CC SR 20160906 07 - League of CA Cities Annual Conference ResolutionsRANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 09/06/2016
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to advise the City's Voting Delegate on the City
Council's position regarding the League of California Cities' 2016 Annual Conference
Resolutions
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Authorize the City Council's Voting Delegate to take no position on the adoption
of League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1 (Vision Zero).
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Kit Fox, AICP, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Gabriella Yap, Deputy City Manager.tJ,
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager,/'41J
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2016 League Annual Conference Resolution packet (page A-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The League's 2016 Annual Conference is being held October 5-7, 2016, at the Long
Beach Convention Center in Long Beach. At the annual conference, the League
General Assembly will consider one (1) Resolution at the annual business meeting on
October 7, 2016. The City Council is encouraged to review the Resolution and
determine a City position on it so that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes' Voting Delegate
(i.e., Councilmember Misetich) and/or Alternate(s) may most effectively represent and
convey the City's position on the Resolution.
Policy development is a vital and on-going process within the League. The principal
means for deciding policy on the important issues facing cities and the League is
through the League's eight (8) standing Policy Committees' and the Board of Directors.
The process allows for timely consideration of issues in a changing environment and
1 Resolution No. 1 will be referred to the Transportation, Communications and Public Works
Policy Committee prior to its consideration by the General Assembly.
1
assures city officials the opportunity to both initiate and influence policy decisions.
Annual Conference Resolutions constitute an additional way to develop League policy.
This year's Resolution has been reviewed by Staff to identify any potential impact upon
the City. A brief description of the Resolution and Staff's recommendation is provided
below. The full text of the Resolution is attached to this report, along with related
background information provided by the Resolution's sponsors and League Staff.
Vision Zero.
The City of San Jose proposes a Resolution that would call upon the League to support
"Vision Zero," "Toward Zero Deaths" and other programs or initiatives to make safety a
top priority for transportation projects and policy formulation, and encouraging cities to
pursue similar initiatives. The Resolution is endorsed by the cities of Fremont, Los
Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica and West Hollywood.2
Cities around the world have adopted traffic safety projects and policies that underscore
that traffic deaths are both unacceptable and preventable. Eighteen (18) U.S. cities
have adopted "Vision Zero" programs (including New York City, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale,
Austin, San Antonio, Washington DC, and Seattle) to reduce the numbers of fatal
crashes occurring on their roads(http://visionzeronetwork.org/). California cities lead
the way, with the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Diego, Los
Angeles, Long Beach and Fremont having adopted "Vision Zero" strategies and many
others are actively considering adoption. In 2009, a national group of traffic safety
stakeholders launched an effort called "Toward Zero Deaths: A National Strategy on
Highway Safety". This initiative has been supported by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) and states throughout the country, including California.
The City of San Jose argues that there is widespread recognition that cities need safe,
efficient transportation systems to be economically prosperous. They assert that the
proposed Resolution to support transportation safety policies like "Vision Zero" and
"Toward Zero Deaths" and encourage implementation of projects and programs that
prioritize safety will help the State improve the health and safety of its residents and
position the State and its cities as leaders in national efforts to promote safe mobility for
all.
In summarizing the proposed Resolution, League Staff notes that its adoption (as
written) may affect the League's future policy when it comes to advocating for
transportation funding and other existing priorities. Specifically, two aspects of the
resolution appear to establish new League policy in that they would 1) "commit" the
League to support "Vision Zero," "Toward Zero Deaths" and other similar programs or
policies; and 2) to encourage the State to consider adopting transportation safety as a
top priority for transportation projects and policy formulation. League Staff also notes
that available data does not yet consistently support the claims that "Vision Zero" and
similar programs have reduced traffic deaths.
2 The League analysis notes that the Resolution is opposed by one, unidentified individual.
2
The City's Director of Public Works has reviewed the proposed resolution and the
League analysis. He has expressed concern that committing to zero traffic deaths may
expose the City to more liability than it already bears by complying with accepted
engineering standards for the construction and maintenance of the City's roadways. In
many instances, the causes of traffic accidents are behavior -related (i.e., impaired
driving, distracted driving, medical issues, etc.) that cannot be reasonably addressed by
roadway engineering and design alone. Although the City can support the laudable
goal of reducing deaths from traffic accidents, it cannot reasonably commit to a goal of
zero deaths. Therefore, Staff believes that it is in the City's interest to take no position
on 2016 League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1.
Recommendation:
ALTERNATIVES:
Staff recommends taking no position on the adoption of 2016
League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1.
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative action is available for
the City Council's consideration:
1. Direct the Voting Delegate and/or Alternate(s) to support the adoption of
League Resolution No. 1.
2. Direct the Voting Delegate and/or Alternate(s) to oppose the adoption of
League Resolution No. 1.
3. Direct Staff to further research issues related to this Resolution before
providing direction to the Voting Delegate and/or Alternate(s), and
continue this matter to a future meeting on or before October 4, 2016.
3
6 LEAGUEFO
IA
OF
Annual Conference
Resolutions Packet
2016 Annual Conference Resolutions
N LEAGUE �o
OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES
Q� o
C� QCT06'6R5�.
Long Beach, California
October 5 — 7, 2016
A-1
INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
RESOLUTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS PACKET: The League bylaws provide that
resolutions shall be referred by the president to an appropriate policy committee for review and
recommendation. Resolutions with committee recommendations shall then be considered by the
General Resolutions Committee at the Annual Conference.
This year, one resolution has been introduced for consideration by the Annual Conference and
referred to the League policy committees.
POLICY COMMITTEES: One policy committee will meet at the Annual Conference to consider
and take action on the resolution referred to them. The committee is Transportation, Communication
and Public Works. The committee will meet 9:00 — 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at
the Hyatt Regency. The sponsor of the resolution has been notified of the time and location of the
meeting.
GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE: This committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday,
October 6, at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, to consider the report of the policy committee
regarding the resolution. This committee includes one representative from each of the League's
regional divisions, functional departments and standing policy committees, as well as other
individuals appointed by the League president. Please check in at the registration desk for room
location.
ANNUAL LUNCHEONBUSINESS MEETING/GENERAL ASSEMBLY: This meeting
will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, at the Long Beach Convention Center.
PETITIONED RESOLUTIONS: For those issues that develop after the normal 60 -day
deadline, a resolution may be introduced at the Annual Conference with a petition signed by
designated voting delegates of 10 percent of all member cities (48 valid signatures required) and
presented to the Voting Delegates Desk at least 24 hours prior to the time set for convening the
Annual Business Meeting of the General Assembly. This year, that deadline is 12:00 p.m.,
Thursday, October 6. Resolutions can be viewed on the League's Web site:
www.cacities.org/resolutions.
Any questions concerning the resolutions procedures may be directed to Meg Desmond at the
League office: mdesmondgcacities.org or (916) 658-8224
A-2
GUIDELINES FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
Policy development is a vital and ongoing process within the League. The principal means for
deciding policy on the important issues facing cities is through the League's eight standing policy
committees and the board of directors. The process allows for timely consideration of issues in a
changing environment and assures city officials the opportunity to both initiate and influence policy
decisions.
Annual conference resolutions constitute an additional way to develop League policy. Resolutions
should adhere to the following criteria.
Guidelines for Annual Conference Resolutions
Only issues that have a direct bearing on municipal affairs should be considered or adopted
at the Annual Conference.
2. The issue is not of a purely local or regional concern.
3. The recommended policy should not simply restate existing League policy.
4. The resolution should be directed at achieving one of the following objectives:
(a) Focus public or media attention on an issue of major importance to cities.
(b) Establish a new direction for League policy by establishing general principals around
which more detailed policies may be developed by policy committees and the board of
directors.
(c) Consider important issues not adequately addressed by the policy committees and
board of directors.
(d) Amend the League bylaws (requires 2/3 vote at General Assembly).
A-3
LOCATION OF MEETINGS
Policy Committee Meetings
Wednesday, October 5
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Street, Long Beach
9:00 —10:30 a.m.: Transportation, Communication & Public Works
General Resolutions Committee
Thursday, October 6, 1:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Street, Long Beach
Annual Business Meeting and General Assembly Luncheon
Friday, October 7, 12:00 p.m.
Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach
KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions have been grouped by policy committees to which they have been assigned.
Number Key Word Index Reviewing Body Action
1 2 3
1 - Policy Committee Recommendation
to General Resolutions Committee
2 - General Resolutions Committee
3 - General Assembly
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, AND PUBLIC WORKS POLICY
COMMITTEE
1 2 3
1 Vision Zero
Information pertaining to the Annual Conference Resolutions will also be posted on each
committee's page on the League website: www.cacities.org. The entire Resolutions Packet will
be posted at: www.cacities.org/resolutions.
A-5
KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON RESOLUTIONS (Continued)
Resolutions have been grouped by policy committees to which they have been assigned.
KEY TO REVIEWING BODIES
1. Policy Committee
2. General Resolutions Committee
3. General Assembly
ACTION FOOTNOTES
* Subject matter covered in another resolution
* * Existing League policy
* * * Local authority presently exists
KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN
A Approve
D Disapprove
N No Action
R Refer to appropriate policy committee for
study
a Amend+
Aa Approve as amended+
Aaa Approve with additional amendment(s)+
Ra Refer as amended to appropriate policy
committee for study+
Raa Additional amendments and refer+
Da Amend (for clarity or brevity) and
Disapprove+
Na Amend (for clarity or brevity) and take No
Action+
W Withdrawn by Sponsor
Procedural Note:
The League of California Cities resolution process at the Annual Conference is guided by the League
Bylaws. A helpful explanation of this process can be found on the League's website by clicking on this
link: Resolution Process.
A-6
"sIF.YII111noli;[KI]01►/ 11 W 9 lectin Y : 11! 0 5IX1111A1I1[ 11i1 =1"11
SUPPORTING VISION ZERO, TOWARD ZERO DEATHS, AND OTHER PROGRAMS OR
INITIATIVES TO MAKE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY FOR TRANSPORTATION
PROJECTS AND POLICY FORMULATION, WHILE ENCOURAGING CITIES TO
PURSUE SIMILAR INITIATIVES
Source: City of San Jose
Concurrence of five or more cities/city officials: Cities: Fremont; Los Angeles; Sacramento; San Diego;
San Francisco; Santa Monica; and West Hollywood
Referred to: Transportation, Communication and Public Works Policy Committees
Recommendation to General Resolution Committee:
WHEREAS, each year more than 30,000 people are killed on streets in the United States in
traffic collisions; and
WHEREAS, traffic fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015 and is estimated to have
exceeded 35,000 people; with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for a disproportionate share; and
WHEREAS the Centers for Disease Control recently indicated that America's traffic death rate
per person was about double the average of peer nations; and
WHEREAS Vision Zero and Toward Zero Deaths are comprehensive strategies to eliminate all
traffic fatalities and severe injuries using a multi -disciplinary approach, including education, enforcement
and engineering measures; and
WHEREAS a core principal of Vision Zero and Toward Zero Deaths is that traffic deaths are
preventable and unacceptable; and
WHEREAS cities across the world have adopted and implemented Vision Zero and Toward Zero
Deaths strategies and successfully reduced traffic fatalities and severe injuries occurring on streets and
highways; and
WHEREAS safe, reliable and efficient transportation systems are essential foundations for
thriving cities.
RESOLVED that the League of California Cities commits to supporting Vision Zero, Toward
Zero Deaths, and other programs, policies, or initiatives that prioritize transportation safety;
AND encourage cities throughout California to join in these traffic safety initiatives to pursue the
elimination of death and severe injury crashes on our roadways;
AND encourage the State of California to consider adopting safety as a top priority for both
transportation projects and policy formulation.
Background Information on Resolution to Support Transportation Safety Programs
Each year more than 30,000 people are killed on streets in the United States in traffic collisions. Traffic
fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015 and are estimated to have exceeded 35,000 people,
with children, seniors, people of color, low-income and persons with disabilities accounting for a
disproportionate share. The Centers for Disease Control recently reported that the traffic death rate per
A-7
person in the United States was about double the average of peer nations, with close to 10% of these
deaths occurring in California (3,074 in 2014). California's largest city, Los Angeles, has the highest rate
of traffic death among large U.S. cities, at 6.27 per 100,000 people.
Cities around the world have adopted traffic safety projects and policies that underscore that traffic deaths
are both unacceptable and preventable. In 1997, Sweden initiated a program called Vision Zero that
focused on the idea that "Life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within the society."
The World Health Organization has officially endorsed Vision Zero laying out traffic safety as an
international public health crisis and the United Nations General Assembly introduced the Decade of
Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 and set the goal for the decade: "to stabilize and then reduce the
forecast level of road traffic fatalities around the world" by 50% by 2020.
As of this writing, 18 U.S. cities have adopted Vision Zero programs (including New York City, Boston,
Ft. Lauderdale, Austin, San Antonio, Washington DC, and Seattle) to reduce the numbers of fatal crashes
occurring on their roads(http://visionzeronetwork.org/map-of-vision-zero-cities/). California cities lead
the way, with the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach and
Fremont having adopted Vision Zero strategies and many others are actively considering adoption.
In 2009 a national group of traffic safety stakeholders launched an effort called "Toward Zero Deaths: A
National Strategy on Highway Safety". This initiative has been supported by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) (http://safeiy.fhwa.dot. ovg /tzd/) and states throughout the United States,
including Califomia(http://www.ots.ca.gov/OTS and Traffic Safety/AboutOTS.asp).
This past January the U.S. Department of Transportation launched its "Mayors' Challenge for Safer
People and Safer Streets." This effort calls on elected officials to partner with the USDOT and raise the
bar for safety for people bicycling and walking by sharing resources, competing for awards, and taking
action. The California cities of Beverly Hills, Davis, Maywood, Cupertino, Culver City, Rialto, Santa
Monica, Porterville, Los Angles, San Jose, Monterey, Glendale, Irvine, Oakland, Palo Alto, Alameda,
West Hollywood and Fullerton signed on to this effort. Additionally, the Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE), a leading organization for transportation professionals, recently launched a new
initiative to aggressively advance the Vision Zero and Towards Zero Deaths movements
(http://library.ite.org/pub/ed59a040-caf4-5300-8ffc-35 deb33ce03 d).
Ultimately all of these programs share the fundamental belief that a data -driven, systems -level,
interdisciplinary approach can prevent severe and fatal injuries on our nation's roadways. They employ
proven strategies, actions, and countermeasures across education, enforcement and engineering. Support
for many of these life-saving programs extends far beyond government agencies, and includes National
Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Kaiser Permanente, AARP, the National Safe Routes to School
Partnership, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, among many others.
There is wide -spread recognition that cities and towns need safe, efficient transportation systems to be
economically prosperous. A resolution by the League of California Cities to support transportation safety
policies like Vision Zero and Toward Zero Deaths, and encourage implementation of projects and
programs that prioritize safety will help California elevate the health and safety of its residents and
position us as a leader in national efforts to promote a culture of safe mobility for all.
•
League of California Cities Staff Analysis on Resolution No. 1
Staff: Rony Berdugo
Committee: Transportation, Communication, and Public Works
Summary:
The resolved clauses in Resolution No. 1: commits the League of California Cities to:
1) Supporting Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, and other programs, policies, or initiatives that
prioritize transportation safety;
2) Encouraging cities throughout California to join in these traffic safety initiatives to pursue the
elimination of death and severe injury crashes on our roadways; and
3) Encouraging the State to consider adopting transportation safety as a top priority for transportation
projects and policy formulation.
Background:
The City of San Jose notes national and international efforts to reduce fatal and severe injury traffic
collisions through systematic data driven approaches, such as Vision Zero and Toward Zero Deaths.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Vision Zero is a traffic safety policy, developed in
Sweden in the late 1990s and based on four elements: ethics, responsibility, a philosophy of safety, and
creating mechanisms for change."' Below is a summary of each Vision Zero element, according to WHO:
1. Ethics — Life and health trump all other transportation benefits, such as mobility.
2. Responsibility — Responsibility for crashes and injuries is shared between the providers of the system
and the road users.
3. Safety Philosophy — Asserts that a transportation system should account for the unstable relationship
of human error with fast/heavy machinery to avoid deaths/serious injury, but accept crashes/minor
injuries.
4. Driving Mechanisms for Change — Asserts that road users and providers must both work to
guaranteeing road safety, taking measures such as: improving levels of seat belt use, installing crash -
protective barriers, wider use of speed camera technology, increasing random breathalyzer tests, and
promoting safety in transportation project contracts.
A Vision Zero City meets the following minimum standards:
• Sets clear goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries
• Mayor has publicly, officially committed to Vision Zero
• Vision Zero plan or strategy is in place, or Mayor has committed to doing so in clear time frame
• Key city departments (including police, transportation and public health) are engaged
List of cities that meet the minimum Vision Zero standards nationally include: Anchorage, AK;
Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Cambridge, MA; Denver, CO; Eugene, OR; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Fremont, CA;
Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA;
San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC
List of cities that are considering adoption of Vision Zero nationally include: Ann Arbor, MI;
Bellevue, OR; Bethlehem, PA; Chicago, IL; Columbia, MO; Houston, TX; Long Beach, CA;
1 http://who.int/violence iniury prevention/publications/road traffic/world report/chapterl.pdf
1 •
New Orleans, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; San Mateo, CA; Santa Ana, CA; Santa Cruz, CA;
Santa Monica, CA; St. Paul, MN; Tampa, FL
Vision Zero — Samples:
1. San Francisco — In 2015, the City established a two-year action strategy that outlines the projects and
policy changes to implement its Vision Zero goal of zero traffic deaths by 2024. The strategy adopts
five core principles, such as: 1) traffic deaths are preventable and unacceptable; 2) safety for all road
modes and users is the highest priority; 3) transportation system design should anticipate inevitable
human error; 4) education, enforcement, and vehicle technology contribute to a safe system; and 5)
transportation systems should be designed for speeds that protect human life.3 The strategy focuses on
engineering, enforcement, education, evaluation, and policy changes that can be made to achieve their
goals. The City is working on projects, such as:
a. Creating protected bike lanes
b. Building wider sidewalks
c. Reducing traffic speeds4
The City is also exploring policy changes to state law that will allow the City to place traffic cameras
near schools and senior centers to cite speeding drivers through automated speed enforcements
2. Los Angeles — the City has established a commitment to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2025. They
have identified a network of streets, known as the High Injury Network (HIN)6, which maps out their
areas of concern where they plan on making strategic investments in reducing deaths/severe injury.
According to the City, only 6% of their city streets account for 2/3 of all deaths/severe injury for
pedestrians. The City highlights the three following projects as part of their Vision Zero efforts':
a. Installation of 22 new Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at signals throughout the city,
which gives pedestrians a head start against right -turning vehicles when crossing
b. Installation of a pedestrian scramble at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland, which
stops traffic in all four -directions during pedestrian crossing.
c. Installation of curb extensions along Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in their HIN, which reduces
the crossing distance for pedestrians, narrows the intersections, and reduces speed for turning
vehicles.
San Francisco's Vision Zero Categories:
1. Engineering — implement treatments and redesign streets to reduce the frequency and severity
of collisions (i.e. using/implementing: high injury network maps, signal timing, high
visibility crosswalks, bus stop lengths, etc.)
2. Enforcement — use data driven approach to cite and focus on violations of the California
Vehicular Code and S.F. Transportation Code that identify as causative in severe and fatal
collisions (i.e. explore implementation of E -citation Pilot, reporting on traffic collision data,
police training, etc.)
z http://visionzeronetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/VZ-map-April-20-2016-4.ipR
3 http://www.000mag.com/magazine/vision-zero-san-francisco/0685197001423594455?short
4 http://visionzerosf.org/vision-zero-in-action/engineering-streets-for-safety/
5 http://visionzerosf.org/vision-zero-in-action/public-policy-for-change/
6 http://Iadot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=488062f00db44efOa29bf481aa337cb3
http://visionzero.Iacity.org/actions/
A-10
3. Education — coordinate among city departments to create citywide strategy for outreach and
safety programs, such as Safe Routes to Schools. (i.e. education campaign includes — Safe
Streets SF, large vehicle safe driving for municipal vehicles, etc.)
4. Evaluation — evaluate the impact of engineering, enforcement, education and policy efforts to
provide recommendations for refinement (i.e. use of web -based data sharing and tracking
systems for transparency and accountability).
5. Policy — support and mobilize local and state policy initiatives that advance Vision Zero (i.e.
Advance Automated Safety Enforcement initiative at the state level, in -vehicle technology
usage, partnering with state and federal agencies on administrative and legal issues, etc.)
In its annual reporting, the City has established the following measures for successful
benchmarks:
• Decreasing total severe and fatal injuries
• Decreasing the proportion of severe and fatal injuries in communities of concern to
address social inequities
• Decreasing medical costs at SF General Hospital relating to collisions
• Increasing the number of engineering projects and miles of streets receiving safety
improvements
• Decreasing the speeds on SF streets
• Increasing investigation and prosecution of vehicular manslaughter
• Increasing public awareness of Vision Zero and traffic safety laws
• Increasing policy changes made at the state and local levels to advance Vision Zero
Toward Zero Deaths — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within the United States
Department of Transportation (USDOT) is committed to the vision of eliminating fatalities and
serious injuries on national roadways. FHWA has a strategic goal of ensuring the "nation's
highway system provides safe, reliable, effective, and sustainable mobility for all users."g It is
essentially the national version of Vision Zero administered primarily through the Highway
Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).
At the state level, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has a mission to "effectively and
efficiently administer traffic safety grant funds to reduce traffic deaths, injuries, and economic
losses."9 They make available grants to local and state public agencies for traffic law
enforcement, public traffic safety education, and other programs aimed at reducing fatalities,
injuries, and economic loss from collisions.
Support: City of Fremont, City of Los Angeles, City of Sacramento, City of San Francisco, City
of San Jose, City of Santa Monica, and City of West Hollywood
Opposition: One individual
Fiscal Impact: Unknown. The costs to any particular city can vary tremendously depending on
the level and scope of investment any particular city would seek to make. For example, the City
of San Francisco has Vision Zero project costs ranging from $30,000 for pedestrian safety
treatments up to $12,000,000 for a Streetscape project. The cost of any particular effort could be
well below, above, and anywhere between those ranges for Vision Zero implementation.
8 http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/tzd/
9 http://www.ots.ca.gov/OTS and Traffic Safety/About OTS.asp
10
A-11
Comment:
1) Policy committee committee members are encouraged to consider carefully how the adoption of the
resolved clause in this resolution may affect the League's future policy when it comes to
advocating for transportation funding and other existing priorities. While the clause
"encouraging cities throughout California to join in these traffic safety initiatives to pursue
the elimination of death and severe injury crashes on our roadways" provides an opportunity
to highlight strategies that can be considered to improve transportation safety, two other
aspects of the resolved appear to establish new policy for the organization in that it would
"commit" the League to:
• Supporting Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, and other programs, policies, or
initiatives that prioritize transportation safety.
• Encouraging the State to consider adopting transportation safety as a top priority
for transportation projects and policy formulation.
2) Effects of various strategies to improve transportation safety can vary. According to an article
published in the San Francisco Chronicle on March 26, 2016, deaths in San Francisco traffic
were not falling despite Vision Zero efforts.10 The article notes that there were seven deaths
in 2016, while there was only one in the first 10 weeks of 2015 and seven in 2014 during the
same period. The San Francisco Department of Public Health commented that despite these
incidents, it's too early to make any conclusions about Vision Zero's effectiveness. In Los
Angeles, however, the city has cited significant decreases in severe and fatal injuries with
implementation of certain technologies, such as installation of pedestrian scrambles. The
success of Vision Zero in any particular city will likely depend on the level of investment and
scope of the project(s) as the projects can vary widely.
3) In the fifth "Whereas" clause from the top, the word "principal" should be "principle."
Existing Lenue Policy: "The League supports additional funding for local transportation and other
critical unmet infrastructure needs. One of the League's priorities is to support a consistent and
continuous appropriation of new monies from various sources directly to cities and counties for the
preservation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the local street and road system. New and additional
revenues should meet the following policies:
• System Preservation and Maintenance. Given the substantial needs for all modes of transportation, a
significant portion of new revenues should be focused on system preservation. Once the system has
been brought to a state of good repair, revenues for maintenance of the system would be reduced to a
level that enables sufficient recurring maintenance.
• Commitment to Efficiency. Priority should be given to using and improving current systems.
Recipients of revenues should incorporate operational improvements and new technology in projects.
• All Users Based System. New revenues should be borne by all users of the system from the
traditional personal vehicle that relies solely on gasoline, to those with new hybrid or electric
technology, to commercial vehicles moving goods in the state, and even transit, bicyclists, and
pedestrians who also benefit from the use of an integrated transportation network.
• Alternative Funding Mechanisms. Given that new technologies continue to improve the efficiency of
many types of transportation methods, transportation stakeholders must be open to new alternative
funding mechanisms. Further, the goal of reducing greenhouse gases is also expected to affect vehicle
miles traveled, thus further reduce gasoline consumption and revenue from the existing gas tax. The
10 http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Deaths-in-S-F-traffic-not-falling-despite-Vision-7182486.php
11 A-12
existing user based fee, such as the base $0.18 -cent gas tax is a declining revenue source.
Collectively, we must have the political will to push for sustainable transportation revenues.
• Unified Statewide Solution. For statewide revenues, all transportation stakeholders must stand united
in the search for new revenues. Any new statewide revenues should address the needs of the entire
statewide transportation network, focused in areas where there is defensible and documented need.
• Equity. New revenues should be distributed in an equitable manner, benefiting both the north and
south and urban, suburban, and rural areas as well as being equally split between state and local
projects.
• Flexibility. Needs vary from region to region and city to city. New revenues and revenue authority
should provide the flexibility for the appropriate level of government to meet the goals of the
constituents.
• Accountability. All tax dollars should be spent properly, and recipients of new revenues should be
held accountable to the taxpayers, whether at the state or local level." u
Additionally, the League adopted to "Increase Funding for Critical Transportation and Water
Infrastructure" as its number one strategic goal for 2016. It reads, "Provide additional state and federal
financial assistance and new local financing tools to help meet the critical transportation (streets, bridges,
active transportation, and transit) and water (supply, sewer, storm water, flood control, etc.) infrastructure
maintenance and construction needs throughout California's cities." 12
11 htto://www.cacities.org/Resources-Documents/Policv-Advocacv-Section/Policv-Development/2016-Summar
of-Existing- Policv-and-Guiding-Princi.aspx
12 http://www.cacities.org/Secondary/About-Us/Strategic-Priorities
12 A-13
LETTERS OF CONCURRENCE
Resolution No. 1
VISION ZERO
13 A-14
—♦ Office of the Mayor
Fr��6nt 3300 Capitol Avenue, Building A P.O. Box 5006, Fremont, CA 94537-5006
510 284-4011 ph 1 510 284-4001 fax I www.fremont.gov
July 21, 2016
The Honorable Dennis Michael, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: A RESOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF INITITIAVES TO PRIOIRITZE TRAFFIC SAFEY THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA
Dear President Michael,
The City of Fremont enthusiastically endorses the proposed resolution to support the implementation of
initiatives to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on our roadways. Fremont is among the early
adopters of the Vision Zero traffic safety strategy. With City Council's approval of our Fremont Vision
Zero 2020 action plan in March 2016, we are already seeing the benefits of building a safety first culture
in our community.
I strongly encourage other California cities to join a growing coalition of support for Vision Zero.
Accordingly, we concur in the submission of the resolution for consideration by the League of Cities
General Assembly at its annual meeting on October 5, 2016.
Traffic fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015 and is estimated to have exceeded 35,000
people. This is about double the average of peer nations and must be addressed. Safety of our
residents and visitors is paramount and this is especially true on the roads and streets of our cities. We
must put safety as the top priority for all users of our streets. It is fundamental for the prosperity of
California cities as safe, efficient, organized transportation systems are essential for economically
vibrant and sustainable communities.
The City of Fremont has embraced Vision Zero and we are in strong support of expanded transportation
safety in California cities and support the proposed Resolution.
Sincerely,
,_B� �
Bill Harrison
Mayor
14 A-15
IIF
17
lip!
//lose:. ........ .
CITY HALL
LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90012
August 2, 2016
The Honorable Dennis Michael
President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: League of California Cities Resolution Supporting Initiatives to Prioritize Traffic Safety
Dear President Michael:
We write in support of the proposed resolution to support the adoption and implementation of
Vision Zero initiatives throughout California to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries. Vision Zero
and Towards Zero Deaths strategies have been adopted in cities throughout California,
including the City of Los Angeles. Accordingly, we concur in the submission of the resolution for
consideration by the League of Cities General Assembly at its annual meeting on October 5,
2016.
Every year, more than 200 people are killed while trying to move around Los Angeles. Nearly
half of the people who die on Los Angeles streets are people walking and bicycling, and an
alarming number of them are children and older adults. The safety of our residents and visitors
is paramount. If we can realize Vision Zero throughout California, children will be safer walking
to school, families will be safer going to the park, and commuters will be safer getting to work.
The City of Los Angeles adopted Vision Zero as part of its Transportation Strategic Plan, and an
executive directive was issued in 2015 directing its implementation. We are in strong support of
Vision Zero in California, and we support the proposed Resolution.
Sincerely,
ERIC GARCETTI JOE BUSCAINO
Mayor Councilmember, 15th District
League of California Cities Representative
15 A-16
OFFICE OF THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO
CITY COUNCIL
CALIFORNIA
JAY SCHENIRER
COUNCILMEMBER
DISTRICT FIVE July 27, 2016
The Honorable Dennis Michael, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: RESOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INITIATIVES TO PRIORITIZE TRAFFIC SAFETY
THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA
Dear President Michael,
The City of Sacramento supports the proposed resolution to support the adoption and
implementation of initiatives to prioritize transportation safety toward eliminating death and severe
injuries on our roadways. Vision Zero and Towards Zero Deaths strategies have been adopted in
many cities and Sacramento is currently developing its own Vision Zero Action Plan.
Accordingly, we concur in the submission of the resolution for consideration by the League of Cities
General Assembly at its annual meeting on October 5, 2016.
Traffic fatalities in America hit a seven -,year high in 2015 and are estimated to have exceeded
35,000 people. This is about double the average of peer nations and must be addressed. Safety of
our residents and visitors is paramount and this is especially true on roads and streets of our cities.
We must put safety as a top priority for all users of our streets. It is fundamental for prosperity of
California cities as safety, efficient, organized transportation systems are essential for economically
vibrant and sustainable communities.
The City of Sacramento is in strong support of prioritized and expanded transportation safety in
California cities and supports the proposed Resolution.
Sincerely,
Jay Scheni er, ou cii Member
Chair, Law lation Committee
915 I STREET 5" FLOOR, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814-2604 A-1 7
PH 916-808-7005 • FAX 916-264-7680 • jschenirer@cityofsacramento.org
THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO
August 9, 2o16
The Honorable Dennis Michael, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear President Michael:
RE: A resolution of the league of California Cities Supporting the Adoption and
Implementation of Initiatives to Prioritize Traffic Safety throughout California
The City of San Diego Transportation & Storm Water Department supports the proposed
resolution to support the adoption and implementation of initiatives to eliminate death and
severe injuries on our roadways. Vision Zero and Towards Zero Deaths strategies have been
adopted in numerous cities throughout California, including the City of San Diego
(Attachment 1). Accordingly, we concur in the submission of the resolution for consideration
by the League of Cities General Assembly at its annual meeting on October 5, 2o16.
Traffic fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015 and is estimated to have exceeded
35,000 people. This is about double the average of peer nations and must be addressed.
Safety of our residents and visitors is paramount and this is especially true on the roads and
streets of our cities. We must put safety as the top priority for all users of our streets. It is
fundamental for the prosperity of California cities as safe, efficient, organized transportation
systems are essential for economically vibrant and sustainable communities.
The City of San Diego Transportation & Storm Water Department has embraced Vision
Zero/Towards Zero Death and I am in strong support of expanded transportation safety in
California cities and support the proposed Resolution.
Sincerely,
Kris McFadden
Director
Attachment: A Resolution of the Council of the City of San Diego Adopting a Vision Zero
Plan to Eliminate Traffic Fatalities and Serious Injuries in the Next Ten Years
cc: Katherine Johnston, Director of Infrastructure and Budget Policy, Office of the Mayor
Kristin Tillquist, Director of State Government Affairs, Office of the Mayor
Vic Bianes, Assistant Director, Transportation & Storm Water Department
Linda Marabian, Deputy Director, Traffic Engineering Operations
Transportation & Storm Water Department
r 202 C Street, 9th Floor? IAS 9A • San Diego, CA 92101 A-1 8
Tel (619) 236.6594 Fax (619) 236.6510
(R-2016-155)
RESOLUTION NUMBER R- 310042
DATE OF FINAL PASSAGE NOV 0-..3 2015
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
DIEGO ADOPTING A VISION ZERO PLAN TO ELIMINATE
TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE
NEXT TEN YEARS.
WHEREAS, on average one person each day is seriously injured or killed on the road
while walking, bicycling, or driving the streets of San Diego; and,
WHEREAS, the City has adopted numerous studies and plans that outline design
concepts to improve safety for people walking and biking in the City including a Pedestrian
Master Plan and Bicycle Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the City of San Diego's draft Climate Action Plan proposes to achieve 50
percent of commuter mode share for walking, biking and transit use in transit priority areas by
2050 and safer conditions for walking and biking can help implement this Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the City will increase in population by approximately 30 percent by 2050
and the majority of growth will result from infill development thereby increasing demand for
safe walking and bicycling; and,
WHEREAS, communities in San Diego have prioritized infrastructure projects that
improve walking and biking safety among other project types as represented by the Community
Planning Committee report to Infrastructure Committee in November 2013; and,
WHEREAS, the City incurs costs to respond to lawsuits alleging the City's failure to
provide safer streets; and,
and,
WHEREAS, restoring infrastructure in the City is a priority of the Council and Mayor;
-PAGE 1 OF 3-
18 A-19
(R-2016-155)
WHEREAS, Vision Zero provides a framework for reducing traffic deaths to zero
through a combination of safe engineering measures, education, and enforcement practices; and,
WHEREAS, Vision Zero has been adopted in many cities throughout the country, most
notably in New York City which has seen the lowest number of pedestrian fatalities in its first
year of implementation since documentation began in 1910; and,
WHEREAS, Circulate San Diego is convening an Advisory Committee to advance
Vision Zero Goals; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of San Diego, that it hereby adopts a goal
of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2025; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of San Diego, that it urges
City staff from the Mayor's office, Transportation and Stonnwater Department, San Diego
Police Department, and a representative of the City's Bicycle Advisory Committee to attend
meetings of Circulate San Diego's Vision Zero Advisory Committee for a limited time to
develop a traffic safety plan that will help the City reach the goal of zero traffic deaths and
serious injuries; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the traffic safety plan will be guided by innovative
engineering solutions to improve road safety for all users, especially the most vulnerable; will
measure and evaluate performance aiuivally; and will include enforcement and education
strategies to prevent the most dangerous behaviors that cause public harm, especially along the
corridors where collisions are most frequent.
-PAGE 2 OF 3-
19
A-20
(R-2016-155)
APPROVED: JAN I. GOLDSMITH, City Attorney
By
Thomas C. ele
Deputy City Attu
TCZ:cfq
September 24, 2015
Or.Dept:Envir. Comm.
Doe. No.: 1116742
I certify that the fomi \,getion was passed by the Council of the City of San Diego, at this
meeting of �3
Approved:
date)
Vetoed:
(date) KEVIN L. FAULCONER, Mayor
-PAGE 3 OF 3-
20 A-21
Passed by the Council of The City
of San Diego on
OCT 2 7 201
, by the foll,"wing vote:
Councilmernbers
Yeas
Nays Not Present Recused
Sherri Lightner
❑
❑
❑
Lorie Zapf
❑
❑
❑
Todd Gloria
❑
❑
❑
Myrtle Cole
❑
Mark Kersey
❑
❑
❑
Chris Cate
❑
❑
❑
Scott Sherman
❑
❑
❑
David Alvarez
❑
❑
V
❑
Marti Emerald
❑
❑
❑
Date of final passage NOV 0-12915
(Please note: When a resolution is approved by the Mayor, the date of final, passage is the date the
approved resolution i'vas returned to the Office of the Cite Clerk,)
AUTHENTICATED BY:
(Seal)
KEVIN L. FAULCONER
Mayor of The City of San Diego, California.
HINWEI'M Diego, California.
00
Deputy
Office of the City Clerk, San Diego, California
Resolution Number R- .110 D 4.2-
21 2-
2, A-22
couNrro�
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR o®�
SAN FRANCISCO N
w r
Olb�s, a ..0 $
August 1, 2016
The Honorable Dennis Michael
President, League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
EDWIN M. LEE
MAYOR
Re: Resolution of the League of California Cities Supporting the Adoption and
Implementation of Initiatives to Prioritize Traffic Safety Throughout California
Dear President Michael,
On behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, I am writing to express my support for the
proposed resolution to support the adoption and implementation of initiatives to eliminate death
and severe injuries on our roadways. Vision Zero and Towards Zero Deaths strategies have
been adopted in numerous cities throughout California including San Francisco, San Jose, San
Mateo, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica. Accordingly, I encourage
the submission of the resolution to support Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, and other
initiatives that make traffic safety a priority, which will be considered by the League of Cities
General Assembly at its annual meeting on October 5, 2016.
Every year in San Francisco, approximately 30 people lose their lives and over 200 more are
seriously injured while traveling on our streets. These deaths and injuries are unacceptable and
preventable, and the City is strongly committed to stopping further loss of life. San Francisco
adopted Vision Zero as a policy in 2014, committing to build better and safer streets, educate
the public on traffic safety, enforce traffic laws, and adopt policy changes that save lives. Our
goal is to create a culture that prioritizes traffic safety and to ensure that mistakes on our
roadways do not result in serious injuries or deaths. The safety of our residents and the over 18
million visitors that use our streets each year is paramount, and the same holds true for cities
across the California, which need safe, efficient, and organized transportation systems to
support economically vibrant and sustainable communities.
The City and County of San Francisco has embraced Vision Zero, and I am in strong support of
expanded transportation safety in California cities and, in turn, the proposed Resolution.
Sincerely,
AEdwinLe
y
1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 200
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94102-4681
TELEPHONE: (415) 554-6141
22
A-23
_
City of
Santa Monica°
July 21, 2016
Mayor Tony Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tempore Ted Winterer
Councilmembers
Gleam Davis
Sue Himmelrich
Kevin McKeown
Pam O'Connor
Terry O'Day
The Honorable Dennis Michael, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CONSIDERATION OF INITITIAVES TO PRIOIRITZE TRAFFIC SAFEY THROUGHOUT
CALIFORNIA
Dear President Michael:
The City of Santa Monica supports initiatives to eliminate death and severe injuries on our roadways. Vision Zero and Towards
Zero Deaths strategies have been adopted in numerous cities throughout California, leading to the submission of the resolution
for consideration by the League of Cities General Assembly at its annual meeting on October 5, 2016.
The City of Santa Monica embraced Secretary Anthony Foxx's Mayor's Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets in March 2015.
Simultaneously, the Council directed staff to initiate work on Vision Zero and 8-80 cities — a movement created by Gil Penalosa,
to make cities that work for people aged 8 to 80. Combined, these two efforts aim to create streets that are safe and
comfortable for people in all modes and of all abilities. In February 2016 the Santa Monica City Council adopted a Vision Zero
target in our first Pedestrian Action Plan. We are now actively working to incorporate these visionary targets into City
operations.
Our City cares deeply about the safety of our people, and their ability to access good, services, education, social networks and
employment. Creating a New Model for Mobility is one of the Council's Five Strategic Goals, identified to organize and advance
work on our top priorities. A safe mobility network supports our urgent need to provide transportation options that reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and provide equitable access to places and activities that support community Wellbeing. Reducing
and ultimately eliminating severe injury and fatal crashes part of a resilient, safe and prosperous community.
Traffic fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015 and is estimated to have exceeded 35,000 people. This is about double
the average of peer nations and must be addressed. Safety of our residents and visitors is paramount and this is especially true
on the roads and streets of our cities. We must put safety as the top priority for all users of our streets. It is fundamental for
the prosperity of California cities as safe, efficient, organized transportation systems are essential for economically vibrant and
sustainable communities.
The City of Santa Monica has embraced Vision Zero/Towards Zero Deaths and I am in strong support of expanded
transportation safety in California cities.
Sincerely,
(azquez
Tony
Mayor
1685 Main Street . PO Box 2200 e Santa Monica e CA 90407-2200
tel: 310 458-8201 . fax: 310 458-1621 a e-mail: council@smgov.net
A-24
.®... ®..A.
Ku
CC®.
CITY or
no
.Ilywa d
WIST HURYWOOD
cCity
ama eaa
CITY HALL
83€10 SANTA MoxleA BLVD.
July 21, 2016
WOT Hoi.LYwow, CA
90069-6216
TEL: (323) 848-6460
The Honorable L. Dennis Michael, President
FAx:(323) 848-6562
League of California Cities
1400 K Street
OFFICE OF THE
Sacramento, California 95814
CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF INITITIAVES TO PRIOIRITZE TRAFFIC SAFEY THROUGHOUT
PAULAREvALO
CITY MANAGER
CALIFORNIA - SUPPORT
Dear President Michael:
The City of West Hollywood supports the proposed resolution to support the adoption
and implementation of initiatives to eliminate death and severe injuries on our roadways.
Vision Zero and Towards Zero Deaths strategies have been adopted in numerous cities
throughout California. Accordingly, we concur in the submission of the resolution for
consideration by the League of Cities General Assembly at its annual meeting on October
5, 2016.
Traffic fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015, and it is estimated to have
exceeded 35,000 people. This is about double the average of peer nations and must be
addressed. Safety of our residents and visitors is paramount and this is especially true on
the roads and streets of our cities. We must put safety as the top priority for all users of
our streets. It is fundamental for the prosperity of California cities as safe, efficient,
organized transportation systems are essential for economically vibrant and sustainable
communities.
The City of West Hollywood is in strong support of expanded transportation safety in
California cities and support the proposed Resolution.
Sincerely,
jw�
Paul Arevalo,
CITY MANAGER
c: Honorable Members of the West Hollywood City Council
0
Na���oo0 24 A_25®