HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 10198
City of Palo Alto (ID # 10198)
Finance Committee Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 4/16/2019
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Provide Input for TMA Strategic Plan
Title: Finance Committee Review and Input on the Palo Alto Transportation
Management Association (TMA) Strategic Plan and Funding Request
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Transportation
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee receive and provide input on a funding
request and strategic plan presentation by the Palo Alto Transportation Management
Association (TMA).
Background and Discussion
As part of its strategic planning efforts, the TMA seeks Finance Committee input on
Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 funding levels and potential outcomes of City investment in the
TMA. While a recent private donation has allowed the TMA to expand its activities to the
California Avenue Business District, City funds that support the TMA are dedicated
solely to Downtown per the funding agreement with the TMA. TMA representatives will
provide the Finance Committee with a presentation on the strategic plan update and
will receive Committee feedback on various funding scenarios and desired mode shift
ideas for Downtown. The letter from the TMA requesting to appear before the Finance
Committee is included as Attachment A.
TMA representatives brought the 2018 TMA Annual Report to Council on January 14,
2019. The staff report for that item can be found at this link: 2018 Palo Alto TMA
Annual Report (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/68450).
Timeline
The funding agreement between the City and the TMA lasts through FY 2020.
Resource Impact
A total of $480,000 has been budgeted for FY 2019. The revenue source is the
University Avenue Parking Fund. TMA funding for FY 2020 will be considered in the
annual budget process subject to Council approval.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Policy Implications
The funding agreement between the City and the Palo Alto Transportation Management
Association (TMA) requires that the TMA strategic plan be regularly updated.
In addition, the transportation demand management (TDM) services provided by the
TMA are consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan policies and programs:
Policy T-1.1 Take a comprehensive approach to reducing single-occupant vehicle trips
by involving those who live, work and shop in Palo Alto in developing strategies that
make it easier and more convenient not to drive.
Policy T-1.2 Collaborate with Palo Alto employers and business owners to develop,
implement and expand comprehensive programs like the TMA to reduce single-
occupant vehicle commute trips, including through incentives.
Program T1.2.1 Create a long-term education program to change the travel habits of
residents, visitors, shoppers and workers by informing them about transportation
alternatives, incentives and impacts. Work with the PAUSD and with other public and
private interests, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Commuter Wallet partners, to
develop and implement this program.
Program T1.2.4 Evaluate the performance of pilot programs implemented by the Palo
Alto Transportation Management Association and pursue expansion from Downtown to
California Avenue and other areas of the city when appropriate.
Program T1.2.6 Pursue full participation of Palo Alto employers in the TMA.
Policy T-1.13 Encourage services that complement and enhance the transportation
options available to help Palo Alto residents and employees make first/last mile
connections and travel within the city for daily needs without using a single-occupancy
vehicle, including shuttle, taxi and ridesharing services.
Policy T-2.2 As part of the effort to reduce traffic congestion, seek ongoing funding and
engage employers to operate and expand TMAs to address transportation and parking
issues as appropriate in the City’s employment districts.
Program T2.2.1 Work in partnership with the Palo Alto TMA and Stanford University to
aggregate data and realize measurable reductions in single-occupant vehicle commuting
to and from Downtown and in the Stanford Research Park.
Policy T-5.5 Minimize the need for employees to park in and adjacent to commercial
centers, employment districts and schools.
City of Palo Alto Page 3
Program T7.1.1 Expand transportation opportunities for transit-dependent riders by
supporting discounts for taxi fares, rideshare services and transit, by coordinating
transit systems to be shared by multiple senior housing developments, by maintaining a
database of volunteer drivers and other transit options.
Environmental Review
This is a presentation by an outside organization, and no action will be taken, therefore
no environmental review is required.
Attachments:
• TMA Request to Present to Finance Committee
355 Alma Street, Palo Alto
March 14, 2019
To: City Council Finance Committee, via email to Sylvia Star-Lack
From: Palo Alto TMA: Steve Raney, Executive Director and Rob George, Board Chair
Subject: FY2020 PATMA budget request for April 2 Finance Committee meeting
Dear City Council Finance Committee,
At your April 2 meeting, Palo Alto TMA would welcome the opportunity to discuss in detail TMA
budget options for City of Palo Alto’s FY2020 budget. In FY2019, the City provided $480,000 to
the TMA. For FY2020, the TMA requests between “flat” and a 50% increase, $480,000 and
$720,000 respectively. We will explain the results, 200 to 337 cars removed, that we can deliver
at different funding levels.
Thanks in advance for your consideration
‐‐
Steve Raney
Palo Alto TMA, Mgmt by Altrans TMA Inc
355 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
P: (650) 324-3127, www.paloaltotma.org