Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Telecommute options for workers in San Mateo County
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution encouraging employers to offer eligible employees in San Mateo County the option to telecommute to protect and advance environmental air quality and ease traffic congestion in San Mateo County.
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BACKGROUND:
In San Mateo County, the majority of air pollutants have been due to the high concentration vehicle transmissions on Highway 101. On a given work day, over 400,000 workers commute into, out of, and within San Mateo County. The majority of workplaces, including San Mateo County’s largest employer - Facebook - have implemented plans for permanent remote work.
DISCUSSION:
The air quality of San Mateo County has suffered considerably due to the high amount of employees commuting to and from work. Air quality has, however, exhibited major improvement in the Bay Area due to the majority of workers working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to this, the majority of workplaces in San Mateo County and in the Bay Area, have implemented long-term work-from-home plans and/or have found that work-from-home has proven successful.
The noticeable improvement in air quality and traffic congestion for the San Mateo County and the Bay Area due to telecommuting in the COVID-19 pandemic has been profound. We must protect and continue to advance air quality in San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.