Underserved Populations Environmental Justice Title VI Strategic Engagement Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Diverse Communities "Be inclusive…when you bring more heads together, you get more answers." Cindy Kent - Sun Sentinel  All communities consist of minority, low- income, elderly, disabled, non‐English speaking residents, and ethnic groups  Traditionally underserved populations  May find it difficult to participate in customary PI activities Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 2

Be Inclusive  Identify early in the process  Lack of involvement commonly attributed to being excluded and not being informed  Every segment of the population is essential to project planning, development, and decision-making  Inform and proactively engage during each phase of the PDP, as appropriate  Unique and innovative methods may be needed to reach out to diverse populations Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 3

Environmental Justice Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Executive Order  Issued by President Clinton in 1994  Directs federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse effects of their actions on minority and low-income populations  Promotes minority and low-income participation and access to information Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 5

Executive Order Defined  Issued by the President of the United States  A directive to assist in the management of Federal Government operations  Although having the power of law, a lawsuit cannot be brought under an EO  Lawsuits related to Environmental Justice (EJ) are brought under Title VI Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 6

EJ Defined  Minorities:  Black  Hispanic  Asian American  American Indian and Alaskan  Low-income:  A median household income that is at or below the Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 7

FHWA Order A  A disproportionately high and adverse effect on EJ populations means:  The adverse effect is predominately borne by such population  The adverse effect is more severe or greater in magnitude than that suffered by non-minority or non low-income Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 8

Equal Treatment  Incorporate avoidance, minimization, or mitigation of disproportionately high or adverse effects to EJ populations  Full and fair participation in the decision- making process must be given  ODOT’s EJ Guidance must be followed for all CE, EA and EIS projects  Outlines identification process and impacts analysis Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 9

Title VI Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Civil Rights Act of 1964  Title VI  No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 11

Americans with Disabilities Act  Prohibits discrimination and individuals with disabilities are provided an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from public services, programs, and activities Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 12

Executive Order  Requires federal agencies to evaluate services provided and ensure the needs of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons seeking access to federal programs and activities are meaningfully addressed. Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 13

Strategic Engagement Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services

Purpose  Comply with existing laws and regulations  Prevent discrimination  To properly engage and provide adequate access to project information  Provide an opportunity to interact and participate in the decision-making process  Enable alternate viewpoints, opinions, perspectives, and ideas to be heard  Ensures consensus is established and community’s needs are addressed Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 15

Be Proactive  Convey issues and solicit input  Link cultural, social, and economic needs  Identify issues and concerns not previously known  Develop community partnerships  Identify potential controversies and issues  Identify ways to mitigate adverse impacts  Develop viable solutions to address needs and solve existing transportation problems Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 16

Recognizing Status Quo  Traditional PI participants are often:  Middle to Upper Class residents  Mainstream community leaders  Prominent business leaders  High literacy skills  Well-educated  Dual income families  Homeowners Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 17

Customary PI  Approaches, methods and techniques typically include:  Conducting public meetings on weeknights between 6 and 8  Public meetings at locations convenient for non-transit individuals and families  Public Notifications in mainstream media  Utilizing social media and the internet as primary means of communication Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 18

Failure to Connect  Customary approaches, methods, and techniques may be ineffective due to:  Reliance on schedule-oriented transit or other modes of transportation  Language barriers  Lack reading or writing proficiency  Lack internet access  Lack access to news or print media  Prefer morning or afternoon meetings  Work late night shifts Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 19

Connect with Everyone! Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 20

Utilize Existing Stakeholder Network  Certain stakeholders may have influence with or knowledge about, are connected with, or represent underserved populations  Local officials and civic leaders  Social Services  Churches and Religious Organizations  Senior Centers  Assisted Living Communities  Transportation Carriers Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 21

Specialized Meetings  Advisory Committee  Advisory Group  Steering Committee  Local community meetings  Workshops  Focus Groups  Task Force Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 22

Low Level Project Outreach  Path 1, Path 2, and Non-Complex Path 3  Property Owner Notification Letters  Post notifications and information at community venues Libraries Parks Community Centers Social Service Providers Churches Schools Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 23

Low Level Project Outreach  Utilize community newspapers and publications  Translate materials into non-English languages, as appropriate  Neighborhood canvassing  Community leaders present  Face-to-face meetings  Community leaders present Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 24

High Level Project Outreach  Work with stakeholders  Includes social service representatives  Translate materials into non-English languages, as appropriate  Place notifications and advertisements in neighborhood and non-English publications  Conduct meetings and hearings during convenient hours at accessible locations  Provide interpreters Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 25

Best Practices  Conduct public meetings or public hearings in non-threating environments, such as:  Libraries  Senior Centers  Churches  Locally-owned businesses  Distribute project information at, but not limited to:  Community events, fairs and festivals  Farmers Markets  Parades Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 26

Best Practices  Conduct a public meeting or public hearing along a transit corridor  Schedule events at ADA compliant venues  Address LEP needs  Schedule meetings at a time the majority of people can attend  Give a project presentation during regularly scheduled community meetings  School Board  City Council Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 27

Best Practices  Communicate in a easy to understand manner  Appropriate font size  Avoid technical jargon and terms  Obtain permission from the School Superintendent to allow students to take home project information Public Involvement Training Class – Presented by the Office of Environmental Services 28