Driving Less, Accessing More: Strategies and Communications Tools

Since the beginning of the auto age, governments have typically assumed that the number of vehicles using their roadways will continue increasing over time, and have planned their communities to accommodate and sometimes even encourage that growth in traffic. The climate crisis demands a 180 degree pivot. We now recognize that reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is key to meeting emissions reductions goals at all levels of government- but how do we do it?
There is much to learn from the successes and challenges of agencies that are leading in VMT reduction. MnDOT’s approach to VMT reduction seeks to improve quality of life for all Minnesotans with a transportation system that supports everyone safely traveling where they want, when they want, regardless of disability, age, income, or other status. We will describe how MnDOT developed VMT reduction strategies that maximize social, economic, and environmental benefits, and how we created a toolkit to communicate the strategies internally, with partner agencies, and with the public. Participants will learn how we are navigating challenges related to organizational culture, structure, policies, and budgets. They will leave full of ideas for contributing to VMT reduction in their own communities.