Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Policy Update

About

Culver City is developing an update to its existing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Ordinance. This update will help provide a variety of goals, strategies, and tools for developers, employers, and residents to increase their travel options, along with a suite of supports to help applicable properties in doing so. 

Group of people at a public information session.

What is TDM?

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a people‑focused approach to transportation that helps make better use of the streets, sidewalks, and transit we already have. Rather than building new infrastructure, TDM uses programs, incentives, information, and coordination to make it easier and more attractive for people to travel without driving alone. In partnership with employers and developers, TDM supports options like walking, biking, transit, carpooling, and vanpooling by reducing common barriers such as cost, information gaps, and trip‑planning challenges.

Why is this being implemented?

A TDM policy that includes strategies and incentives for a larger group of eligible entities has numerous benefits:

  • Talent & Marketability: Offers mobility benefits people value when choosing workplaces, residences, or sites of development.
  • Cost Savings: Reduces parking pressures and long‑term site costs for developers as well as tenants.
  • Reliable access: Keeps employees, customers, and goods moving efficiently.
  • Safety: Lower traffic volumes help create safer streets.
  • Sustainability: Supports a cleaner, healthier environment.
  • Social & Governance: Helps organizations demonstrate leadership and corporate responsibility while developing more transparent relationships with the City to assist in their transportation challenges.

What is the current ordinance?

Culver City’s current TDM Policy was adopted in 2000, and provides guidance on how non-residential development can incorporate strategies to reduce car dependence. This policy does not address residential development or employers. Current Culver City TDM Ordinance.

What will this process entail?

This process will address the following:

  • Updating the City’s long‑standing TDM ordinance for the first time in 20+ years.
  • Clarifying expectations to make the process predictable, consistent, and effective.
  • Developing tools and supports to help developers and employers with a streamlined, predictable process for TDM program participation.
  • Supporting employees and residents in not needing to depend on their car to get around

Who TDM is applicable for, as well as what kinds of strategies will be available, are in development. 

Questions & Answers:

Will the adoption of a new TDM Ordinance & Policy result in major infrastructure projects?

No. The TDM Ordinance is a policy to help developers and employers encourage less solo car travel from their tenants and employees. This will not result in the redevelopment of streets or other major transportation infrastructure within Culver City. The maximum extent of infrastructure would be through minor additions such as on-site wayfinding signage. 

 

 

If new rules are made, will every development and employer have the same requirements?

No. This project is primarily about incentives to help developments and employers participate in programs that encourage less solo car use. Where there are requirements, different projects and companies will have varying requirements (if any) depending on their context-specific considerations.

 

 

Has this been implemented elsewhere?

TDM is a popular mechanism used in addition to other transportation-related interventions to address how people travel and has been used in neighboring cities. Every program is unique and tailored to the needs of their community. Such cities include:

  • Santa Monica
  • West Hollywood
  • Pasadena
  • Burbank
  • Glendale
  • Los Angeles

 

 

 

 

 

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