On April 6, City staff will present the Equitable Carbon-Free Transportation Roadmap (the “Roadmap”) to City Council, outlining the path to carbon-free emissions from the transportation sector by 2050. Pulling together transportation equity and climate action initiatives outlined in the various City plans, this Roadmap creates one coordinated plan to achieve the City’s greenhouse gas emission goals and create a healthy living environment that effectively engages all members of our community to create diverse, innovation solutions. Expanding on the City’s adopted goals from the Envision Longmont, Sustainability, Enhanced Multi-Use Corridor (EMUC), and Main Street Plans, the creation and execution of this Roadmap is funded by the Boulder County Sustainability tax through the Boulder County Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant. 

The Roadmap focuses on five goals for carbon reduction, equity and transportation:

• Reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 69% in 2050
• Reduce transportation-related fuels consumption by 33% by 2050
• Increase equitable access to transportation infrastructure for all segments of the community
• Prioritize the construction of missing links to connect bicycle and pedestrian facilities citywide to allow a broader choice of safe ways to travel other than by car 
• Educate and provide funding to enhance the overall safety of the transportation system for all users

Three base strategies and four equity priorities guide and shape the Roadmap to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals while building community support and inclusion.

Each of the following base strategies focus on reducing vehicle emissions and their impact:

1. Shorten and reduce the number of trips 
2. Shift transportation modes 
3. Reduce direct vehicle emissions 

The following four equity priorities were identified through community engagement and outreach conducted in July of 2020 as part of the Roadmap:

1. Connect: Ensure connectivity and visibility of services and transportation modes for all
2. Include: Build greater inclusion of various languages, cultures and abilities in the development and implementation of projects
3. Reduce Barriers: Address cost burdens and eliminate barriers around reliable and continuous access to programs and job opportunities
4. Safety: Identify and resolve actual and perceived safety concerns

The Roadmap highlights where these priorities have been a focus in past City efforts and where they should grow in the future. Expanding on these equity priorities builds community understanding, promotes inclusion and works towards creating a resilient, sustainable and carbon-free Longmont for all while guiding work across city departments with residents, businesses, developers and partners throughout the region and state. The Roadmap serves as the initial recommendation on how to create an inclusive, carbon-free, and healthy community. Ongoing research, pilot projects and re-evaluation of next steps will need to occur for Longmont to continue to be a leader in an ever-changing field of technology and best practices. 

The Equitable Carbon-Free Transportation Road Map is included in the April 6 City Council packet and will be available on the City’s website after the April 6 meeting. All City Council and study session meetings are being held virtually during the pandemic. For instructions on viewing and participating in virtual City Council meetings, please visit longmontcolorado.gov/departments/city-council/city-council-meetings.