Historically, equity has not been a primary objective in the transportation infrastructure investment planning process. By effectively incorporating equity into the process, underserved communities and Native nations can realize increased benefits from transportation improvements. This research explored effective strategies for incorporating equity in transportation capital investment planning and provides guidance to transportation agencies, planning organizations and Native nations.
Transportation investments and projects play a crucial role in the overall transportation infrastructure that influences the growth and vitality of communities. However, equity—which commonly refers to access to transportation systems, as well as accessibility and safety—has received limited consideration during the transportation capital investment process.
To advance the goal of incorporating equity, this project examined current practices for transportation capital investment planning and decision-making processes used by MnDOT, Minnesota localities and Native nations within the state. The findings will provide best practices and guidance for local transportation agencies and planning organizations to engage with underserved communities and Native nations more effectively throughout the collaborative decision-making process.
What Did We Do?
A review of pertinent literature examined short- and long-term transportation investment reports to identify strategies and approaches that incorporate equity in transportation planning for underserved communities and Native nation projects. Surveys of Minnesota municipalities, planning organizations and Native nations identified current practices to integrate equity.
Questions captured which regulations and policies advance equity considerations, definitions of equity and ways to incorporate equity strategies at different planning stages. Responses also indicated which stakeholders are involved and how to effectively solicit public feedback.
Case studies of jurisdictions representing diverse populations and practices identified effective strategies and processes for incorporating equity in transportation planning. Nine jurisdictions were examined: three counties, one city, two planning organizations and three Native nations sharing geography with Minnesota.
What Did We Learn?
Investigators identified general equity best practices that could be adapted to the unique circumstances and history of each community. These practices included assessing internal policies and practices for equity, conducting a community assessment to identify community resources and assets, identifying disadvantaged and underserved populations in past transportation decisions, defining equity for transportation planning purposes and developing equity goals and objectives.
“The community engagement toolkit provides effective guidance to combine community input with supporting data to invest in more equitable transportation projects,” said Dillon Dombrovski, deputy public works director/city engineer, City of Rochester.
Identifying projects using a data-driven approach combined with community input will ensure alignment with stakeholders. To provide supporting data for this decision-making, investigators identified quantitative and qualitative community equity metrics—such as race and ethnicity, income level, disability status, age and vehicle access—for continuous monitoring to better ensure agencies are meeting community needs. Community input can stem from citizen comments and community representative boards and committees that assess and recommend projects.
A toolkit developed by investigators can improve communication and engagement with underserved communities by assessing trust levels and providing direction to build stronger relationships. The two key tenets of the toolkit are that agency staff needs to proactively reach out to the community, and trust-building is essential for effective relationships.
Strategies include partnering with community-based organizations, building internal consensus within the agency to create consistency, and involving agency leaders and key staff regularly in community-organized events to establish personal relationships with community members. It is important to continually monitor trust throughout the process as engagement outcomes in earlier stages will impact perceived trustworthiness.
For Native nation projects, agencies must first determine the appropriate jurisdiction and learn the nuances of tribal government, Indigenous communities and jurisdictional boundaries. This knowledge will help clarify the engagement and resource requirements for capital projects.
Further, depending on the location, the state of Minnesota mandates regular consultation with state agencies when they conduct official business with tribal governments. Municipalities and planning organizations are likely bound to these same provisions if expending state or federal funds on capital projects.
What’s Next?
The findings from this research, including the community engagement toolkit, will be summarized in a short document for distribution to local agencies, planning organizations and Native nations. This guidance will provide direction to improve engagement and to better meet the transportation needs of those in underserved communities and Native nations.
Crossroads 