In an ongoing effort to advance the important conversation on how to design infrastructure projects that are equitable for all communities, HNTB invited transportation experts from throughout Southern California to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about ways to think, approach and collaborate that will result in infrastructure that not only connect, move, employ, and benefit Southern California stakeholders equally, but most importantly, do it equitably.
The virtual roundtable focused on unique issues currently facing California transportation agencies, including moving forward with equitable design, even when faced with restrictive policies or lack of funding mechanisms. Representatives from Metrolink, California High Speed Rail, Caltrans District 7, San Bernardino Transportation Commission, Orange County Transportation Authority, San Diego Association of Governments, City of Inglewood, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and historically underutilized businesses discussed key topics that included:
• Equitable transportation infrastructure design for all communities
• Funding resources, mechanisms and priorities
• Local, state and federal policies that help or challenge design and delivery methods
• Public and private sector collaboration and advocacy
Most importantly, the candid dialogue further elevated the importance and relevance of equitable design in transportation and the pressing need to listen and develop collaborative solutions to equity in the industry.
EQUALITY VS. EQUITY
Equality is giving everyone the same thing; equity is providing each person with what they need to be successful. Designing infrastructure projects with adaptability in mind is essential – universal design solutions have not been able to provide equitable benefits to all segments of a region. Thus, we must engage through a process of collaborative planning, authentic listening and a commitment to be open-minded and consider community-based solutions.
Equitable access to transportation requires collaborative planning, authentic listening and consideration of community-based solutions. Regine Beauboeuf, HNTB director, transportation and mobility equity explained, “We went into the community, met them on their own turf, and personally saw the lack of infrastructure, lack of jobs and opportunities. It was eye-opening to see the world through the eyes of the neglected and underserved and a wake-up call to ensure we listen to the community before we start developing plans. We need to co-create with the community to achieve equitable design solutions.”
LISTEN, THINK, RESPOND
To advance equity, we need to recognize and address systemic disparities and engage the community in meaningful dialogue. Orange County Transportation Authority chief executive officer, Darrell E. Johnson said there are two ways to listen: listen, then think and respond; or listen to check the box. OCTA is actively listening to the needs of the communities, as well as the diverse subgroups, as to their needs and wants. This informs service planning decisions and where to make future investments. Asking people who are not historically heard is essential to building trust and credibility and affects the ultimate decision making. Securing community input, bringing it to professional staff to influence architects, engineers and planners, and then taking it to the policy makers, who communicate back to the community. This process ensures a circular discussion in a positive way. Johnson calls it the “circle of life.”
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENTS
Several participants also highlighted the value in developing and adopting diversity, inclusion and equity statements at their agencies. Generally, these statements provide a clear strategy on what DEI means, why it matters, and how it will be approached moving forward. Metrolink chief people officer Ilyssa DeCasperis shared her agency’s definition of equity:
“Equity at Metrolink means that all policies, service decisions, investments and engagements foster an inclusive, fair and just workplace and community. We acknowledge current and systemic disparities, and we respect the diverse histories, challenges and needs of our employees and those that we serve.”
SANDAG chief executive officer Hasan Ikhrata shared the Commitment to Equity that the SANDAG Board of Directors adopted in January 2021:
“We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve. We acknowledge we have much to learn and much to change; and we firmly uphold equity and inclusion for every person in the San Diego region. This includes historically underserved, systemically marginalized groups impacted by actions and inactions at all levels of our government and society.
We have an obligation to eliminate disparities and ensure that safe, healthy, accessible and inclusive opportunities are available to everyone. SANDAG will develop an equity action plan that will inform how we plan, prioritize, fund and build projects and programs; frame how we work with our communities; define how we recruit and develop our employees; guide our efforts to conduct unbiased research and interpret data; and set expectations for companies and stakeholders that work with us.
We are committed to creating a San Diego region where every person who visits, works and lives can thrive.”
Later this spring, SANDAG will begin a Youth Opportunity Pass Pilot program to offer free transit for everyone 18 and under. When asked why, Ikhrata explained that pilot projects like these function as building blocks to ensure the SANDAG Board of Directors fulfill the Commitment to Equity. The pilot is expected to begin in May 2022 and will continue for 12-14 months.
PEOPLE-CENTRIC ORGANIZATION
At Caltrans District 7, director Tony Tavares is working to create an even more people-centric organization. A civil engineer by training, and a planner by heart, Tavares tries to inspire his team that every project and every community is unique and requires customized solutions. The agency’s projects are focused with three foundational elements: safety, equity and climate action. Tavares believes economic and project benefits can be achieved, but not without engagement and involvement of the entire community and the stakeholders. Without involvement, negative impacts to people may occur. The main goal is to develop short and long-term resilient, sustainable and equitable solutions without creating any additional harms.
EQUITY MATTERS
In summary, equity dialogues like this among industry leaders are engaging, informative and thought-provoking. Transit equity matters to all of us, yet tackling these problems is challenging. We are all interconnected, and future transportation solutions require collaboration and must be inclusive of all people, communities, and viewpoints. Transportation professionals and agencies continue to make commitments to equity so together we can build a transportation system that truly works for everyone.
Avygail Sanchez serves as HNTB government relations director, vice president, West Division based in the Los Angeles office.
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