Public Participation and Title VI

Public Participation

The purpose of the SAWMPO Public Participation Plan (PPP), last amended on May 1, 2019, is to provide citizens with complete information, timely public notice, full access to key decisions, and opportunities for early and continuing involvement in the transportation planning process.

The SAWMPO values and welcomes public participation in its transportation planning and program efforts, initiatives, and decision making process. The Plan is reviewed every two years and updated as needed to stay current with relevant federal regulations. 

Title VI

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that: “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Subsequent laws and Presidential Executive Orders added handicap, sex, age or income status to the criteria for which discrimination is prohibited. 

The SAWMPO Title VI Plan, last amended on April 7, 2021, was developed to ensure that the MPO is in compliance with nondiscrimination requirements as outlined in Title 23 CFR and 49 CFR and related laws and provides specific information on how to file a nondiscrimination complaint. 

This Plan also provides an overview of Environmental Justice (EJ) and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) concepts, definitions of Title VI and associated nondiscrimination acts, and how Title VI, EJ and LEP are incorporated into the metropolitan transportation planning process. EJ outreach strategies for minority, low-income and LEP populations are included within the SAWMPO Public Participation Plan.

The SAWMPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed or disability in admission to, access to or operations of its programs, services or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline or any other employment practices because of non-merit factors shall be prohibited. 

General view of a wide street in a town in the mountains, flanked by white festival tents amongst which a big crowd walk by.