Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
JULY 16, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER APPOINTMENT
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE the new appointment of the Latin Business Association (LBA) to the Transportation Business Advisory Council (TBAC) membership.
Issue
ISSUE
The TBAC was created in 1992 by Assembly Bill 152 and codified into law as Public Utilities Code Section 130051.19(c). The purpose of TBAC is to advise Metro on matters regarding small business enterprises.
Small business organizations interested in TBAC membership must submit applications to the TBAC membership committee. TBAC’s membership committee evaluates applications to determine whether the organization’s mission aligns with TBAC’s purpose. Organizations recommended for TBAC membership are forwarded to Metro’s Board of Directors for consideration and appointment.
Background
BACKGROUND
Public Utilities Code section 130051.19(c), states: “The authority shall establish a Transportation Business Advisory Council to advise it on matters regarding the disadvantaged business enterprise program to enable the authority to meet or exceed small business enterprise participation goals. Members of the council shall be selected by the authority and shall include representatives of professional organizations and other groups which advocate on behalf of greater participation of women and minority business enterprises in public contracts. The chairperson of the authority or his or her designee shall meet with the council, and the authority shall provide adequate staff support for the council and shall consider all recommendations made by the council.”
The TBAC meets monthly to provide recommendations on strategies, programs, and processes that enhance small business participation in Metro’s procurement opportunities. TBAC also has standing committees including Construction, Professional Services, Commodities, Membership, and Legislative, which focus on issues relevant to their respective areas. Metro staff provides administrative support and attends all monthly TBAC general and committee meetings.
Public Utilities Code Section 130051.19(c) provides that “Members of the council shall be selected by the authority…” The term “authority,” although not expressly defined in the statute, has been generally interpreted to mean Metro’s Board of Directors. To comply with Section 130051.19(c), the Metro Board must select or appoint TBAC members.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
LBA was formed in 1975 by five University of Southern California graduates first named the Latin Men’s Association. In 1998 the LBA transitioned to facilitate small business startups to include all Latino business owners. Today, the LBA has over 4,000 members and continues to grow and improve businesses and strengthen communities. The LBA is committed to the success and support of its members by providing high-quality networking events, innovative programs and services, and resources that enhance business growth for Latino and non-Latino small businesses throughout California.
The LBA submitted a TBAC membership application with the required supporting documentation to TBAC for review and approval in May 2026. Staff confirmed the LBA organization's application satisfied the membership criteria established in Section 3 (Membership Criteria) of the TBAC Bylaws. The TBAC membership criteria in TBAC’s bylaws include the following:
• The organization must have a membership of at least 25 small business owners.
• The organization must advocate for the development and success of small businesses.
• The organization must support TBAC's mission, purpose, and objectives.
• The organization's principal business address must be located within Los Angeles County.
• The organization must submit a complete application with all required supporting documentation listed in the requirements section of the application.
Additionally, the LBA’s written mission and activities demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the small business community through programs, networking opportunities, and educational events designed to strengthen businesses, increase capacity and promote long-term growth.
TBAC reviewed and approved LBA’s membership application and forwarded it to Metro staff for review and approval per TBAC’s bylaws. In accordance with the defined statute, staff are advancing the LBA organization for consideration to be appointed by Metro’s Board of Directors to the TBAC membership.
If appointed by the Metro Board, LBA will be added to the current TBAC organization membership listed below:
1. American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California
2. Arab American Association of Engineers & Architects: California Chapter
3. Asian American Architects & Engineers Association
4. Black Business Association
5. Filipino American Society of Architects & Engineers
6. Los Angeles Chapter - Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network
7. Los Angeles Chapter of National Organization of Minority Architects
8. Los Angeles Chapter of the Disabled Veteran Business Alliance
9. Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce
10. National Association of Minority Contractors
11. National Association of Women Business Owners - Los Angeles
12. Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
13. Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - Los Angeles Chapter
14. US Veteran Business Alliance (USVBA)
15. Women’s Business Enterprise National Council - West
16. Women’s Transportation Seminar - Los Angeles Chapter
TBAC recruits member organizations through annual or semi-annual membership drives, supported by Metro staff. The most recent recruitment effort was conducted in conjunction with the Meet the Primes event on March 12, 2026. Over the past 10 years, TBAC has maintained a membership of approximately 15 to 20 organizations, providing broad representation of the small business community, including African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Arab American, Native American, Hispanic American, women, disabled veteran, and small business organizations. TBAC is responsible for managing its membership and recruiting organizations that align with its mission. Should membership decline or representation gaps be identified, Metro staff may recommend additional organizations for TBAC’s consideration.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
There is no safety impact related to this action.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact related to this action.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
TBAC plays a vital role in connecting Metro with the small business community throughout Los Angeles County. Representing hundreds of small businesses, TBAC supports firms that contribute to local job creation and economic activity, helping to ensure that transportation-related investments continue to circulate within the region. The Council's membership includes businesses that have historically faced barriers to participation in public contracting opportunities, including small, women-owned, and minority-owned firms.
Expanding TBAC membership will strengthen the Council by broadening representation and increasing engagement from historically underrepresented businesses seeking to participate in Metro contracting opportunities. Increased membership will also enhance Metro’s ability to support the small business community by expanding outreach, gathering valuable stakeholder feedback, and disseminating information regarding contracting opportunities, policies, and programs to a wider audience. Through continued relationship-building and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing small businesses, the Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department can further strengthen its support framework. A strong small business presence in Metro contracting contributes to regional economic growth, supports the long-term viability of small businesses, and promotes wealth-building opportunities in historically disadvantaged communities.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled _Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. While this item does not directly encourage taking transit, sharing a ride, or using active transportation, it is a vital part of Metro operations, as it supports small, disadvantaged, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses by providing them with access to contracting opportunities and helping them grow their capacity to participate in Metro's large-scale infrastructure projects and day-to-day operations. In addition, supporting local businesses supports job creation in LA County and may increase the percentage of our workforce that is able to commute using LA Metro’s transit system and reduce car dependence for these workers. Because the Metro Board has adopted an agency-wide VMT Reduction Target, and this item generally supports the overall function of the agency, this item is consistent with the goals of reducing VMT.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from the highway performance monitoring system data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
This recommendation supports the strategic plan Goal 5.5, “Expanding opportunities for businesses and external organizations to work with Metro” by increasing the number of small businesses engaged.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board could elect not to approve the appointment of the LBA to TBAC for membership. This would reduce the effectiveness of TBAC as it would increase the challenge of obtaining feedback from LBA’s small business membership to form recommendations to Metro on how to better support small businesses seeking contracts with Metro. It would also result in TBAC having a less diverse representation of its TBAC membership.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon the approval of this appointment by the Metro Board, the LBA will be added to the TBAC membership.
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Keith A. Compton, Director, Diversity Economic Opportunity Department, (213) 922-2406
Tashai R. Smith, Executive Officer, Diversity Economic Opportunity Department, (213) 922-2128
Elke Campbell, Senior Executive Officer, Diversity Economic Opportunity Department, (213) 418-3081
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Sharon Gookin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, (213) 418-3101
