REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
May 14, 2020
FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, Director
Department of Transportation
BY: JOE VARGAS, Assistant Director
Department of Transportation
CAROLINA ILIC, Planning Manager
Department of Transportation/Planning Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Department of Transportation federally-mandated Title VI Service Equity Analysis that was conducted to evaluate future proposed service changes FAX is considering to implement, and it was determined changes do not result in disparate impacts on minority or low-income populations
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the federally-mandated Title VI Service Equity Analysis, which evaluates whether the proposed service changes will have a disparate impact on minority populations or disproportionate burden on low-income populations (Attachments: Analysis and Appendices).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based upon a Service Equity Analysis mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a comprehensive public outreach process conducted in February and March 2020, it was determined the proposed service changes do not result in disparate impacts on minority populations or disproportionate burdens on low-income populations, and no mitigation measures are required.
BACKGROUND
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1B establishes Title VI requirements and guidelines for FTA recipients to ensure the level and quality of public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner; promote full and fair participation in public transportation decision-making without regard to race, color, or national origin; and ensure meaningful access to transit-related programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency.
As mandated by the FTA under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, evaluation of major service changes as defined in FAX’s 2019 Title VI Program, which was accepted by Council on October 24, 2019, requires a Title VI Service Equity Analysis. The purpose of the equity analysis is to examine whether any major changes would result in disparate impacts on minority populations or disproportionate burdens on low-income populations, and if so, methods to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts or burdens. The analysis is included in Attachment 1 and its appendices.
After a comprehensive public outreach process which included the collection of over 900 surveys, 14 “Pop Up” events held at heavily used bus stops throughout the City, and three Open House public workshops, the department received overwhelming support for the proposed service changes. As explained in Attachment 1, the Title VI Service Equity Analysis concludes that only two of the five proposed changes are considered major, and when taken together, the changes do not cause a disparate impact or disproportionate burden and no mitigation measures are necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
Pursuant to section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, approval of these service changes is not a project for the purposes of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not applied as the program adoption is not an award of a contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The preparation of this report was financed in part through the FTA and local funds from the Fresno Council of Governments. Implementation of the service changes will have no impact on the general fund.
Attachments:
Title VI Service Equity Analysis
Title VI Service Equity Appendices