Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
Subject
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARINGS AMENDMENTS - (TITLE VI EQUITY POLICIES)
Action
ACTION: APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE amendment of Title 2, Chapter 2-50 of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“Metro”) Administrative Code (the “Code”), otherwise known as Public Hearings, as set forth in Attachment A. The amended Code will become effective within 30 days of Board approval.
Issue
ISSUE
Chapter 2-50 contains requirements for public hearings when conducting service and fare changes. Metro adopted policies adhering to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1B, issued October 1, 2012, “Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients” when conducting service and fare equity evaluations. This is required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and said policies must be reviewed and approved by the Board every three years. An amendment is being proposed to the Administrative Code to include that Metro’s Board adopted Title VI equity policies are followed when analyzing service and fare changes. However, the specific policies will not be part of the Administrative Code as these must be reviewed and approved by the Board every three years as part of the Title VI Program Update due to FTA. The current language includes the specific thresholds within the policies followed when analyzing the impacts to minority and low-income riders. The Title VI Equity policies will be approved separately and are consistent with industry practice when conducting service and fare equity analyses.
Background
BACKGROUND
Chapter 2-50 includes the policy defining a Major Service Change, the policy defining Disparate Impact to minority riders when evaluating service and fare changes and the policy defining Disproportionate Burden to low-income riders when evaluating service and fare changes. Metro includes these policies in the Title VI Program Update submitted to FTA every three years. Additionally, Metro’s Board must review and approve these policies every three years as part of the Title VI Program Update to FTA. Metro’s next submittal is due November 1, 2019.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Findings
The current language in Chapter 2-50 defines Metro’s Title VI Equity Polices and thresholds when analyzing service and fare changes. The policies themselves are not part of the Public Hearing process which is the purpose of Chapter 2-50. Staff recommends for the specific policies not be included in the Administrative Code as these Title VI Equity Policies are presented every three years to the Board for review and approval.
Considerations
Staff researched peer agencies and the recommended language for the Title VI Policies adopted by the Metro Board is consistent with policies adopted by transit agencies across the nation.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The requested action in this report will have no direct impact on the safety of Metro’s employees or customers.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Adoption of the amendments to the Administrative Code Chapter 2-50 has no direct impact upon Metro’s expenditures or revenues. Approval is consistent with the implementation of service included in the adopted FY2020 Budget.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Recommendation supports strategic plan goal # 5, “Provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance within the Metro organization” by adhering to civil rights requirements mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The alternative to not updating the Administrative Code is for Metro to continue to use the current adopted policies for future service and fare equity analyses which can become complicated to apply when evaluating service and fare changes due to the redundancy of the current language.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
If the Metro Board approves the updated Chapter 2-50 Administrative Code language, Metro staff can update the Title VI Equity Policies included on the Title VI Program Update every three years and present to the Metro Board for review and approval to be to be submitted to FTA.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Proposed Amendments to Administrative Code
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Aida B. Berry, Title, (213) 922-2748
Conan Cheung, Senior Executive Officer
(213) 418-3034
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Jonaura Wisdom, Chief Civil Rights Programs Officer Title
(213) 418-3168
