Research & Innovation

TRS: Culture Building and Behavior Change Strategies for VMT Reduction

Summary:

The detrimental impacts of climate change are scientifically documented and widely recognized, and the transportation sector is the number one source of carbon pollution in Minnesota and the US. In 2007, Governor Pawlenty signed a Next Generation Energy Act that set statutory goals to reduce GHG emissions in the state by 30% by 2025 (from 2005 levels) and by 80% by 2050, but Minnesota is not on track to meet the 2025 goal. In 2019, Governor Walz signed the Climate Change Executive Order that established a Climate Change Subcabinet. Today the Our Minnesota Climate, a multi-agency initiative, focuses on putting Minnesota back on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. In 2019, MnDOT issued a Pathways to Decarbonizing Transportation report, which led to convening a Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council (STAC). The STAC recommended adopting a statewide goal of reducing VMT by 20% by 2050. This research project was initiated by MnDOT to identify factors and strategies that drive behavior and culture change. This information will help inform communication, market research, and engagement efforts to advance the20% per capita VMT reduction target.

Final Deliverables:

• TRS: Culture Building and Behavior Change Strategies for Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction (Synthesis #TRS2501)

Related Materials:

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator:  Stefanie Brodie
Technical Liaison:  Kristina Heggedal
Project Coordinator:  Brent Rusco
Panel Members: 
    Adam Wood - 
    Alexandra de Alcuaz - Transportation System Management
    Emma Struss - City of Bloomington and STAC Member
    Gloria Jeff - Bolton & Menk
    Jimmy Shoemaker - City of St. Paul
    Kelly Corbin - Transit and Active Transportation
    Mary Safgren - District 4
    Matthew Upgren - District 2
    Mindy Granley - City of Duluth and STAC Member
    Mitzi Alex - Toole Design
    Nathan Lassila - Communications & Public Engagmt
    Nick Lemmer - City of Rochester, Public Transit
    Samuel Parker - District 7
    Sarah Petersen - MnDOT
    Stephanie Castellanos - District 3
    Tara Olds - Research and Innovation
    William Van Koevering - District 3