Incorporating infrastructure and vehicle technology requirements, changes in demand, and Decarbonization policies’ considerations into freight planning

This report develops an equitable and sustainable freight-oriented LU
methodology to support future planning activities, enabling the
integration of freight activity across urban, suburban, and rural areas
and facilitating the transition of heavy- and medium-duty vehicles toward
zero-emission. The methods include a literature review to identify freight
sustainable strategies, policy analysis at different scales,
characterization of local context, and demand/supply patterns. The
latter examines the spatial distribution and land use
characteristics of freight facilities and retail/service sectors in the
Sacramento region to inform sustainable and equitable planning strategies.
This analysis identifies co-location patterns, accessibility gaps, and
sectoral interactions using a multi-dimensional approach integrating
spatial clustering, distance analysis, population-employment dynamics, and
environmental burdens. Data sources include LODES, ACS, CalEnviroScreen,
and OpenStreetMap, alongside geospatial tools in R. The findings suggest
the need for targeted interventions to address potential conflicts,
service deserts, and environmental justice concerns. The study proposes
actionable strategies for planners to support balanced economic
development and improve access to essential services.