Long-Range Transit Plan. Draft Public Engagement Plan. September 21, 2017

Transcription

1 Draft September 21, 2017

2 Fresno Council of Governments Long-Range Transit Plan Draft Prepared for: Fresno Council of Governments Kristine Cai, Planning Director 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201 Fresno, CA Phone: (559) , ext. 215 Prepared by: VRPA Technologies, Inc. Georgiena Vivian, President 4630 W. Jennifer, Suite 105 Fresno, CA September 21, 2017

3 Table of Contents Introduction Federal Regulations Concerning Public Participation... 3 PEP Purpose... 5 PEP Goals... 6 Organizational Structure... 6 Project Team... 7 Steering Committee... 7 Elected Officials... 8 Stakeholder Groups... 8 Interested Parties... 8 Public Participation Objectives... 9 Key Audiences Recommended Public Engagement Activities Stakeholder Database Project Webpage Community Outreach Survey Presentations, Meetings, and Workshops Expected Outcomes of Public Engagement Activities Monitoring Public Participation i

4 Introduction The Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) is an association of county and incorporated cities in Fresno County. Many of the issues that face local governments and the people they serve such as traffic, housing, air quality, and growth extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries. Fresno COG s primary purpose is to assist local governments in solving common problems and addressing public policy issues that are regional or multi-jurisdictional. Fresno COG exists to provide a forum for regional collaboration and cooperation between agencies. As a consensus builder, Fresno COG undertakes comprehensive regional planning with an emphasis on transportation, provides citizens an opportunity to be involved in the planning process, and supplies technical services to its members. Fresno COG was established in 1969 as a voluntary council of governments under a Joint Powers Agreement. Fresno COG is an independent public agency governed by a Policy Board comprised of Mayors of each of the County s 15 incorporated cities and the Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. The Policy Board is assisted in the decision-making process by the Policy Advisory Committee, expert staff from member agencies, citizen and interest groups, and other stakeholders. As a state-designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) and federally-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, Fresno COG s primary organizational and functional responsibilities include transportation planning and programming. Designated by the California Transportation Agency as a RTPA, Fresno COG is responsible for the multi-modal transportation planning, programming, and fund allocation required by state statutes. This includes the annual allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. Fresno COG has been designated as the MPO by the Governor and is responsible for all transportation planning and programming activities required under federal law. This includes the development of long-range transportation plans, multi-year funding programs, and the selection and approval of transportation projects using federal funds. Currently, Fresno COG is undertaking the development of the Fresno County Regional Long-Range Transit Plan (LRTP) which will serve as Fresno County s first jurisdictionally integrated long-range transit plan, intended to integrate efforts, and guide transit and multimodal investment in the Fresno County region through the year The LRTP is truly long-range going beyond even the 25-year timeframe of the

5 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) currently being prepared by Fresno COG. It will inform the 2022 RTP, and even more importantly, should integrate appropriate and effective public transportation planning and projects into the fabric of the region s overall circulation networks and systems. In line with state transportation planning goals, the LRTP will detail how to provide and preserve a sustainable, safe, innovative, integrated, and efficient transit system to enhance the region s economy and livability for all on an ongoing basis. It will also help parallel federal goals of accessibility, safety, mobility, and integration. Ensuring broad support in the community will be accomplished through direct public outreach and partnership by bringing together the County, its 15 incorporated cities, representatives from the unincorporated and rural communities, as well as the region s three (3) major public transit providers, transit riders, bicycle and pedestrian advocates, other stakeholders, and the general public. The LRTP will also help achieve the greenhouse gases (GHG) reduction targets set by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), and provide insight to the update of the 2022 Fresno County Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). Overall Objectives: Produce a county-wide long-range transit plan to integrate the efforts, projects and future operations of the major transit providers serving Fresno County through the year 2050 Identify a preferred long-range vision for the public transit system in Fresno County, shared by the major transit providers, elected officials, key stakeholders, and the public Provide guidance for future investments in the public transportation system operating throughout Fresno County Identify transit projects and alternatives that consider and improve the sustainability, preservation, mobility, safety, innovation, economy, health, and equity of the transit systems within Fresno County, in-line with state and federal transportation planning goals Integrate the regional movement of bicycles and pedestrians with public transit options and plans Identify long-range transit and multi-modal projects for placement into the 2022 and future Fresno COG RTP/SCS Public engagement is a problem-solving approach, which brings together community members and planners to discuss complex issues facing the communities and their residents. Working together to achieve a common goal, this partnership encourages affected parties to bring forward unique ideas and solutions to potential issues. As each community member is different, so too are their hopes and aspirations and the ways to implement them. By listening to each other, the decisions generated will reflect the greater community at large. The process of community engagement is most successful when the process is transparent with access to decisions, services, and information for all interested stakeholders and community members. The active participation of the community ensures that the outcomes are better tuned to meeting the community s needs today and into the future. State and federal transportation laws, regulations, policies, and guidance require and encourage public involvement throughout the planning process, particularly in 2

6 regard to environmental justice populations and underserved communities, including low-income and minority populations. Federal Regulations Concerning Public Participation This PEP contains a proactive public engagement process that complies with Federal public participation requirements and is guided by the following legislation and policies. Federal Public Participation Requirements under SAFETEA-LU and FAST ACT Federal regulations in the final rulemaking issued on February 14, 2007 (effective March 16, 2007) following the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (Public Law ; SAFETEA-LU) in 2005 require formal documentation of the public involvement process used for transportation planning. This PEP, in turn, was developed as mandated by the federal legislation to provide public participation procedures that are inclusive, timely, and complete. This PEP strives to: Provide opportunities for public review and comment at key decision points, with adequate public notice and access to underlying technical and policy information; Provide timely information about transportation issues and decision-making processes to citizens, affected public agencies, and stakeholders including representatives of public transportation users and users of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, representatives of the disabled, private transportation providers, providers of freight transportation services, freight shippers, representatives of public transportation employees, and other interested parties; and Provide participation opportunities to those traditionally underserved such as individuals from: low-income, tribal, and minority households (Executive Order 12898); groups with Limited English Proficiency (Executive Order 13166); and those with disabilities (Americans with Disabilities ACT 1990).. The Fixing America s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, signed into law in December 2015, requires that transportation planning be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate [23 ESC Sec. 134(e)(3)]. The public participation process should include those key stakeholders who have not traditionally been involved. In other words, transportation planning must be conducted in conjunction with state and local officials, transit operators, and the public. The joint Federal Highway Administration/Federal Transit Administration Joint Planning Rule [23 CFR 450, 49 CFR part 613] requires metropolitan planning organizations to conduct a locally-developed public participation process. The public involvement process must provide complete information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and early and continuing involvement of the public in developing plans [23 CFR part (b)(1)]. Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act provides that no person shall on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under 3

7 any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance (United States Congress, 1964). The act requires that the entire institution receiving federal funds comply with Title VI and Fresno COG abides by the act by providing open and inclusive access to the transportation decision-making process for all persons. Executive Order on Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898, February 11, 1994) Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The Executive Order on Environmental Justice states that each Federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies and activities on minority populations and low-income populations (United States Executive Office, 1994). Fresno COG is committed to providing opportunities for participation to all in the transportation decision-making process. Americans with Disabilities Acts of 1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states that no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity (United States Congress, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended., 2009). Therefore, sites for public participation activities and the information presented must be accessible to persons with disabilities. Fresno COG holds all public meetings at ADA accessible locations and with advance notice can make special provisions for hearing or vision impaired individuals. In addition, Fresno COG s plan website is ADA-compliant and can provide written materials in alternative formats upon request. 4

8 Executive Order on Limited English Proficiency (Executive Order 13166, August 11, 2000) The Executive Order on Limited English Proficiency requires that recipients of federal financial funds ensure that programs and activities normally provided in English are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency. If requested or needed by the public, all meeting materials, documents and other communications may be translated by Fresno COG into other languages upon request and arrangements may be made for provision of interpretation services so that information is accessible to all people including non-english-speaking populations. PEP Purpose The purpose of the PEP is to ensure meaningful and sustained participation by the County s elected and appointed officials, stakeholders, residents, and businesses. Fresno COG is committed to active communication with stakeholders, individuals, community leaders, and organizations to ensure that their experiences and opinions are heard and taken into account as part of the LRTP s development. The PEP proposes using a broad array of channels that will enable Fresno COG to foster: Continuous public involvement from the start of the planning process to its completion (and beyond); Diverse participation that includes communities and populations that often go under-represented in similar initiatives; and Broad understanding of the LRTP at its various stages. The PEP details the various mechanisms and strategies to be used to engage the public throughout the LRTP process. As an implementation guide, this PEP links specific strategies to the LRTP development schedule. It highlights the importance of meetings and regular updates for giving and receiving information, but also employs new, high tech approaches that place participants in control of their involvement. With input from residents, business owners, and stakeholders, the LRTP can improve the movement of people in the Fresno County region. Public participation is a dynamic process and will be monitored over the project s duration and modified as appropriate to improve the degree of involvement. 5

9 PEP Goals The ultimate goal of this PEP is to allow the public and other community members opportunities throughout the process to influence the development of the LRTP. The PEP reflects ways to identify and contact the community, inform them of the need for the LRTP, and involve them in the decision-making process. The PEP includes tasks that will identify the affected public, creating an inventory of neighborhoods and school organizations, businesses, church groups, ethnic organizations, homeowners associations, environmental or cultural organizations, special interest groups and civil rights groups; educate the identified stakeholders on the planned LRTP; and provide opportunities for participation and feedback. The goal of the PEP is to actively seek the participation of communities and their stakeholders, agencies, individual interest groups, and the general public throughout the LRTP development process. The PEP provides the framework for achieving consensus and communicating the decision-making process between the general public, public agencies, and governmental officials to identify solutions for the LRTP. Public involvement provides the public and agencies with continuing opportunities to be involved. Input from affected agencies and the public also lends credibility to key decisions made during the LRTP development process. Organizational Structure The LRTP planning process includes several tiers designed to ensure overall management of the analysis and planning phases as well as to secure appropriate guidance from the various audiences essential to the LRTP s success. 6

10 Project Team The Project Team consists of key Fresno COG staff as well as staff from VRPA Technologies, Inc., the lead consultant, and it subconsultant affiliates. To ensure goals and objectives are addressed in a timely manner, the Project Team will meet on a bi-weekly basis to monitor Plan progress, coordinate activities, identify strategic issues with development and next steps. The Project Team is tasked with producing materials to be presented to specific audiences in the various tiers and the engagement activities to ensure that feedback is summarized and addressed as appropriate in the LRTP. A list of Project Team members can be found in Appendix A. Steering Committee At the onset of the planning process, a Steering Committee was formed to help define how transit and transportation investments are made. The Steering Committee will be a key vehicle for continuous public engagement. As such, it will bring the interests and concerns of a broader public to the planning process. It will advise the Project Team by identifying issues and transportation solutions critical to various constituencies. Committee members may also be asked to assist with engagement activities. Responsibilities of the Steering Committee include: 7

11 Assisting in developing the LRTP Vision Statement Identifying existing conditions and future scenarios Promoting partnerships with constituents and stakeholders Working to develop a general understanding or agreement on future goals Advising on final recommendations All materials presented at Steering Committee meetings including meeting agenda and summaries will be posted to the Project webpage to keep proceedings transparent. Additional meetings will be identified as the study progresses. This group will meet on a regular basis throughout the LRTP development process and will provide insight and expertise regarding their constituencies and organizations interests and concerns. A list of Steering Committee members is contained in Appendix B. Elected Officials Elected officials will be kept apprised of the planning process and their input sought. Information on Plan milestones and public meetings will be provided to elected officials to be distributed to their constituencies. Stakeholder Groups Stakeholders are organizations that serve as a vehicle for reaching a broader audience, having a strong interest in transit and transportation planning and a constituency that must be included in the process. Stakeholders also include members of other community or business organizations, governmental entities, or service organizations that have a high level of interest in the Plan and can work cooperatively with the Project Team on engagement activities. Stakeholders will receive detailed information about the Plan and be given opportunities to comment on existing conditions, future scenarios, and other critical path issues. The Project Team will work with stakeholders to keep the broader community informed on Plan progress and ask them to provide feedback as the development process advances. The stakeholder list will be updated throughout the process. Interested Parties Interested parties can either be organizations or individuals who learn of the Plan and express interest in receiving regular details related to the Plan and its development. This can include property owners, business owners, state and local officials, community groups and development corporations, local institutions, transit users, motorists and nonmotorists. Any individual or group that shows interest in the Plan will be added to the stakeholder listing ensuring that receipt of 8

12 newsletters, meeting invitations, and plan updates. Information about the project and all public meetings will be disseminated through as many avenues as possible to reach a broad cross-section of Fresno County residents. This will include extending information through the above-mentioned committee structures as well as the outreach mechanisms listed below. Anyone who attends a public meeting or provides contact information through the Project webpage will be added to the stakeholder list. It is anticipated that participation by interested parties will occur throughout the course of the LRTP development process. Public Participation Objectives For the public and agencies to effectively evaluate and comment on the LRTP, they should be adequately informed about the study and understand the details associated with the analysis. The PEP is designed to provide a roadmap for the process that maximizes public engagement and information at the same time that it creates opportunities for stakeholders and interested members of the public to provide input. The objectives of the PEP are: Establish a cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive framework for making transit and transportation investment decisions Encourage early and continuous engagement of Project stakeholders and the public Maximize engagement opportunities and disseminate Project information in a proactive and timely manner Provide clear, concise information regarding the Project Build awareness among the general public and decision makers utilizing innovative methods and combinations of different public engagement techniques Establish opportunities for early and continuing public engagement and provide adequate notice Provide the public with timely information and reasonable access to technical and policy information utilized in the development of plans and programs Provide the public a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed Plan by utilizing methods, aside from traditional public meetings, such as correspondence and web-based outreach strategies Include a formal process that shows consideration to comments from public participants and responds to public input received during the public engagement process 9

13 Key Audiences As mentioned in the above organizational structure, stakeholders for the study will include various groups or individuals who are affected by, or have an interest in the development of the LRTP. Because of the diverse audiences that will be participating in the study process, the Project Team will reach out to stakeholders in different ways, striving to identify, target and strategize on how best to engage each group and individuals. The PEP will create a structure for gaining an understanding of difference community interest and characteristics. The following listing provides additional potential stakeholders: Affected Public Agencies, including representatives of State transportation organizations, regional planning staff and officials, local officials, and related State agencies, including environmental resources, cultural resources, human services, and economic development agencies Tribal Councils Public Transit and Transportation Users and Providers/Employers, including mass transit organizations and rail clubs Bicyclists and Pedestrians, including bicycle clubs, walking/hiking clubs, trail advocacy groups, and pedestrian safety advocates Persons with Disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments, and the mentally challenged Cultural, Historical, and Resource Advocacy Groups Representatives of Environmental Justice Organizations Land Use Practitioners and Advocacy Groups Other Individuals and parties who may be interested in commenting Recommended Public Engagement Activities As part of the LRTP development process, the Project Team will utilize several participation and communication methods to ensure that continuous public access to Project information is provided throughout the planning process. Public engagement activities and related materials will incorporate the use of the LRTP s proposed vision statement. A welcoming responsive, integrated public transportation system that is safe, affordable, uses innovative technologies, provides equitable access, enhances regional and local mobility, and provides sustainable transportation options. The system will have multiple operators to ensure responsiveness to local constituents, but will be perceived by users as one seamless system throughout Fresno County. 10

14 It is important to ensure that the public, interested parties, and stakeholder groups have ample opportunities to provide informed input throughout the planning process. For this to happen a variety of public engagement activities will be used to reach each difference audience in the most effective manner. Factors to be considered in determining the most appropriate public engagement tool include the size and type of audience, level, awareness and knowledge of transportation issues, geographic distributions, and preferred formats. The most effective public engagement efforts use a combination of methods and technologies to convey and receive information; build awareness; provide resources; and develop relationships. The public outreach methods that will be used to keep the public informed are: Steering Committee Stakeholder Database Project Webpage Presentations, Meetings, and Workshops Response to Public Comments Stakeholder Database The Project Team will research and create one (1) stakeholder database. Existing databases will be compiled and augmented with additional interested members. The database will contain the name of the agency or individual, their physical and addresses, telephone number(s), notes regarding attendance at workshops or events, and comments received. This task will be an on-going task with the database updated throughout the LRTP development process including Steering Committee and workshop attendees, webpage commenters, and other community members or individuals requesting notification of upcoming presentations, meetings, and workshops. Deliverables: Stakeholder Database Schedule: Project Duration Project Webpage A project webpage will be added Fresno COG s website to provide user-friendly, easy Internet access to information about the LRTP planning process. The Project Team will coordinate with Fresno COG s webmaster regarding webpage design and provide materials for posting. The website will utilize the brand and logo developed for the LRTP project and will contain regularly updated project information and timetable, news and a calendar of upcoming events. The webpage will be interactive and also allow for the posting of public comments, receipt of feedback, and let users know how to comment via other formats. It will serve as a repository for meeting agendas and minutes, public comments, and all documents related to the Project. The webpage will provide an important level of transparency and will be utilized to keep all interested parties including key stakeholders and the public informed, as well as to provide an opportunity for their input through a comment section. The webpage will allow members of the community who might not participate in regional workshops an opportunity to participate in the 11

15 process. Interested stakeholders will be able to request to be added to the Stakeholder Database through the webpage. Initially, the webpage will provide general information, including the project work plan, schedule, and deliverables. Over the course of the project, draft and final project materials will be posted for review and comment. Additional items that may be posted to the webpage include, but are not limited to: LRTP Project Overview (Purpose, Timeline, Maps, List of Team and Committee Members) Public Education and Awareness (, background on transit and transportation planning process, planning standards, transportation option) Get Involved (Public Presentation, Meeting, and Workshop Information, Public Comment Forms) Publications (Reports, Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes, Newsletters, Presentations, Fact Sheets, Press Releases) Project Team Contact Information Links to Fresno COG s social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor, and others Social Media Social networking has made significant strides in areas of civic engagement, which is just one of the reasons the Project Team suggests using Fresno COG s current social media platforms to engage greater numbers of Fresno County residents in the LRTP planning process. Recent social media studies note that three out of four internet users in the United States are using social networks, with Facebook and Twitter being the most popular media. These studies also suggest that use of these media sites is increasingly popular with users between the ages of Use of social media will give the Project Team access to an age group that has not typically participated in the development of transportation plans. Deliverables: Materials for posting to the Fresno COG Project webpage Schedule: September 2017 December 2018 Community Outreach Survey Community outreach surveys assess widespread public opinion and portray community perceptions and preferences. They accurately report on what people know, or want to know. They test whether a plan, or plan element, is acceptable to the public and reinforce decisions made through participatory programs. Better information enhances understanding not only of public concerns, but also of the process of public involvement. The Project Team will use a community outreach survey to gauge the level of public information and provide a snapshot of community attitudes and ideas concerning Fresno County transit needs and usage, opinions on future visions for public transit and future transit investments, and improvements needed to encourage multi-modal linkages. The Project Team will work with Fresno COG staff and Steering 12

16 Committee members to assure equal representation amongst metro and rural areas, with a special focus on those living within disadvantaged communities. The Project Team will use their collective, extensive experience in preparing and conducting the Community Outreach Survey. Based on past experience, the survey will be web-based, with questions developed in conjunction with stakeholders who are familiar with transit riders, including transit dependent groups and groups interested in transit innovation. The Project Team s multilingual staff will conduct the prepared survey in English, Spanish, and Hmong with the assistance of translators. Prior to analysis, the data will be weighted to reflect the urban/rural population distribution in Fresno County. Deliverables: Administrative Draft, Draft, and Final Community Outreach Survey Instrument Spanish and Hmong translation of Final Community Outreach Survey Instrument Listing of identified clusters Memorandum of Community Outreach Survey results Schedule: September 2017 December 2018 Presentations, Meetings, and Workshops Public meetings (presentations, meetings, and workshops) will be held throughout the planning process as a way to disseminate information about the LRTP and its development process as well as to secure feedback. The Project Team will identify the appropriate number of locations and combinations of meetings to be conducted during the process. The stakeholder database, website, social media, and press releases will be used to advertise the public meetings. Advertisements in targeted newspapers and websites will also be used to promote the public meetings. Presentations, fact sheets, meeting displays, advertisements, and all other materials will be prepared by the Project Team in coordination with Fresno COG staff. Comments received from the public will be summarized and used to finalize the LRTP. The Project Team will work closely with Fresno COG staff to utilize their media resources to help promote the public meetings. The public meeting locations identified will meet the following criteria: equitable geographic distribution; adequate space for attendees, displays, and involvement exercises; low venue cost; ADA accessible; and near public transportation. A comprehensive list of public meeting locations will be kept detailing the degree which they meet the public meeting location criteria. Materials will be available at all public meetings to describe the necessary plan information that should be conveyed at each meeting. All handouts and presentation materials will be posted to the webpage following the meeting. 13

17 The Project Team will work closely with Fresno COG staff to identify the appropriate public meeting format(s). This could include presentations, meetings, and workshops. Public meetings will be publicized using a range of channels including: Advertisements (English, Spanish, and Hmong versions) in targeted newspapers, posted no sooner than two (2) weeks in advance of scheduled meetings Meeting flyers (English, Spanish, and Hmong versions) distributed via Eblast Meeting announcements (English, Spanish, and Hmong) posted to the LRTP webpage and social media Stakeholders and elected officials will be provided with information regarding upcoming meetings in an effort to supplement promotions Spanish and Hmong language interpreters will be available for those who require those services. Other special accommodations will be provided if requested in advance. Meeting announcement information will include information for requesting such accommodations. Presentations Presentations and briefing updates will be completed as needed throughout the duration of the project. Meetings In-Place Meetings Deliverables: Presentations and briefings including materials as needed Schedule: September 2017 December 2018 In-Place meetings are on-going, regularly schedule meetings held by public or private organizations with which the Project Team can coordinate as yet another vehicle for disbursing Plan information and soliciting input. Presentations at such meetings will be coordinated with the host organization. Pop-Up Meetings Pop-up meetings are a subset of public meetings and call for short, but meaningful interactions with the public that allow their feedback to be incorporated into the Plan while ultimately reaching a significantly higher number of resident than the traditional public workshop. The Project Team will work with Fresno COG to set-up displays or booths at high-volume locations and schedule events throughout the County. This can include community fairs, convention centers, transit centers, shopping malls, and universities. The Project Team will identify geographically dispersed events and locations along with the appropriate form of public participation. Fresno COG and the Project Team will coordinate in the development of key themes and materials for in-place and pop-up meetings. Deliverables: Meetings including materials as needed Schedule: September 2017 December

18 Workshops Regional workshops will allow for organized group discussions with the goal of exchanging and gathering information. The workshops will give the Project Team the opportunity to share information with a large number of diverse stakeholders who can ask questions and explore issues in detail while also encouraging stakeholders to network and share experiences. Regional workshops will follow an open house format and will include an introductory PowerPoint presentation. TurningPoint polling software will be used to ensure that all workshop participants can provide input, not just those who are vocal. TurningPoint is a tool used to solicit answers, selections, and priorities using a real-time response key pad. Interactive stations will be designed to engage and receive feedback from workshop participants. To further ensure broad participation of all community stakeholders and meet environmental justice requirements, all workshops will include Spanish and Hmong translation services. Interactive exhibits will be presented with Fresno COG and technical team members available to discuss questions and concerns. Small group discussions may also be facilitated. Comment cards will be available for comments and feedback. The Project Team will provide stations for registration, comments, and refreshments. A total of three (3) transit workshops will be completed during the planning process. One workshop will be planned for the Metro area of Fresno County and two (2) in rural areas of the County. One rural area workshop will be conducted on the East side of State Route 99 and the second will be completed West of State Route 99. Each workshop will be used to present and discuss outreach and survey findings, as well as to gather additional input on desirable future transit services. This approach will provide rich information to inform the development of transit alternatives for incorporation into the LRTP. Recommendations for the metro-area workshop include holding it in conjunction with a major event, such as the launch of Fresno County s Bus Rapid Transit services and consider a workshop centerpiece such as a Bus Rapid Transit bus display or a demonstration of a real-time transit information system. Recommendations for rural workshops include an approach of combining previously proven effective strategies. Suggested strategies include, but are not limited to the following: Identify transit-accessible venues, ideally where transit riders congregate Include a centerpiece, similar to the Metro workshop, such as a Bus Rapid Transit bus or a hybrid transit vehicle Work through human services agencies to INVITE transportation disadvantaged individuals to attend Provide a small incentive to encourage participation such as a transit pass or gift card It is anticipated that the workshop participants will include residents, workers, business owners, school administrators, school district officials, transit operators, city and county officials, and members of the bicycle and pedestrian community. Key community members and other informed parties will be notified of these workshops/events through postcards, posters, newspapers, and newsletters. For additional noticing information refer to the noticing section below. As noted above, Spanish and Hmong translation will be provided at all workshops using available translation equipment or participant cell phones using free conference call-in services. In addition, comment sheets and workshop displays will be translated for ease of understanding. Finally, the Project 15

19 Team will coordinate with the Fresno COG staff and Steering Committee members to ensure that members of disadvantaged and disabled communities are engaged, invited and have access to all regional workshops. The Project Team may contact Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), health associations, youth organizations, local partners, key cultural institutions, to assist with the identification and noticing of workshop participants. These organizations will also be requested to provide childcare services at the workshops to allow parents to participate and provide feedback and translation equipment, if available. Following each workshop, a written summary of comments, input received, and recommendations will be prepared for Fresno COG staff review. Workshop Noticing All noticing will be completed in both English and Spanish and will be posted online and in the targeted newspapers as noted above, at least one (1) week, but no more than two (2) weeks prior to scheduled workshops. Noticing strategies will included the following: Invitation letter to community leaders and stakeholders distributed via to the Stakeholder Database. The invitation letter will be a brief letter introducing the LRTP project and inviting the recipient to participate in the community engagement and project development process. Graphical postcards will be created for each workshop scheduled. Postcards will contain date, time, and location information. Postcards will be distributed via to the Stakeholder Database. Regional workshop postcard notices will be placed in targeted newspapers as noted above in both English and Spanish. Workshop postcard notices will be provided to Fresno COG for posting to the project webpage, and to its social media links such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor, and others. Postcard notices will also be available to the Steering Committee for posting to their webpages and social media links. Graphical posters will be created each scheduled workshop. Posters will contain date, time, and location information. Posters will be distributed to city and county agencies, transit centers, FBOs, CBOs, and local businesses for posting. The number of posters to be printed will be coordinated with Fresno COG staff. Posters will include date, time, and location information for scheduled workshops. All information will be provided in English and Spanish. Posters will also be posted at venue sites, two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled workshops. Deliverables: Workshops including materials as needed; noticing materials as agreed upon with Fresno COG staff Schedule: November 2017 January 2018 Expected Outcomes of Public Engagement Activities The following expected outcomes are presented to highlight the resulting impact of the PEP once implemented. Outreach and educational programs will be developed and implemented to increase awareness and understanding of the LRTP 16

20 Underrepresented communities and individuals will be educated about the LRTP, its purpose, need, and how it benefits them and their communities Underrepresented communities and individuals will have an increased opportunity to participate in the LRTP development process Partnerships will be developed with key community members to disseminate LRTP education materials and information Coordinated efforts will be forged with CBOs, FBOs, and other local, state, or regional partners to enhance awareness of the LRTP in underrepresented communities Partner agency feedback on the LRTP and its options More local support for preferred alternatives Documentation of public concerns and opportunity for input Better use of agency resources as evidenced by effective, results-oriented meetings Monitoring Public Participation To ensure that a high degree of public involvement is sustained over the course of the long-range transportation planning process, metrics for each of the public outreach mechanisms will be monitored on a regular basis and mid-course corrections made to enhance levels of engagement should declining participation be noted. Ultimately, the goal is to give members of the public the opportunity to influence the direction and shape of Fresno COG s LRTP. All comments will be categorized and summarized to preserve a public record of all feedback. These summaries will be shared with the Steering Committee, posted to the website, and used on Facebook and Twitter to generate more discussion. 17