Policies and Objectives

The VSCCC's 2003-2008 strategic plan goals and objectives indicate the issues our organization wishes to tackle and our approach to doing so. The following will indicate how we will (1) expand AFV-use within specific niche markets, (2) get our message out and provide important tools and information to stakeholders, (3) approach public policy objectives, and (4) financially sustain our organization.

NICHE MARKETS (VEHICLES AND INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY)
The VSCCC has identified five primary niche markets that will have the greatest impact on air quality and alternative fuel use. They include:
1. Refuse Fleets
2. School Buses
3. Municipal Fleets
4. Utility Fleets
5. Airport Fleet - shuttles, taxis, cargo delivery, GSE, etc.
The following goals and objectives will support the niche market and infrastructure development:
Goal: Increase Total AFVs 25% by 2008 in stakeholder fleets.
Objective #1 - Link with automakers, after market engine providers, and their local dealers.
Seek the support and participation of all AFV automakers and their local dealerships. This is commonly the missing link in Clean Cities Coalitions. Through Coalition participation automakers can market existing and new products, address operations issues, discuss current purchase incentives and overall come face to face with their AFV customers. This relationship will not only be important for the auto delaer and their sales but also for their customers represented in the Coalitions membership.
Objective #2 - Familiarize fleets with alternative fuels
Through fleet events (Advancing the Choice, AFV Days, etc.) the VSCCC will attempt to familiarize fleets with various alternative fuels, vehicle availability, and refueling station options. The vehicle and infrastructure committee will address training issues and support technical information exchange to familiarize fleet maintenance technician with the differences of vehicle technology. We will also develop an AFV User Awareness program to provide general non-technical AFV information to the day-to-day AFV operator.
Objective #3 - Add stakeholder fleets
Our stakeholder growth goals will increase AFVs operated by stakeholder fleets.
Objective #4 - Support additional AFV deployment by stakeholders
As a Coalition, we'll encourage and facilitate further deployment fo AFVs by stakeholder fleets
Goal: Increase alternative fuel use by stakeholder fleets to 20.000,000 gallons per year by 2008
Objective #1 - Additional fueling facilities - Public and Private
Work with stakeholder and fuel provider companies to deploy additional natural gas, propane, biodiesel, electric, and other emerging clean fuel fueling facilities. Focus on opportunities to increase public-access facilities.
Objective #2 - Internal alternative fuel-use requirements
Increase the number of stakeholders who commit to self-imposed fuel-use goals and strategies. Utilize successful examples from stakeholder fleets as models.
Objective #3 - High-fuel use fleets
Target outreach and market development efforts on high-fuel use fleets including school buses, refuse, taxicabs, police, and airport transportation
Objective #4 - Key Grants
Focus our grant writing efforts at projects that will have the greatest fuel displacement and air quality benefits. This will support our goal of displacing 20,000,000 gallons of petroleum annually by 2008.
POLICY
Goal: Support policies that will remove barriers to the deployment of AFVs and the use of clean, alternative fuels. The following objectives support the goal of influencing public policy:
Objective #1 - Lead by Example
The Coalition will support and encourage Stakeholders' internal policies that increase AFVs and the consumption of alternative fuels.
Objective #2 - Reconnect with local, state, and federal leaders and policymakers.
The failed AFV incentive program has soured the AFV perspective for policymakers in AZ and nationally. It is important that the positive AFV successes and initiatives occurring without the benefits of State incentives are highlighted. To accomplish this objective, the Coalition will reconnect with local, county, and state leaders and policymakers and invite them to use the VSCCC as a resource and participate in our activities. This and positive communication with the public should go a long way to shift public perception of AFVs
OUTREACH
Goal: The VSCCC will promote a positive public perception of AFVs. The aftermath of the failed alternative fuel incentive program in Arizona has created a positive discussion of AFVs very difficult. The VSCCC, through outreach and education, will promote a positive perception of AFVs by highlighting the successes and positive attributes of alternative fuels. The following objectives support the goal of public outreach and education:
Objective #1 - Website development
The VSCCC will launch a website to efficiently communicate information. The web site will provide comprehensive information regarding the VSCCC mission, technology, peer exchange, and AFVs and refueling infrastructure. The website will be instrumental to VSCCCs outreach and education efforts.
Objective #2 - Public Relations Team
The Coalition will have a Public Relations team responsible for communicating with the public and media. The PR team will release press articles, develop a comprehensive website, a quarterly newsletter, and write occasional Op-Ed pieces to be submitted to local newspapers.
Objective #3 - AFV User Awareness Program
To support and facilitate existing and future AFV penetration in fleets in the Valley, the Coalition will develop an AFV User Awareness Program that will communicate to new or future AFV operators' issues regarding safety, environmental benefits, fueling, and technical support. This is a program the VSCCC will offer to stakeholders and potential stakeholder fleets.
Goal: The VSCCC will increase Stakeholder membership to 50 core (active dues paying) stakeholders and 200 total stakeholders by spring 2005. The following objectives support the goal of increasing stakeholder membership:
Objective #1 - Annual Survey
On an annual basis, the Coalition will conduct an annual survey of fleets in the Maricopa County region to assess existing and future totals of AFVs and infrastructure, and usage of alternative fuel. This process allows the coalition to communicate with non-stakeholder groups and highlight benefits to membership.
Objective #2 - Peer-to-Peer
The Coalition will support peer-to-peer interaction between existing stakeholder groups and potential stakeholders or AFV user groups. This will facilitate information transfer and collaboration amongst user groups. Peer-to-peer outreach is seen to be a positive and effective method of increasing stakeholder membership.
Objective #3 - Link with other regional fleet and environmental organizations.
Through synergies and like concerns, cooperating with other regional fleet manager and environmental organizations can help build a string base of active stakeholders. The VSCCC will establish connections with local organizations including: Rocky Mountain Fleet Managers Association, NAFA AZ, Arizona Clean and Beautiful, and Valley Forward.
Objective #4 - Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition
The VSCCC will work closely with the TRCCC to allow for statewide activities, initiatives, and establish AFV corridors in Arizona. Our cooperative Coalition efforts will help each organization overcome challenges, share successes, and achieve the goals of the Clean Cities program; more AFVs and more alternative fuel use.
SELF-SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATION
Goal: The VSCCC will provide value to Stakeholders. The following objectives support the goal of providing value to Stakeholders:
Objective #1 - Grant Writing Support
The Coalition will seek opportunities to fund stakeholders' AFV projects. The VSCCC will provide guidance and grant submittal assistance when requested. We will provide a grant writing seminar to provide tips and support development of successful grant proposals.
Objective #2 - Bi-monthly Stakeholder Meetings
The Coalition will schedule monthly stakeholder meetings to provide a forum for information exchange, networking, and conducting Coalition business. These meetings will be set at a consistent time and place. The format for these meetings is flexible and subject to stakeholder requests and input.
Objective #3 - Media Relations
The Coalition will provide media relation services to communicate AFV successes and initiatives led by Stakeholders.
Goal: The VSCCC will maintain financial self-sustainability
The VSCCC exists as a financially self sustaining coalition. We are run by volunteers and supported by monetary and in-kind contributions from stakeholders. To be able to effectively have our message heard and support our annual activities, the VSCCC will need to establish a sustainable base of financial support. The following objectives suppor the VSCCC goal of self-sustainability.
Objective #1 - Collect Stakeholder dues
On an annual basis, the Coalition will solicit dues from existing stakeholders and new membership. The dues amount will depend on organization type and a tiered membership structure. Dues will constitute the majority of the organization's operating budget.
Objective #2 - Non-profit 501(C)3 status
The Coalition will seek non-profit 501(C)3 status through membership with National Clean Cities Inc. 501(C)3 status makes VSCCC eligible for foundation grant programs. As a Chapter of National Clean Cities Inc., VSCCC will fall under the organization's group exemption with the IRS. Completion Date: Spring 2003
Objective #3 - Foundations
Seek and submit applications for funding from local and national charitable foundations to support the coalition as a whole or a specific regional project.
Objective #4 - Various Fundraising Efforts
On a yearly basis, the Coalition will select one or more fundraising efforts that will provide for outreach opportunity, as well as, bring additional monies to the VSCCC or other charitable organization selected byt the Outreach Committee. These activities may include golf tournaments, 50/50 raffles, or a VSCCC sticker drive. Ongoing.