives
Roads Fleet Technology Pricing
Phase 1 of the Scenarios Project has focused on understanding
the region’s choices by conducting a review of published
research and testing 144 regional scenarios. Phase 1 was
designed to accomplish two things: 1) to understand the GHG
emissions reduction potential of current plans and policies and
2) to understand the combinations of plausible land use and
transportation strategies that reduce GHG emissions from light
duty vehicles to 1.2 MT CO 2 e per capita by 2035. The region’s
decision-makers will use this information to direct development
of alternative scenarios in Phase 2.
What we learned from the Phase 1 Scenarios
The work completed to date yielded the following findings:
Overall findings
Finding 1: Current local and regional plans and policies are
ambitious and provide a strong foundation for meeting the
region’s GHG target. If realized, they will result in substantial
per capita GHG emissions reductions from 2005 levels. How -
ever, a continued shift in consumer preferences and significant
investment, commitment and leadership are needed to realize
these aspirations.
Finding 2: The reduction target is achievable but will take
additional effort and new strategic actions. Ninety-three
of 144 scenarios tested meet the 20 percent per capita GHG
emissions reduction target. Various combinations of policies
achieved GHG emissions reductions ranging from 20 percent to
53 percent below 2005 levels.
Finding 3: Most of the strategies under consideration are
already being implemented to varying degrees in the
region to achieve the 2040 Growth Concept vision and
other important economic, social and environmental goals.
Driving less conserves energy, reduces fuel consumption and
keeps money in the region that consumers and businesses can
spend on other things to help stimulate the region’s economy.
Supporting investments such as bike lanes, sidewalks, new
transit service, and electric vehicle charging stations will help
expand travel options for everyone.
Finding 4: A range of policy choices exists to reduce GHG
emissions; the best approach is a mix of strategies . Light-
duty vehicle emissions are a function of vehicle efficiency, tech -
nology, fuel content and vehicle travel. While improving vehicle
and fuel efficiency achieves significant reductions in GHG emis -
sions, per capita vehicle travel must be reduced to meet the target.
1.2
MT CO 2 e
The region’s per capita
roadway GHG emissions
target for 2035
17 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Community design
Community design
Pricing
Pricing
Marketing and incentives
Roads
Fleet
Technology
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
18%
36%
13%
14%
4%
2%
11%
14%
Policy area Level
Estimated percent
reduction from
1.8 MTCO 2 e*
*MT CO 2 e percent change from 2035 Reference Case (current plans and policies)
Comparison of Phase 1 policy areas
Estimated reductions in roadway GHG emissions
from current plans and policies
Policy area findings
Finding 5: Community design and pricing play a key role in
how much and how far people drive each day and provide
significant GHG emissions reductions. The analysis revealed
that community design or pricing strategies must be more ambi -
tious than current policies to meet the target. However, pricing
and community design together yield the largest GHG emissions
reduction per capita.
Finding 6: Fleet, technology and pricing strategies provide
similar significant GHG emissions reductions but no single
strategy is enough to meet the region’s target . Pricing,
when combined with the most ambitious fleet and technology
strategies, meets the target.
Finding 7: Road management and marketing strategies
improve system and vehicle efficiency and reduce vehicle
travel to provide similar, but modest GHG emissions reduc -
tions. Combining these strategies with community design pro -
vides additional emissions reduction that can help meet the
region’s GHG target.The analysis used the Metropolitan GreenStep model to test six different
policy areas and their ability to reduce light vehicle GHG emissions. The table
above demonstrates the effect of applying each policy area at each level of
implementation beyond the Reference Case (Level 1). The estimated percent
reduction represents the average reduction in roadway GHG emissions for
each policy area, while considering all possible combinations of policy areas.
It should be noted that these reduction estimates do NOT assess the relative
effect of changes to individual strategies, but rather the reductions attrib -
utable to each policy area. In addition, the reduction estimates are NOT
additive.
18 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
The results reflect the underlying model assumptions used
in Phase 1 Scenarios analysis, and provide a starting point
for Phase 2. The assumptions used in Phase 1 are ambitious
and were based on the need to create a starting point to test
scenarios. The assumptions and scenarios tested do not repre -
sent specific policy decisions of the Metro Council, MPAC or
JPACT. The Phase 1 Scenarios were intended to show whether
it is possible for the region to reduce GHG emissions enough to
meet the region’s target. During Phase 2, the level of implemen -
tation of these strategies as well as their timing and sequenc -
ing will be explored and further refined to develop alternative
scenarios that will be subject to further analysis and review in
Phase 3.
Each strategy presents its own opportunities and chal -
lenges. The cost, level of effort and type of actions needed
will vary by policy and strategy. The process of defining a pre -
ferred approach must be inclusive and engage stakeholders from
diverse backgrounds to allow for a variety of perspectives to
be shared and considered. Effects on the economy, equity, the
environment, costs, savings, public acceptance, and actions
needed to implement a particular strategy must be considered.
Existing governance structures require that scenario plan -
ning be a collaborative effort between the state, Metro,
cities and counties. While Metro is responsible for coordinat -
ing regional land use and transportation planning and imple -
mentation, scenario planning involves evaluation of policies and
strategies that are the responsibility of all levels of government.
A collaborative planning and decision-making model allows
agreement to be reached at each level.
Metro, cities, counties and the state will need to be
flexible and innovative to be successful. Existing staff are
fully subscribed with current planning responsibilities. Addi -
tional financial and technical support will be needed. It will
Bringing it all together: implications for Phase 2
Marketing
and
incentives
Technology
Pricing
Roads
Community
design
Fleet
also be important for Metro and local governments to integrate
GHG scenario planning with existing Metro, county and city
planning processes.
Leadership, partnerships and coordination are keys to suc -
cess. Strategies under consideration have a mix of “sponsors”
and funding sources. Metro and local governments cannot
achieve the targets alone; it will take leadership, collaboration
and coordinated action at the local, regional, state and federal
levels. New governance structures and funding mechanisms
may be needed to implement the strategies.
Selecting strategies will involve policy decisions that could
have political, economic, environmental, equity, commu -
nity and lifestyle implications. By framing the policy choices
that decision-makers will consider throughout the process,
Phase 1 research serves as a basis for continuing a regional dia -
logue on how best to reach our GHG reduction target while
advancing local and regional efforts to build livable, prosper -
ous and equitable communities. The region’s approach must
also advance realization of the region’s six desired outcomes,
and support the individual needs and aspirations of each com -
munity in the region.
19 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
The primary objective of the Phase 1 analysis is to estimate the
GHG emissions reduction potential of current policies and that
of alternative combinations of strategies. Phase 2 (January to
December 2012) will build on this work and consider:
Cost effectiveness: Cost-effectiveness will be important in the
selection and implementation of GHG emissions reduction strat -
egies. Further research is needed to estimate cost-effectiveness,
including accounting for the benefits and cost impacts of differ -
ent strategies. The evaluation will consider the costs and bene -
fits across environmental, economic and equity goals from mul -
tiple perspectives – business, individual, household, community
and region. The evaluation will illustrate the political, commu -
nity, social equity and economic implications of different strat -
egies, as well as public and private costs and savings and the
potential costs of inaction.
Fiscal considerations: The evaluation will assess how rev -
enues generated from parking management and other strate -
gies could be funding sources for community investments, such
as expanded transit service, implementing system and demand
management programs, building sidewalks, fixing bottlenecks
and providing electric vehicle infrastructure.
Economic considerations: The feasibility of implementing dif -
ferent strategies, potential financing strategies and the time -
frame required will be assessed to inform next steps and recom -
mendations. Recommended solutions should not put the state,
region or local governments at an economic disadvantage, but
rather boost economic competitiveness and provide greater eco -
nomic opportunity for everyone.
Equity considerations: The evaluation will meaningfully con -
sider equity. This should include assessing the impacts to com -
munities without well-connected street systems, transit, side -
walks, and bicycle facilities, or households of modest means
that may lack access to lower carbon vehicle options or afford -
able housing options.
Moving forward:
policy questions to be addressed
Together, we must answer pivotal policy questions to iden -
tify the right mix of land use and transportation investments
and strategies:
• Which actions are local and regional leaders currently tak-
ing and which of the possible new actions are most con -
sistent with existing efforts?
• Which strategies are most cost-effective and efficient?
Which strategies are easiest to implement, both techni -
cally and politically? How do we overcome obstacles to
the most effective actions that are difficult or expensive to
implement?
• What are the benefits and impacts of these strategies to
individuals, businesses, the region’s economy and other
desired outcomes communities and the region are trying
to achieve?
• How do we ensure the region’s strategy is inclusive and
equitable, reflects the diversity of needs and interests in
the region and does not perpetuate disparities or leave
any community behind, especially households of modest
means and people of color?
• How do we ensure the region’s strategy creates good
jobs, provides greater economic opportunity for everyone
and boosts economic development and competitiveness?
Where we are headed in Phase 2
20 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Regional climate activities
The Scenarios Project is one element of a larger set of
climate-related initiatives at Metro collectively known as
Climate Smart Communities:
Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: In 2010,
Metro completed a regional GHG emissions inventory for the
year 2006. The inventory establishes a snapshot of the region’s
carbon footprint to focus planning and monitoring efforts to
achieve long-term GHG reductions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment Toolkit: Metro
developed a regional GHG Emissions Assessment Toolkit that
establishes a framework for regional climate impact assess -
ments and provides consistent guidance on analysis methods,
reporting, and evaluation of Metro projects, programs and
policies.
Climate Leadership Initiative: Metro participated in the Cli -
mate Leadership Initiative, completed in January 2010, which
engaged local experts and stakeholders on how to prepare the
lower Willamette Valley River Basin for climate change impacts.
Climate Prosperity Strategy: Metro worked with local gov -
ernments, businesses, educational institutions, and the Port -
land Oregon Sustainability Institute to develop the 2011 Port -
land Metro Climate Prosperity Strategy – a “greenprint” for
integrating climate change policy and economic development
into a single strategy.
Other local and regional climate initiatives
Local climate initiatives
Communities around the Portland metropolitan region are
already taking steps to address climate change.
• In 2006, the City of West Linn developed a strategic plan that
recommends specific actions to achieve sustainability, includ -
ing reducing GHG emissions.
• The cities of Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Gresham,
Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, and Port -
land , which together currently represent 66 percent of the
region’s population, committed to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions as a signatory to the 2007 U.S. Conference of May -
ors Climate Protection Agreement.
• In 2008, the Clackamas County developed an action plan
that calls for reductions in GHG emissions and specific
actions to support meeting the plan’s reduction goals.
• In 2008, Washington County completed an inventory of
GHG emissions from agency operations.
• In 2009, the City of Portland and Multnomah County
adopted a Climate Action Plan to guide policies and programs
to achieve reductions in GHG emissions. The plan builds on
previous plans adopted in 1993 and 2001.
• In 2010, the City of Hillsboro completed an inventory of
GHG emissions from local government operations. The inven -
tory provides a baseline for tracking reductions in GHG emis -
sions called for in the city’s 2010 Sustainability Plan.
• In 2011, the City of Gresham prepared a sustainability plan
for the city’s operations and facilities that includes specific
goals for reducing GHG emissions.
• The City of Lake Oswego is developing a community-based
GHG inventory. The inventory will provide a baseline for
tracking reductions in GHG emissions from all sources and is
a component of the city’s comprehensive plan update.
• The City of Beaverton has conducted GHG inventories for its
operations and the community. Beaverton is now finalizing
its Sustainability Strategy with goals that support the regional
and state objectives.
Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project
Phase 1: Supplemental
Information
22 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Phase 1: 2010 base year and alternative scenario inputs
This table summarizes the inputs for the 2010 Base Year and
144 alternative scenarios that reflect different levels of
implementation for each category of policies. The inputs were
developed by Metro staff in consultation with a technical
work group of MTAC and TPAC members. Documentation
of the inputs and rationale behind each input can be found
2010 UGB
2%
2010 service level
13% / 8%
$5.00
7,680 acres
2%
2035 RTP service level
13% / 8%
$5.00
7,680 acres
12.5%
2.5 times RTP service level
30% / 30%
$5.00
No expansion
30%
4 times RTP service level
30% / 30%
$7.25
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
Households living in mixed-use areas and
complete neighborhoods (percent)
Urban growth boundary expansion (acres)
Bicycle mode share 1 (percent)
Transit service level
Workers/non-work trips paying for parking
(percent)
Average daily parking fee ($2005)
Pay-as-you-drive insurance (percent of
households participating and cost)
Gas tax (cost per gallon $2005)
Road use fee (cost per mile $2005)
Carbon emissions fee (cost per ton)
0%
$0.42
$0
$0
0%
$0.48
$0
$0
100% at $0.06/mile
$0.18
$0.03
$0
Co
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
d
e
s
i
g
n
Pr
i
c
i
n
g
GreenSTEP calculates
No change
from Level 2
2035 2010
Strategy
1 Percent of all tours less than 6 miles roundtrip.
$50
in the Phase 1 Metropolitan GreenSTEP Scenarios Technical
Documentation report (January 2012). This information is for
research purposes only and does not necessarily reflect current
or future policy decisions of the Metro Council, MPAC or
JPACT.
Reference case
The input assumptions
are for research purposes
only and do not neces -
sarily reflect current or
future policy decisions of
the Metro Council, MPAC
or JPACT.
23 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
0%
9%
20%
Participation rate of
1 member/100 people
Participation rate of
1 member/200 people
Households participating in eco-driving
Households participating in individualized
marketing programs (percent)
Workers participating in employer-based
commuter programs (percent)
Car-sharing in high density areas (target
participation rate)
Car-sharing in medium density areas
(target participation rate)
Freeway and arterial expansion
Delay reduced by traffic management
strategies (percent)
2010 system
10%
Ma
r
k
e
t
i
n
g
a
n
d
i
n
c
e
n
t
i
v
e
s
Ro
a
d
s
Fleet mix (proportion of autos to light
trucks and SUVs)
Fleet turnover rate (age)
Fuel economy (miles per gallon)
Carbon intensity of fuels
Light-duty vehicles that are electric or
plug-in electric vehicles (percent)
Fl
e
e
t
Te
c
h
n
o
l
o
g
y
auto: 57%
light truck/SUV: 43%
10 years
auto: 29.2 mpg
light truck/SUV: 20.9 mpg
90 g CO 2 e/megajoule
auto: 0%
light truck/SUV: 0%
0%
9%
20%
Participation rate of
1 member/100 people
Participation rate of
1 member/200 people
2035 financially constrained
system
10%
auto: 56%
light truck/SUV: 44%
10 years
auto: 59.7 mpg
light truck/SUV: 41 mpg
81 g CO 2 e/megajoule
auto: 4%
light truck/SUV: 1%
40%
65%
40%
Double participation to
2 members/100 people
Double participation to
2 members/200 people
No expansion
35%
auto: 71%
light truck/SUV: 29%
8 years
auto: 68.5 mpg
light truck/SUV: 47.7 mpg
72 g CO 2 e/megajoule
auto: 8%
light truck/SUV: 2%
No Level 3
Strategy
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
2035 2010
Reference case
24 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Key population and household assumptions
• Between the years 2010 and 2035, the population within
the Metro urban growth boundary is forecast to increase by
more than 625,000 residents. This assumption is based on
Metro’s draft Beta forecast and represents the lower end of
the middle-third of the population growth forecast range.
This range value is consistent with Metro Council’s recent
adoption of an ordinance (in October 2011), which focused
its growth management decision on the lower end of the
middle-third of the population growth forecast range.
• Metropolitan GreenSTEP travel behavior estimates are made
irrespective of housing choice or supply. Therefore, there is no
assumption about the type of housing assumed to be built in
the future.
• The following housing supply growth characteristics are
presented for context purposes only. Recently, approximately
40 percent of new housing units constructed in the region
are multi-family (MF), and 60 percent is single-family (SF).
The draft Beta forecast reflected a marginal growth split
of 78 percent MF and 22 percent SF by 2035, which would
result in a total housing stock split of 34 percent MF and 66
percent SF by 2035. However, Metro in coordination with
regional partners, have refined these assumptions resulting in
a draft Gamma forecast. The Gamma forecast demonstrates
that over the next 25 years approximately 59 percent of new
housing units in the region will be MF, and 41 percent will be
SF. This growth split results in a total housing stock split of
35 percent MF and 65 percent SF.
Our starting point is the Reference Case – current plans and policies
Key pricing assumptions
• The federal gas tax is 18 cents per gallon – the same as today.
• State gas tax is 30 cents per gallon – the same as today.
• The average daily cost of parking is $5 per day – the same as
in 2005.
• Locations with paid parking are limited to downtown Port -
land, the Oregon Health Science University campus and the
Lloyd District, representing approximately 13 percent of the
region’s workers and 8 percent of other trips made each day –
the same as in 2005.
• Zero households participate in pay-as-your-drive insurance.
Key marketing and incentives assumptions
• 9 percent of households participate in individualized market -
ing – the same as today.
• 20 percent of workforce participates in employer-based com -
mute programs – the same as today.
• Participation in carsharing programs remains the same as
today: one member for every 100 people in higher-density
areas like the Pearl District in Portland and one member for
every 200 people in medium-density areas like inner eastside
Portland neighborhoods.
Key fleet and technology assumptions
• The region’s fleet mix stays nearly the same as today –
56 percent of the fleet is passenger cars and the remaining 44
percent is small trucks and sport utility vehicles.
• The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (as proposed by the Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality) is adopted; carbon
intensity of fuels will decline by 10 percent below today’s
average.
• Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards
calling for a fleet average of 50 miles per gallon for model
years 2017-2025 are achieved. This fleet average represents a
fuel economy of 59.7 mpg for passenger cars and 41 mpg for
light-trucks.
• Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles represent
4 percent of the total passenger vehicle fleet and 1 percent of
the light-truck fleet.
25 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Key transportation system assumptions
• The 2035 Financially-Constrained Regional Transportation
Plan includes $13.6 billion of investments, reflecting the
amount of revenue reasonably expected to be available in the
Metro region from 2007 to 2035.
• The 2035 RTP financial strategy assumes existing federal,
state and local funding plus new revenues that are not part
of the Phase 1 modeled pricing assumptions. Significant
increases in transportation revenue are likely to be needed
if anticipated improvements in vehicle fuel economy are
realized.
Key road assumptions
• The 2035 Regional Transportation Plan financially con -
strained system of highway and investments is implemented.
• Future delay on the highway and arterial network is reduced
by 10 percent through traffic management, such as clearing
crashes and breakdowns more quickly, traffic signal timing
and other strategies.
Targeted highway investments
• I-5 / Columbia River Crossing (CRC) Project is completed.
• Interchanges in the OR 217, US 26, I-205 corridors and at the
junction of I-5/I-84 are improved.
• The Sunrise Project connection from I-205 to 172nd Avenue
is built.
• US 26 West is widened to six through lanes to Cornelius Pass
Road.
Regional transit investments
• Milwaukie light rail and Columbia River Crossing light rail
are constructed.
• Lake Oswego streetcar, Portland streetcar loop, and
Burnside/Couch streetcar to Hollywood Transit Center are
constructed.
• Frequent bus service is expanded in key transit corridors.
44%
Local
$6 B
31%
Federal
$4.2 B
25%
State
$3.4 B
2035 RTP Funding Sources Other multi-modal investments
• On-street bicycle and pedestrian projects, such as bicycle
lanes, cycle tracks, bicycle boulevards, sidewalks and crossing
improvements are constructed.
• Off-street regional trail projects are constructed, such as the
Lake Oswego to Portland trail, Fanno Creek (Red Electric)
trail, Beaverton Creek Trail, Westside trail, Tonquin trail,
Columbia Slough trail, Scouter’s Mountain trail, E. Buttes
Loop trail, and the Gresham-Fairview trail.
• New street connections that build out the regional street grid
are constructed.
• Freight rail and street extensions and expansions focused on
serving industrial areas are constructed.
• Major streets are widened or retrofitted with sidewalks,
bicycle facilities and other multi-modal designs.
Investment type
Sidewalks, bike facilities and trails
Freight rail and road access to industrial areas
Traffic management, signal timing and other ITS projects
Regional programs
• Regional Travel Options
• Regional Transportation System Management and Operations
• Regional Transit-Oriented Development
Multi-modal roads and bridges
Highway widening and fixing bottlenecks
Public transit
Total (costs have been rounded)
Cost
$948 M
$623 M
$ 19 M
$196 M
$4.3 B
$4.0 B
$3.5 B
$13.6 B
Percent of
total RTP cost
7%
5%
<1%
1%
32%
29%
25%
100%
2035 RTP by investment type and share of total cost
Source: 2035 Regional Transportation Plan (approved June 10, 2010)
Source: 2035 Regional Transporta -
tion Plan (approved June 10, 2010)
26 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Community design – what we tested
Community
design
Marketing
and
incentives
Technology
Pricing
Roads
Fleet
1 Percent of all tours less than 6 miles roundtrip.
2010 UGB
2%
2010 service level
13% / 8%
$5.00
7,680 acres
2%
2035 RTP service level
13% / 8%
$5.00
7,680 acres
12.5%
2.5 times RTP service level
30% / 30%
$5.00
No expansion
30%
4 times RTP service level
30% / 30%
$7.25
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reference case
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
Households living in mixed-use areas and
complete neighborhoods (percent)
Urban growth boundary expansion (acres)
Bicycle mode share 1 (percent)
Transit service level
Workers/non-work trips paying for
parking (percent)
Average daily parking fee ($2005)
Co
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
d
e
s
i
g
n
GreenSTEP calculates
2035 2010
Strategy
Households living in mixed-use areas: GreenSTEP estimates the
probability that a household lives in a mixed-use area or complete
neighborhood based on Census tract population density. In Phase
1, GreenSTEP internally calculated the following values:
2010 Base year: 24%
2035 Level 1: 33%
2035 Level 2: 33%
2035 Level 3: 34%
In future project phases these values can be adjusted to reflect land
use policies aimed at changing the amount and type of mixed-use
development.
Urban growth boundary: Input tests the effect of urban growth
boundary expansion.
2010 Base Year captures the existing land area with the UGB.
2035 Level 1 assumes one-quarter of the adopted urban reserves
areas come into the UGB by 2035.
2035 Level 2 assumes the same level of expansion as Level 1.
2035 Level 3 tests the effect of a no-expansion policy.
Bicycle mode share: Input reflects the share of all trips less than 6
miles round trip in length are made by bicycle.
2010 Base Year reflects the estimated regional bike mode share, as
reflected in the 2035 RTP.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 in the share of regional
bike travel, an estimate consistent with the 2035 RTP.
2035 Level 2 assumes the same share of bicycle travel as Level 3 of
the first round of Statewide Transportation Strategy scenarios.
2035 Level 3 assumes regional bike mode share grows to 30 percent.
Transit service level: Input reflects per capita transit service growth.
2010 Base Year reflects current TriMet service levels for light-rail,
streetcar and bus service growth. This ratio represents the equiva -
lent of 29 revenue miles per capita.
2035 Level 1 assumes the per capita service rate in the 2035 RTP.
2035 Level 2 assumes transit service levels grow significantly – the
equivalent of 69 revenue miles per capita, roughly comparable to
the service levels of Chicago and Washington D.C., or 2.5 times
the 2035 RTP service level.
2035 Level 3 assumes even more substantial growth, the equivalent
of 115 revenue miles per capita, roughly comparable to New York
City service levels, or 4 times the 2035 RTP service level.
Workers/non-work trips paying for parking: GreenSTEP con -
siders parking pricing as a trip-based cost. There are two types of
parking costs addressed in GreenSTEP: (1) parking costs at places
of employment and (2) non-work parking costs.
2010 Base Year reflects the current estimate of areas with work
and non-work parking fees – this includes downtown Portland,
OHSU and the Lloyd District.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 parking areas.
2035 Level 2 assumes new areas charge parking fees, based on the
2035 RTP. This is the only community design input where Level 2
reflects adopted policy, not Level 1.
2035 Level 3 assumes no change from Level 2.
Average daily parking fee: Input provides the opportunity to
evaluate the effects of adjusting work and non-work parking fee
amounts (2005 $): 2010 Base Year: $5.00
2035 Level 1: $5.00
2035 Level 2: $5.00
2035 Level 3: $7.25
27 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Other potential
benefits from the
Strategy Toolbox
Community benefits
Increased physical activity
Enhanced public safety;
reduced risk of traffic
injuries and fatalities
Improved air quality and
fewer air toxics emissions
Environmental benefits
Less pollution
Less energy use
Natural areas, farm and
forest protection
Economic benefits
Job opportunities
Improved access to jobs,
goods and services
Consumer and municipal
savings
Leverage private investment,
increased local tax revenues
Increased property values
Reduced fuel consumption
Community design – considerations moving forward
Most of the community design strategies are focused on changes to
the built environment. With modest UGB expansion from today, a
greater number of residents live in mixed-use areas and “complete
neighborhoods,” thereby making walking, biking, personal elec -
tric vehicles, and transit more feasible and likely. Expanding tran -
sit service and managing the supply and cost of parking in targeted
mixed-use areas provide additional GHG reduction benefits.
While these strategies combined provide significant GHG emis -
sions, there are a number of implications that have not yet
been assessed. The following are some of the implications to be
accounted for and further analyzed during Phases 2 and 3:
Housing supply, capacity and affordability: Metropolitan
GreenSTEP does not consider any housing supply assumptions and
travel behavior estimates are made irrespective of housing choice.
The model only considers the demand forecast components –
household size, income and age – and does not relate any changes
in travel behavior to housing preference or existing housing supply.
Therefore, there is no Phase 1 assumption about the type of hous -
ing to be built in the future.
For Phase 2 of the Scenarios Project, Metro staff is developing
a model – compatible with Metropolitan GreenSTEP – that will
incorporate housing preference, supply and capacity consider -
Complete neighborhoods
and mixed-use areas
Urban growth boundary
Transit service
Bicycle travel
Parking
Federal State Regional Local Community design
Strategy lead ations. The result of this work is an innovative model that intro -
duces explicit modeling of household size, age, and income to dis -
tinguish housing type choice (e.g., single-family or multi-family)
and willingness to pay in a sketch-planning tool. This Project will
provide new tools needed to evaluate changes in housing assump -
tions and implications on housing affordability as part of the
process.
Market feasibility, consumer preferences and infrastruc -
ture needs: Research reviewed in the Strategy Toolbox Report
showed growing consumer demand for walkable neighborhoods
and mixed-use development served by transit. The research also
showed that while compact, mixed-use development can reduce
public costs and provide benefits, it can be more complicated and
have significantly higher upfront costs than traditional single-use
development. Today, individual communities have varying capac -
ity and desire to support redevelopment of existing areas or new
mixed-use development. Investment in transit, street connectivity,
sidewalks, bicycle facilities, urban parks and other assets is needed
to support mixed-use development to result in shorter trips, and
more walking, bicycling and use of transit in a community.
In Phase 2, the Scenarios Project will need to further evalu -
ate the effectiveness of mixed-use development, parking man -
agement and transit service. Phase 2 will consider the market
feasibility, investment needs and implications on affordability
throughout the region. In addition, more research is needed on
changing consumer preferences in the region to better under -
stand how changes in demographics and housing demand may
affect housing need, supply and costs. All of these consider -
ations influence the timing and sequencing of implementing
community design strategies. Thus, the full GHG emissions
reduction potential of this policy area is constrained to some
degree by local market conditions, consumer preferences, public
incentives, financial feasibility, and public acceptance.
28 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Pricing – what we tested
Community
design
Marketing
and
incentives
Technology
Pricing
Roads
Fleet
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reference case
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
Pay-as-you-drive insurance (percent of
households participating and cost)
Gas tax (cost per gallon $2005)
Road use fee (cost per mile $2005)
Carbon emissions fee (cost per ton)
0%
$0.42
$0
$0
0%
$0.48
$0
$0
100% at $0.06/mile
$0.18
$0.03
$0 $50
Pr
i
c
i
n
g
No change
from Level 2
2035 2010
Strategy
Pay-as-you-drive-insurance
2010 Base Year reflects current program options with no pay-
as-you-drive insurance options available to consumers.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change in program options from 2010.
2035 Level 2 reflects a 100 percent transition to pay-as-you-
drive insurance. This assumption reflects the State’s most ambi -
tious assumption for the first round of STS scenarios.
2035 Level 3 assumes no change from Level 2.
Gas tax
2010 Base Year reflects the 2010 state and federal gas tax levels.
2035 Level 1 reflects the state gas tax increase resulting from
HB 2001.
2035 Level 2 assumes no change in the federal gas tax and
reflects a shift of the state gas tax to an equivalent road use fee
(see road use fee Level 2).
2035 Level 3 assumes no change from Level 2.
Road use fee
2010 Base Year reflects the current policy status of no light-duty
vehicle mileage-based road use fee.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (no implementation
of a light-duty vehicle road use fee).
2035 Level 2 assumes a transition of the 2011 State gas tax (HB
2001 increased the state gas tax to 30 cents per gallon) to an
equivalent cost per mile road use fee. The total road use fee also
includes the equivalent of an annual increase of $.01 per year
state gas tax increase. The state gas tax increase was assumed in
the 2035 RTP strategy to address maintenance and operation of
the transportation system.
2035 Level 3 assumes no change from Level 2.
Carbon emissions fee
2010 Base Year reflects the current policy status of no carbon
emissions fees in place.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (no implementation
of a carbon emissions fee).
2035 Level 2 assumes no change from Level 1.
2035 Level 3 assumes implementation of a carbon emissions fee
that represents an estimated value of the external cost of trans -
portation GHG emissions.
Pay-as-you-drive insurance
Gas tax
Road use fee
Carbon fee
Federal State Regional Local Pricing
Strategy lead
29 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Other potential
benefits from the
Strategy Toolbox
Community benefits
Reduced number of
uninsured motorists
Improved air quality and
fewer air toxics emissions
Environmental benefits
Less pollution
Economic benefits
New and more stable
revenue sources
Consumer savings
Reduced fuel consumption
Pricing – considerations moving forward
.Pricing strategies charge users directly for using transportation
facilities, affecting mode choice, timing and distance of travel.
Pricing can result in more efficient use of the transportation system
by shifting demand to make the most of past and future invest -
ments and limited sources of revenue. The scenarios analysis shows
these strategies offer potentially significant GHG emissions reduc -
tions. Other potential benefits identified in the Strategy Toolbox
include the potential to be a significant source of revenue for com -
munity investments, congestion relief and inducing improvements
in fuel economy and the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles. In
order to avoid pricing becoming a punitive strategy, it should be
implemented in combination with expanding travel choices, and
marketing and incentives programs.
While the pricing strategies tested in Phase 1 of the Scenarios Proj -
ect provided significant GHG emissions reductions. The Scenarios
Project needs to be realistic about pricing as a strategy given the
lack of public acceptance and current economic climate.
Public acceptance, communications, evaluation of benefits, costs,
equity, and use of revenues generated pose specific issues and chal -
lenges that have not yet been assessed. The following are some of
the implications to be accounted for and further analyzed during
Phases 2 and 3:
Equity considerations: The fairness of a given type of pricing
mechanism depends on how it is structured, what transporta -
tion choices are provided to users and which aspects of equity are
most relevant and important to consider. It will be important to
more fully understand the potential issues, impacts and tradeoffs
between benefits and costs of different pricing strategies. As pric -
ing strategies are considered, it is important to evaluate their effect
on other parts of the region’s transportation system and equity to
ensure any unintended consequences are identified and addressed.
Stable and sustainable funding considerations: Federal and
state funding for infrastructure investments are not keeping pace
with needs, particularly for operations, maintenance and preser -
vation of existing public assets but also needed expansion of the
system. Local revenue sources are being used to fund the majority
of RTP investments. State and local government purchasing power
has steadily declined. Operating funds for the regional transit sys -
tem are also declining, making it difficult to maintain existing
service levels and replace older bus fleets. Financing mechanisms
to support land development and other community infrastructure
needs are also limited.
Current transportation pricing strategies reflect declining revenues
sources as improvements in fuel efficiency and inflation reduce
the purchasing power of existing gas tax revenues. For example,
the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan finance strategy assumes
an increase in the state gas tax by $.01 per year, a price increase
that the state is not currently implementing. In addition, there is
no indication that current federal and state gas tax levels will be
adjusted to account for inflation or improvements in fuel efficiency.
Without addressing these issues (either through new or existing
pricing mechanisms) the region will not have the revenues needed
to implement existing plans and investment priorities, let alone
consider more ambitious strategies such as doubling transit service
levels or accommodating more growth in downtowns and other
designated centers and employment areas.
While there is concern that increases in household and business
transportation costs may negatively affect the economic health of
the region, there may be opportunities to transition existing pric -
ing mechanisms to more stable revenue sources without drasti -
cally increasing the cost to drive. For example, the Phase 1 find -
ings demonstrate that applying a carbon tax of $50 per ton had
little impact on household travel behavior.1 However, transition -
ing the existing state gas tax, which is negatively impacted by both
fuel efficiency and inflation, to a road use fee or carbon tax could
provide a more stable funding mechanism. It should be noted that
a carbon fee is also affected by changes in fuel efficiency, which
needs to be further explored.
1 The per capita costs of apply -
ing a carbon tax of $50 per
ton to a scenario that exactly
meets the region’s GHG emis -
sions reduction target (per
capita roadway emissions of
1.2MT CO2e per year), is $120
per year. The Phase 1 scenario
results indicate that this cost
increase by 2035 did not signif -
icantly affect travel behavior.
30 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Marketing and incentives – what we tested
Community
design
Marketing
and
incentives
Fleet and
technology
Pricing Roads
0%
9%
20%
Participation rate of
1 member/100 people
Participation rate of
1 member/200 people
Households participating in eco-driving
Households participating in
individualized marketing programs
(percent)
Workers participating in employer-based
commuter programs (percent)
Car-sharing in high density areas (target
participation rate)
Car-sharing in medium density areas Ma
r
k
e
t
i
n
g
a
n
d
i
n
c
e
n
t
i
v
e
s
0%
9%
20%
Participation rate of
1 member/100 people
Participation rate of
1 member/200 people
40%
65%
40%
Double participation to
2 members/100 people
Double participation to
2 members/200 people
No Level 3
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reference case
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
2035 2010
Strategy
Households participating in eco-driving
Eco-driving involves educating motorists on how to drive in
order to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions. Examples
of eco-driving practices include avoiding rapid starts and stops,
matching driving speeds to synchronized traffic signals, and
avoiding idling.
2010 Base Year reflects the current status of no existing eco-driving
marketing programs. There is also no supporting data to indicate
the proportion of households that follow eco-driving practices.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (no eco-driving
marketing programs).
2035 Level 2 reflects an adoption of and participation in eco-
driving marketing programs. The participation rate for this
marketing program reflects the state’s Level 2 input assumption
for the first round of STS scenarios.
Household participating in individualized marketing programs
Individualized marketing (IM) programs are travel demand
management programs focused on individual households.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of current participation rates.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (continuation of
existing participation levels).
2035 Level 2 assumes a significant increase in participation rates,
which reflects the percent of households with
proximity to high capacity transit and frequent
bus service, as reflected in the 2035 RTP.
Workers participating in employer-based
commuter programs
Employee commute options (ECO) programs
are work-based travel demand management
programs, which can include, employer-sub -
sidized transit passes, bicycle parking, education and promo -
tion, carpool and vanpool programs, etc.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of current participation rates.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (continuation of
existing participation levels).
2035 Level 2 assumes a doubling of participation rates, which
could reasonably be accomplished with increased programmatic
resources/funding and would not require a legislative change to
the State ECO Rule.
Car-sharing in high density areas
Because car-sharing is a relatively new phenomenon, Green -
STEP models the approximate effects of car-sharing on vehicle
travel and vehicle ownership.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of current participation rates.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (continuation of
existing participation rates).
2035 Level 2 assumes a doubling of participation rates.
Car-sharing in medium density areas
Because car-sharing is a relatively new phenomenon, Green -
STEP models the approximate effects of car-sharing on vehicle
travel and vehicle ownership.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of current participation rates.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (continuation of
existing participation rates).
2035 Level 2 assumes a doubling of participation rates.
31 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Other potential
benefits from the
Strategy Toolbox
Community benefits
Increased physical activity
Enhanced public safety;
reduced risk of traffic
injuries and fatalities
Improved air quality and
fewer air toxics emissions
Environmental benefits
Less pollution
Less energy use
Economic benefits
Job opportunities
Improved access to jobs,
goods and services
Consumer savings
Reduced fuel consumption
Increased cost
effectiveness of transit
investments through
improved ridership
Marketing and incentives – considerations moving forward
Eco-driving
Individualized marketing
Employer commute programs
Car-sharing
Federal State Regional Local Marketing and incentives
Strategy lead
Public education, marketing and incentives programs include
teaching motorists to drive and maintain vehicles to operate
more efficiently and building awareness of travel choices for
personal and commute travel. Public education and market -
ing are often less costly than building new infrastructure and
are supported by the public. These strategies can be tailored to
a diversity of perspectives and needs and provide the necessary
platform from which to encourage eco-driving among the gen -
eral public and employees. In addition to encouraging eco-driv -
ing, public education and marketing can raise public awareness
about the benefits of driving less and riding transit, carpooling,
ridesharing, telecommuting, biking, and walking – a focus of
the region’s Drive Less Save More campaign.
The Phase 1 scenarios analysis shows these strategies provide
moderate GHG emissions reductions. However, combining mar -
keting and incentives with other strategies, especially commu -
nity design, provides additional emissions reductions that can
help meet the region’s target. Other potential benefits identi -
fied in the Strategy Toolbox report include increased physical
activity from walking and biking, leading to additional positive
health outcomes; improved air quality; increased access to jobs,
goods and services; and consumer savings.
The implications outlined below will be further explored during
Phases 2 and 3 of the project:
Application and timing: These strategies are relatively easy
and inexpensive to implement, likely making them ideal near-
term options for GHG emissions reduction. Marketing and
incentive programs are often successful when targeting neigh -
borhoods with good access to transportation options or planned
transportation investments, such as the opening of new high
capacity transit or frequent bus service. Because individualized
marketing and employee commute option programs provide
information and incentives for a variety of travel options, it is
critical that these programs be linked to transit investments and
other community design strategies to realize their full potential.
Not only are these programs more successful at reducing the
amount people drive and, therefore, GHG emissions, they can
also increase the effectiveness of transit investments through
improved ridership. Individualized marketing programs are also
effective when implemented with new transportation projects.
Employer-based commute programs: The Employee Com -
mute Options (ECO) Rule directs employers in the Portland met -
ropolitan region with more than
100 employees at a given worksite
to show a good faith effort towards
reducing drive-alone commute trips
by 10 percent from an established
baseline.1 Businesses affected by the
ECO rule must survey their employ -
ees every two years to measure prog -
ress towards the goal, and create a plan that identifies the steps
they will take in pursuit of the 10 percent reduction. The most
recent estimates for the region assume a roughly 20 percent par -
ticipation rate for ECO programs. However, Level 2 demonstrates
a doubling of this participation rate, which could reasonably be
accomplished with increased programmatic resources and fund -
ing and would not require a legislative change to the state ECO
rule. It is possible that any further participation rate increases
beyond Level 2 could require changes to the state ECO rule.
1 The Employee Commute
Options Program (Oregon
Administrative Rule 340-
242) is included in the State
of Oregon Clean Air Act
Implementation Plan as
adopted by the Environ -
mental Quality Commission
under OAR 340-200.
32 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Roads – what we tested
Community
design
Marketing
and
incentives
Technology
Pricing
Roads
Fleet
Freeway and arterial expansion
Delay reduced by traffic management
strategies (percent)
2010 system
10%Ro
a
d
s
2035 financially constrained
system
10%
No expansion
35%
No Level 3
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reference case
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
2035 2010
Strategy
Freeway and arterial expansion
The road capacity input in GreenSTEP only models the affect of
roadway expansion relative to population growth and does not
distinguish between the impact of new connections and projects
that widen existing roads.
2010 Base Year reflects current freeway and arterial system.
2035 Level 1 assumes implementation of the 2035 financially
constrained RTP road system.
2035 Level 2 assumes no roadway expansion beyond the 2010
base year, and relies only on system management.
Delay reduced by traffic management
GreenSTEP provides a mechanism to evaluate the effects of sys -
tem management programs on GHG emissions. System man -
agement includes clearing vehicle breakdowns and crashes more
quickly, traffic signal timing and other Intelligent Transporta -
tion System strategies that improve traffic flow and reduce delay.
2010 Base Year assumes delay reduction as assumed in the
state’s first round of STS Scenarios.
2035 Level 1 assumes no change from 2010 (no change in delay
reduction).
2035 Level 2 assumes a tripling of delay reduction as assumed
in the state’s first round of STS Scenarios.
Freeways allow people and goods to connect to major destinations across
the region, accommodating longer-distance regional and state-wide travel
and providing important access to the region’s major activity centers, such
as downtown Portland, and freight access to industrial areas and freight
intermodal facilities.
33 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Other potential
benefits from the
Strategy Toolbox
Community benefits
Increased physical activity
Enhanced public safety;
reduced risk of traffic
injuries and fatalities
Improved air quality and
fewer air toxics emissions
Environmental benefits
Less pollution
Less energy use
Economic benefits
Job opportunities
Improved access to jobs,
goods and services
Consumer and business
savings
Reduced fuel consumption
Roads – considerations moving forward
Freeway and arterial capacity
Traffic management
Federal State Regional Local Roads
Strategy lead
Though our region has changed dramatically over the past cen -
tury, the shape of the major street network serving the region
has changed little. Most of the region’s arterial streets were once
farm-to-market roads, many established along Donation Land
Claim boundaries at half-mile or one-mile spacing. The region’s
highway system evolved from the mid-1930s, when the first
highway was built from Portland to Milwaukie, to the comple -
tion of I-205 in the early 1980s. Most of the highway system
was built along the same donation land claim grid that shapes
the major street system, with most throughways following older
farm-to-market routes or replacing arterial streets.
The roads policy area focused on managing existing road capac -
ity to improve traffic operations through a variety of strate -
gies and expanding the existing road system as planned for in
the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan to support all modes of
travel. When compared to traditional capital investments such
as new transit service, roads or additional lanes, traffic man -
agement solutions offer a number of benefits for a compara -
tively low cost, and can delay or remove the need for additional
capital-intensive infrastructure. In addition to replacing some
expensive capital projects, management solutions can also com -
plement new capital projects as well as education and marketing
strategies.
The scenarios analysis shows this policy area provided more
modest GHG emissions reductions compared to the other policy
areas. The following implications will be accounted for and fur -
ther analyzed during Phases 2 and 3 of the Scenarios Project:
Declining transportation revenues: As described in the pric -
ing strategies section, the purchasing power of transportation
revenues is in decline and infrastructure investments are not
keeping pace with needs. This decline is anticipated to worsen
as the vehicle fleet shifts to alternative fuels and light vehicle
fuel economy continues to improve. The 2035 RTP finance
strategy assumes existing federal, state and local funding for the
region’s road system, plus other new revenues that were not part
of the Phase 1 pricing assumptions, including increases in vehi -
cle registration fees and tolling of the Columbia River Crossing
bridge to fund planned improvements in that corridor. Changes
to existing funding mechanisms are needed to implement exist -
ing plans and investment priorities.
Improving safety and system reliability for commuters
and freight: Traffic management and other targeted capacity
and arterial connectivity investments that improve safety and
access to jobs and provide freight
access to industrial areas are criti -
cal investments to support the out -
comes the region is trying to achieve
– particularly when combined with
other strategies that serve to expand
transportation choices. Together
these coordinated efforts provide
for mobility and accessibility in a
way that supports all modes of travel and the region’s role as
an international gateway and domestic freight hub. This in turn
helps businesses and industry remain competitive.
34 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Fleet and technology – what we tested
Community
design
Marketing
and
incentives
Technology
Pricing
Roads
Fleet
Fleet mix (proportion of autos to light
trucks and SUVs)
Fleet turnover rate (age)
Fuel economy (miles per gallon)
Carbon intensity of fuels
Light-duty vehicles that are electric or
plug-in hybrid electric
Fl
e
e
t
Te
c
h
n
o
l
o
g
y
auto: 57%
light truck/SUV: 43%
10 years
auto: 29.2 mpg
light truck/SUV: 20.9 mpg
90 g CO 2 e/megajoule
auto: 0%
light truck/SUV: 0%
auto: 56%
light truck/SUV: 44%
10 years
auto: 59.7 mpg
light truck/SUV: 41 mpg
81 g CO 2 e/megajoule
auto: 4%
light truck/SUV: 1%
auto: 71%
light truck/SUV: 29%
8 years
auto: 68.5 mpg
light truck/SUV: 47.7 mpg
72 g CO 2 e/megajoule
auto: 8%
light truck/SUV: 2%
No Level 3
Base Year
Reflects existing
conditions
Level 1
Reference case
Reflects current plans
and policies
Level 2
Reflects more
ambitious policy changes
Level 3
Reflects even more
ambitious policy changes
2035 2010
Strategy
Fleet mix
The vehicle type model in GreenSTEP calculates the likelihood
that a vehicle is a light truck, which in western states tend to be
higher than the national average.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of existing conditions.
2035 Level 1 assumes a relatively constant ratio between light
trucks and autos compared to the 2010 base year.
2035 Level 2 assumes a significant shift in fleet mix with a
growth in auto ownership relative to light truck ownership.
Fleet turnover rate
Fleet turnover reflects the rate at which new vehicles will replace
existing vehicles. Since newer vehicles are typically more fuel
efficient than older vehicles, newer fleets will yield greater GHG
reductions.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of existing conditions.
2035 Level 1 maintains the current fleet turnover rate of 10 years.
2035 Level 2 increases the rate vehicle replacement to 8 years.
Fuel economy
The fuel economy values reflect anticipated improvements in
light vehicle fuel efficiency for 2035 model year vehicles.
2010 Base Year is an estimate of existing conditions.
2035 Level 1 assumes a significant increase in fuel efficiency;
on average it reflects a doubling of fuel efficiency by model year
2035.
2035 Level 2 assumes a slight increase from the Level 1
assumptions.
Carbon intensity of fuels
2010 Base Year is an estimate of existing conditions (see page
18 for a detailed description).
2035 Level 1 assumes that the carbon intensity of vehicle fuels
will be 10 percent below the current average by 2035, consistent
with the adopted low carbon fuel standard.
2035 Level 2 assumes that vehicle fuel carbon intensity will be
20 percent below the current average by 2035, which reflects a
doubling of the proposed low carbon fuel standard.
Plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles
2010 Base Year is an estimate of existing conditions (see page
24 for a detailed description).
2035 Level 1 assumes the the mid -
point between the Base Year and
Level 2 and is the only technology
input that varies from the assump -
tions in the state Agencies’ Techni -
cal Report (http://www.oregon.gov/
ODOT/TD/TP/docs/OSTI/TechRpt.
pdf).
2035 Level 2 is a general estimate of percent of light-duty vehi -
cles that are plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles, as reflected in
the state Agencies Technical Report. All fleet and technology assumptions reflect the values defined in the State Agencies‘ Technical report (3/1/11). Level 2 relects the assump -
tions recommended in the Metropolitan GHG Reduction Target Rule adopted by LCDC in May 2011 (http://www.oregon.gov/ LCD/docs/
rulemaking/trac/ 660_044.pdf).
35 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Other potential
benefits from the
Strategy Toolbox
Community benefits
Improved air quality and
fewer air toxics emissions
Environmental benefits
Less pollution
Less energy use
Economic benefits
Job opportunities
Consumer and business
savings
Municipal savings
Leverage private investment
Reduced fuel consumption
Fleet and technology – considerations moving forward
The proportion of vehicles on the road with improved fuel tech -
nology is a major determinant of GHG emissions per mile of
travel. Other potential benefits of fleet and technology improve -
ments, identified in the Strategy Toolbox, include improved air
quality; consumer and business savings; and reduced fuel con -
sumption. The Phase 1 scenarios analysis demonstrates these
strategies provide significant GHG emissions reduction poten -
tial. Much work is being done at the state and federal levels to
expand the number of vehicles with higher fuel efficiency and
lower emissions, and to reduce the carbon content of fuels.
However, there is uncertainty about whether or not the tech -
nology and fleet assumptions recommended through the LCDC
Target Rulemaking process will be achieved by 2035. This
uncertainty, and the implications outlined below, will be further
explored during Phases 2 and 3 of the project.
The role of Level 1 fleet and technology: While the region’s
Reference Case is consistent with the state’s scenario work, it
should be noted that some of the technology assumptions reflect
considerable efficiency improvements, the certainty of which
are unknown. Specifically, the carbon intensity and fuel econ -
omy improvements in the Reference Case reflect considerable
advancements that more closely reflect Level 2 levels than cur -
rent conditions.
Uncertainty around fleet and technology assumptions: The
region’s target represents an additional reduction after account -
ing for anticipated fleet and technology improvements. After
estimating the reduction potential of these fleet and technology
improvements, the region’s 20 percent per capita reduction is
anticipated to come from a combination of community design,
pricing, marketing incentives and road policies. However, if
the fleet and technology improvements assumed in OAR 660-
044 are not achieved, then greater reductions may be needed
through these other policies. LCDC will review the state targets
in 2015 and may identify adjustments at that time in light of
new information.
To meet technology and fleet assumptions, actions are
needed across multiple sectors and all levels of govern -
ment: Both Levels 1 and 2 of the fleet and technology policy
areas will take considerable effort to implement. For example,
the Phase 1 Reference Case assumes a doubling in fuel efficiency
for model year 2035 vehicles from 2010. This
technology improvement will require signifi -
cant financial investments and policy actions
across multiple sectors and scales, including
funding for research and partnerships with
businesses and educational institutions. In
addition, state and local policy changes can be
made to encourage acceptance of low-carbon
fuels and electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid
technology. For example, the carbon inten -
sity of fuels for the Reference Case (Level 1) is anticipated to
decrease 10 percent from 2010 levels by 2035, reflecting imple -
mentation of the Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) – a stan -
dard that has not yet been implemented and without legislative
action will sunset in 2015.1, 2 The existence of a LCFS program
would likely increase the incentive to expand the EV market
share. A sunset of the LCFS in 2015 could undermine existing
efforts to improve fuel efficiency.
1 Pursuant to HB 2186, the
authority to implement a
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
in Oregon will sunset on
December 31, 2015 unless
that sunset is lifted by the
Oregon Legislature.
2 Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality,
Oregon Low Carbon
Fuel Standards Advisory
Committee Process and
Program Design, January
25, 2011.
Fleet mix
Fleet turnover
Fuel economy
Carbon intensity of fuel
Electric and plug-in hybrid
market share
Federal State Regional Local Fleet and technology
Strategy lead
36 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Phase 1 at a glance: results from selected scenarios
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 1 – 2035 Reference Case
Current policies
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.8 MT CO 2 e
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 2
Boost fleet and technology
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.3 MT CO 2 e
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 3
Boost system efficiency
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.7 MT CO 2 e
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 4
Boost fleet, technology and system efficiency
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.3 MT CO 2 e
How far do current
policies get us?
Findings: Current plans and
policies are on the right track
and provide substantial per cap -
ita GHG emissions reductions
but do not meet the target.
Community design or pricing
must be more ambitious than
current policies to meet the
target.
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 5
Boost all policies but pricing and technology
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.2 MT CO 2 e
– 20%
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 6
Boost all policies but pricing
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.0 MT CO 2 e
– 32%
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 7
Boost all policies to level 2
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: .9 MT CO 2 e
– 40%
What is the range of
possible reductions?
Findings: Ninety-three out
of 144 scenarios meet or
exceed the target.
The reductions ranged from
20 to 53 percent below 2005
levels on a per capita basis.
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 8
Boost all policies to their most ambitious level
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: .72 MT CO 2 e
– 53%
LEGEND
Region’s per
capita target =
Policy areas:
C Community design
P Pricing
M Marketing and incentives
R Roads
F Fleet
T Technology
Results:
1.8 MT CO 2 e do es not meet
target
1.2 MT CO 2 e meets target
% Percent reduction in G HG
emissions from 2005
1.2
MT CO 2 e
The scenarios tested are for research pur -
poses only and do not necessarily reflect
current or future policy decisions of the
Metro Council, MPAC or JPACT.
37 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 9
Boost community design and system efficiency
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.4 MT CO 2 e
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 10
Boost community design and marketing
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.4 MT CO 2 e
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 11
Boost community design even more
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.1 MT CO 2 e
– 29%
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 12
Boost fleet and technology
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.1 MT CO 2 e
– 31%
What is the effect of the
built environment?
Findings: Similar reductions
are possible through the most
ambitious community design and
fleet/technology scenarios.
Combining more ambitious
community design with the most
ambitious system efficiency
policies is not enough to meet
target.
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 13
Boost pricing alone
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.5 MT CO 2 e
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 14
Boost pricing, fleet and technology
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.2 MT CO 2 e
– 22%
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy areas
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 15
Boost most ambitious pricing alone
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.5 MT CO 2 e
What is the effect of
pricing?
Findings: Pricing when com -
bined with the most ambitious
fleet and technology strategies
meets the target.
C M R F T
Le
v
e
l
s
o
f
a
m
b
i
t
i
o
n
Policy levers
2 2 2
3 3
Scenario 16
Most ambitious pricing, fleet and technology
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
P
2
1
Result: 1.2 MT CO 2 e
– 22%
38 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
Glossary
Fleet mix: The percentage of vehicles
classified as automobiles compared
to the percentage classified as light
trucks (weighing less than 10,000
lbs.); light trucks make up 43 percent
of the light-duty fleet today.
Fleet turnover: The rate of vehicle
replacement or the turnover of older
vehicles to newer vehicles; the current
turnover rate in Oregon is 10 years.
Greenhouse gas emissions: Accord -
ing to the Environmental Protection
Agency, gases that trap heat in the
atmosphere are called greenhouse
gases emissions. Greenhouse gases
that are created and emitted through
human activities include carbon dioxide
(emitted through the burning of fossil
fuels), methane, nitrous oxide and flu -
orinated gases. For more information
see www.epa.gov/climatechange/emis -
sions/index.html.
GreenSTEP: GreenSTEP is a new
model developed to estimate GHG
emissions at the individual house -
hold level. It estimates greenhouse
gas emissions associated with vehi -
cle ownership, vehicle travel, and fuel
consumption, and is designed to oper -
ate in a way that allows it to show the
potential effects of different policies
and other factors on vehicle travel and
emissions.
Metropolitan GreenSTEP travel behav -
ior estimates are made irrespective of
housing choice or supply; the model
only considers the demand forecast
components – household size, income
and age – and the policy areas con -
sidered in this analysis. Therefore,
there is no Phase 1 assumption about
the type of housing assumed to be
built in the future. For Phase 2 of the
Scenarios Project, Metro staff are
developing a model – compatible
with Metropolitan GreenSTEP – that
will incorporate housing preference,
supply and capacity considerations.
This will provide the tools needed to
evaluate changes in housing assump -
tions as part of the decision-making
process.
House Bill 2001 (Oregon Jobs and
Transportation Act): Passed by the
Legislature in 2009, this legislation
provided specific directions to the
Portland metropolitan area to under -
take scenario planning and develop
two or more land use and transpor -
tation scenarios by 2012 that accom -
modate planned population and
employment growth while achiev -
ing the GHG emissions reduction tar -
gets approved by LCDC in May 2011.
Then Metro, after public review and
consultation with local governments,
is to select a preferred scenario. Fol -
lowing selection of a preferred sce -
nario, the local governments within
the Metro jurisdiction are to amend
their comprehensive plans and land
use regulations to be consistent with
the preferred scenario. For more infor -
mation go to: http://www.leg.state.
or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2000.dir/
hb2001.en.pdf.
Individualized marketing: Travel
demand management programs
focused on individual households. IM
programs involve individualized out -
reach to households that identify house -
hold travel needs and ways to meet
those needs with less vehicle travel.
Light vehicles: Vehicles weighing
10,000 pounds or less, and include
cars, light trucks, sport utility vehicles,
motorcycles and small delivery trucks.
Low Carbon Fuel Standard: In
2009, the Oregon legislature autho -
rized the Environmental Quality Com -
mission to develop low carbon fuel
standards (LCFS) for Oregon. Each
type of transportation fuel (gaso -
line, diesel, natural gas, etc.) contains
carbon in various amounts. When
the fuel is burned, that carbon turns
into carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), which is
a greenhouse gases. The goal is to
reduce the average carbon intensity
of Oregon’s transportation fuels by
Car-sharing: A model similar to a car
rental where a member user rents cars
for short periods of time, often by the
hour. Such programs are attractive to
customers who make only occasional
use of a vehicle, as well as others who
would like occasional access to a vehi -
cle of a different type than they use
day-to-day. The organization renting
the cars may be a commercial business
or the users may be organized as a
company, public agency, cooperative,
or peer-to-peer. The Portland region
has Zipcar – http://www.zipcar.com/
Eco-driving: A combination of pub -
lic education and driving practices that
result in more efficient vehicle opera -
tion and reduced fuel consumption
and emissions. Examples of eco-driv -
ing practices include avoiding rapid
starts and stops, matching driving
speeds to synchronized traffic signals,
and avoiding idling.
Employer-based commute pro -
grams: Work-based travel demand
management programs that can
include transportation coordinators,
employer-subsidized transit pass pro -
grams, ride-matching, carpool and
vanpool programs, telecommuting,
compressed or flexible work weeks
and bicycle parking and showers for
bicycle commuters.
39 Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project, Phase 1 Findings, January 2012
10 percent below 2010 levels by 2022
and applies to the entire mix of fuel
available in Oregon. Carbon intensity
refers to the emissions per unit of fuel;
it is not a cap on total emissions or a
limit on the amount of fuel that can
be burned. The lower the carbon con -
tent of a fuel, the fewer greenhouse
gas emissions it produces.
Pay-as-you-drive insurance (PAYD):
This pricing strategy converts a por -
tion of liability and collision insurance
from dollars-per-year to cents-per-mile
to charge insurance premiums based
on the total amount of miles driven
per vehicle on an annual basis and
other important rating factors, such
as the driver’s safety record. If a vehi -
cle is driven more, the crash risk con -
sequently increases. PAYD insurance
charges policyholders according to
their crash risk.
Oregon Sustainable Transporta -
tion Initiative (OSTI): An integrated
statewide effort to reduce GHG emis -
sions from the transportation sector
by integrating land use and transpor -
tation. Guided by stakeholder input,
the initiative has built collaborative
partnerships among local govern -
ments and the state’s six Metropoli -
tan Planning Organizations to help
meet Oregon’s goals to reduce GHG
emissions. The effort includes five
main areas: Statewide Transportation
Strategy development, GHG emission
reduction targets for metropolitan
areas, land use and transportation sce -
nario planning guidelines, tools that
support MPOs and local governments
and public outreach. For more infor -
mation, go to www.oregon.gov/odot/
td/osti
Policy areas: Categories of land use
and transportation strategies used in
GreenSTEP to show how the applica -
tion of different policies may impact
GHG emissions. A policy area can be
adjusted at different levels of imple -
mentation in the model, for example,
changes in fuel economy standards.
Scenario: A term that is used to
describe a possible future, represent -
ing a hypothetical set of strategies or
sequence of events.
Scenario planning: A process that
tests different actions and policies to
see their affect on GHG emissions
reduction and other quality of life
indicators.
Statewide Transportation Strat -
egy: The strategy, as part of OSTI, will
define a vision for Oregon to reduce
its GHG emissions from transportation
systems, vehicle and fuel technologies
and urban form by 2050. Upon com -
pletion, the strategy will be adopted
by the Oregon Transportation Com -
mission. For more information go to:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/
OSTI/STS.shtml.
System efficiency: Strategies that
optimize the use of the existing
transportation system, including
traffic management, employer-based
commute programs, individualized
marketing and car-sharing.
Traffic incident management:
A coordinated process to detect,
respond to, and remove traffic inci -
dents from the roadway as safely and
quickly as possible, reducing non-
recurring roadway congestion.
Traffic management: Strategies that
improve transportation system opera -
tions and efficiency, including ramp
metering, active traffic management,
traffic signal coordination and real-
time traveler information regarding
traffic conditions, incidents, delays,
travel times, alternate routes, weather
conditions, construction, or special
events.
About Metro
Clean air and clean water do not stop at city limits or county
lines. Neither does the need for jobs, a thriving economy, and
sustainable transportation and living choices for people and
businesses in the region. Voters have asked Metro to help with
the challenges and opportunities that affect the 25 cities and
three counties in the Portland metropolitan area.
A regional approach simply makes sense when it comes to pro -
viding services, operating venues and making decisions about
how the region grows. Metro works with communities to sup -
port a resilient economy, keep nature close by and respond to a
changing climate. Together we’re making a great place, now and
for generations to come.
www.oregonmetro.gov
Metro Council President
Tom Hughes
Metro Councilors
Shirley Craddick, District 1
Carlotta Collette, District 2
Carl Hosticka, District 3
Kathryn Harrington, District 4
Rex Burkholder, District 5
Barbara Roberts, District 6
Auditor
Suzanne Flynn
Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC)
Jerry Willey, City of Hillsboro, MPAC Chair
Loretta Smith, Multnomah County, First Vice-Chair
Jody Carson, City of West Linn, Second Vice-Chair
Charlotte Lehan, Clackamas County
Shane Bemis, City of Gresham
Norm Thomas, City of Troutdale
Sam Adams, City of Portland
Amanda Fritz, City of Portland
Jack Hoffman, City of Lake Oswego
William Wild, Oak Lodge Sanitary District
Andy Duyck, Washington County
Keith Mays, City of Sherwood
Marilyn McWilliams, Tualatin Valley Water District
Steve Clark, TriMet Board of Directors
Nathalie Darcy, Washington Co. Citizen
Wilda Parks, Clackamas Co. Citizen
Matt Berkow, Multnomah Co. Citizen
Jim Rue, Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation & Development,
Steve Stuart, Clark County
Laura Hudson, City of Vancouver
Carl Hosticka, Metro Council
Barbara Roberts, Metro Council
Kathryn Harrington, Metro Council
Annette Mattson, David Douglas School Board
Doug Neeley, City of Oregon City
Denny Doyle, City of Beaverton
Ken Allen, Oregon AFSCME Council 75
Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT)
Carlotta Collette, Metro Council, JPACT Chair
Rex Burkholder, Metro Council, JPACT Vice-Chair
Shirley Craddick, Metro Council
Ann Lininger, Clackamas County
Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County
Roy Rogers, Washington County
Sam Adams, City of Portland
Donna Jordan, City of Lake Oswego
Shane Bemis, City of Gresham
Craig Dirksen, City of Tigard
Neil McFarlane, TriMet
Jason Tell, ODOT
Nina DeConcini, DEQ
Don Wagner, Washington State DOT
Bill Wyatt, Port of Portland
Jack Burkman, City of Vancouver
Steve Stuart, Clark County
This report contains
information that is
intended for research
purposes only and does
not necessarily reflect
current or future policy
decisions of the Metro
Council, MPAC or
JPACT.
The preparation
of this report was
financed in part by the
Oregon Department
of Transportation,
U.S. Department of
Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration
and Federal Transit
Administration. The
opinions, findings and
conclusions expressed
in this report are not
necessarily those of the
Oregon Department
of Transportation,
U.S. Department of
Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration
and Federal Transit
Administration .
For more information,
visit www.
oregonmetro.gov/
climatescenarios
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