Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Carole Groom, District 2
Subject: Cut the Commute Pledge
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution calling for employers in San Mateo County to sign the cut the commute pledge to extend remote work options for employees beyond the Shelter-In-Place Order prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BACKGROUND:
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is asking San Mateo County to sign the Cut the Commute Pledge to extend remote work options for employees and maintain our air quality progress even after shelter-in-place orders are eased.
According to the BAAQMD:
The clean air we have experienced since the Bay Area was ordered to shelter in place on March 16 is due, in part, to the accompanying dramatic reduction in vehicle traffic on our roads.
Transportation is the #1 source of air pollution in the region and taking cars off the road significantly improves the quality of our air. Allowing employees to work from home can be a big part of the solution to keeping our skies blue.
Teleworking benefits include:
• Reduced traffic congestion
• Cost savings for employers and employees
• Improved employee recruitment and retention
• Improved work-life balance
• Increased ability to effectively continue business as a part of a disaster
recovery or emergency plan
PROJECT SUMMARY:
By signing the Cut the Commute Pledge, employers vow to extend remote work options by at least 25 percent for employees whose work requirements allow for that flexibility. Employers also commit to include a formalized remote work policy as a component of their employee benefits package to improve air quality and quality of life for all Bay Area residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.