About Mobility Certification
The Circulate Mobility Certification provides recognition and support for development proposals that demonstrate a commitment to creating, preserving, and enhancing sustainable communities that provide mobility choices. .
Applications are reviewed by the Circulate Mobility Certification panel, a volunteer committee with expertise in the areas of development, active transportation, and neighborhood design. The panel independently evaluates each project or plan using clear, objective criteria.
Except for limited circumstances, projects must pay an application fee to be considered for certification. The application is risk-free, and projects that do not receive application remain confidential.
Benefits of the Circulate Mobility Certification
Formal Letter of Certification
A formal letter of certification that can be provided to elected officials, community groups, and decision-makers that demonstrates the independent recognition of the sustainable, transit-oriented, and smart growth characteristics of the project.
Use of Mobility Certification Seal
Permission to use the Mobility Certification Seal on websites or any other forms of communication signifying the certification.
Public Recognition
Announcement of certification on Circulate’s website, newsletter, and social media. See our prior press releases here.
Media Outreach
Circulate staff will prepare and distribute press releases announcing the certification and share project highlights through Circulate’s media channels, website, and newsletter. Staff can also coordinate interviews, provide background for reporters, and assist with external communications to maximize visibility.
Public Testimony
Circulate San Diego is widely recognized as the region’s leading nonprofit voice for safe streets, sustainable growth, and public transit. Certified projects benefit from testimony at public hearings or meetings—such as city councils, planning commissions, or community planning groups—where Circulate staff can explain the certification program and why the project meets its standards. This independent endorsement helps decision-makers and the public understand the project’s community and mobility benefits.
Testimonials
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[T]he certificate is viewed as kind of a Good Housekeeping seal of smart growth and can be valuable for developments – and politicians who might want to vote for them.
Michael Smolens
Columnist
San Diego Union Tribune -
The Circulate Mobility Certification is an independent and respected certification that confirmed with the Vista City Council the high standard CHW will design and build, consistent with the City’s vision.
Mary Jane Jagodzinski
Vice President of Development
Community HousingWorks -
The Scripps Mesa Joint Occupancy Project exemplifies the type of project that the Circulate Mobility Certification supports. The project puts publicly owned land to good use with affordable and market-rate housing, as well as neighborhood-serving retail/commercial space.
Sarah Kruer Jager
Partner
Monarch Group
Application Fees and Benefits for Certification
| Program Type (Download Application) | Project Size |
Circulate Staff Hours for Testimony or Press Interviews |
Application Review Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Streamlined Mobility Certification |
1-30 Units or 100% Affordable at any size |
N/A |
Free for Any Corporate Membership Level |
|
Streamlined Mobility Certification |
31+ Units or Commercial |
5 Hours |
$5,500
Fee waived once per year for Corporate Members at the $5,500 level and above. |
|
Project Mobility Certification |
31+ Units or Commercial |
5 Hours |
$5,500
Fee waived once per year for Corporate Members at the $5,500 level and above. |
|
Plan Mobility Certification |
Any Specific Plan, Station Area Plan, or Community Plan (Commercial and/or Residential) |
10 Hours |
$10,000
Fee waived once per year for Corporate Members at the $10,000 level and above. |
Eligibility
All development projects are eligible, including private, public-sector, residential, and commercial. Projects may be market-rate, mixed use, or 100 percent affordable. Generally, projects currently seeking entitlement choose to apply. However, the Circulate Mobility Certification is available to entitled projects, or projects during or after construction.
Types of Circulate Mobility Certifications
Streamlined Mobility Certification
The special “Mini-Mobility” application is a free short-form version of the more comprehensive Mobility Certification. This application and certification process is only available for either small infill projects of fewer than 30 units, or for 100 percent affordable projects. Successful applications for the “Mini-Mobility” Certification receive the same Circulate Mobility Certification as a large project.
- Download the Circulate Streamlined Mobility Certification application here.
- Download a Sample Streamlined Mobility Certification application here.
Project Mobility Certification
The Project Mobility Certification is a comprehensive review for development proposals that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable communities. Projects are evaluated on objective criteria such as proximity to transit, pedestrian and bicycle access, and neighborhood context.
- Download the Circulate Project Mobility Certification application here.
- Download a Sample Project Mobility Certification application here.
Plan Mobility Certification
Circulate's Plan Mobility Certification is available for neighborhood-level residential, commercial, or mixed-use plans proposed by either the public or private sectors. These plans must show a measurable commitment to increasing mobility choices, reducing vehicle trips, and enhancing overall connectivity.
Application Process
Before submitting a completed application, interested applicants should contact:
Jeremy Bloom
Chief Operating and Development Officer
jbloom