Approval to submit the Salem-Keizer Regional Scenario Plan to the State Department of Land Conservation and Development as required by the State’s Climate Friendly and Equitable Community rules. Ward(s): All Wards Councilor(s): All Councilors Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods Result Area(s): Natural Environment Stewardship; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure; Strong and Diverse Economy; Welcoming and Livable Community.

The City Council is asked to approve the submission of the Salem-Keizer Regional Scenario Plan to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). This plan is mandated by the State’s Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) rules, aiming to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) from light-duty vehicles by 30% from 2005 levels by 2050.

The Preferred Scenario outlined in the plan is projected to achieve a 32% VMT reduction by 2050, exceeding the state target. Key strategies include:

• Transit: Increasing bus-equivalent service to 28.6 miles per capita by 2050 (a 176% increase from 2021 levels), incorporating Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and expanded coverage.
• Active Transportation: Shifting 15% of short drive-alone trips to walking, biking, or other active modes through investments in protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and crossings.
• Parking: Implementing new paid parking in downtown Salem effective July 2025, with an anticipated regional average daily cost of $7.51 for paid locations by 2050.
• Land Use: Leveraging existing plans, like Salem's "Our Salem" project, to encourage higher-density, mixed-use development, particularly in designated Climate-Friendly Areas (CFAs).
• Transportation Options (TDM): Doubling employee participation in TDM programs to 49% of all workers and introducing household-based programs for 36% of households by 2050.

The plan also addresses equity by prioritizing investments in underserved neighborhoods and estimates a total funding need of $4.2 billion for full implementation, requiring significant local, state, and federal support. Progress will be tracked annually through performance measures and reports to DLCD.