To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: CAMERON HARDING, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
title
APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH 2024 TITLE VI PROGRAM PLAN FOR FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION ASSISTED PROJECTS
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Federal Funds, the City is required to adopt new and updated measures to ensure compliance with applicable Federal Regulations contained in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other subsequent regulations which ban discriminatory actions. The FTA requires the City to update the Title VI Policy every three years. Approval of the City’s new Title VI Policy is due to the FTA by April 1, 2024.
The recommended Title VI Program Plan addresses how the City will ensure non-discrimination in its Federal financially assisted projects and contracts and includes the Title VI Program Plan, the Limited English Proficiency Program Plan, and other related exhibits.
BACKGROUND
The City is eligible to receive annual transit funding capital allocations from the FTA under the annual urbanized area formula (Section 5307 funds), and is also eligible for other FTA grant funds. The City receives approximately $900,000 annually from the FTA under the Section 5307 Funds for the Transit Division and its operations. The Transit Division has used FTA funds for transit vehicle replacements, bus stop amenities improvements, and for a significant portion of the new Transit Center Construction project.
The FTA requires that the Title VI Policies are updated every three years. In October 2017, the City Council approved an update to the Title VI Plan for the FTA assisted contracts, which were revised based on changes included in FTA Circular 4702.1B.
Since 2017, the FTA requested revisions to the Title VI Plan document in its TRAMs grants management system in 2019 and 2021, which were incorporated to the City’s Title IV Plan. In May of 2022, the FTA issued a letter requesting revisions to the latest revised Title VI Plan document in the TRAMs system. All revisions have been addressed and are reflected in the 2024 Title VI Program Plan recommended with this item.
After City Council approval of the Title VI Program Plan, the FTA will review the City’s Policies and either recommend approval of the documents or request revisions. Staff will return to the City Council for approval of the revised documents if significant changes are requested.
Title VI Policies
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and related statutes, state that no persons in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, receiving federal financial assistance. Pursuant to this mandate, recipients of Federal financial assistance must take affirmative steps to ensure that discrimination, as addressed by Title VI, does not occur in its organization. These activities fall into one or more of the areas listed below:
- Adoption of Assurances, policies and procedures supportive of Title VI requirements
- Ensure that the level and quality of transportation services are provided without regard to race, color, or national origin
- Promote the full and fair public participation of all affected populations in transportation decision-making
- Prevent the denial, reduction, or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that benefit minority populations or low-income populations
- Ensure meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency (LEP)
- Prepare and maintain a LEP Plan (Executive Order 13166)
- Implement controls and data collection mechanisms to monitor for any adverse treatment or impacts, according to Title VI
- Ensure that contracting/procurement opportunities are awarded in a non-discriminatory manner
- Ensure that subrecipients, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, successors in interest, and other participants comply with all Title VI requirements
The Title VI Program Plan, the Limited English Proficiency Program Plan, and related exhibits are attached to demonstrate the City’s efforts to comply with Title IV policies.
COORDINATION
Transit Division staff prepared the proposed updates to the Title VI Plan, the LEP Plan, and related exhibits.
FISCAL IMPACT
City Council approval and adoption of the 2024 Title VI Program Plan is necessary to comply with FTA’s Federal funding requirements, provisions, and fiscal responsibilities, and to avoid jeopardizing current and future funding status.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• City of Redondo Beach Title VI Program Plan 2024