Underserved Populations

Environmental JusticeTitle 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

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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

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Environmental Justice

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

Executive Order 12898 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

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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

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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

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FHWA Order 6640.23A 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

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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

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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

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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

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Executive Order 13166 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Connect with Everyone!

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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

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Specialized Meetings Advisory Committee Advisory Group Steering Committee Local community meetings Workshops Focus Groups Task Force

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Low LevelProject 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

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Low LevelProject 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

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High LevelProject 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 interpretersPublic 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

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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

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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

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