CalGreen Submits Public Comments for Caltrans' Draft Public Participation Plan

Comment letter puts forward issues of inclusion, diversity, and varying communications, especially for the many communities traditionally excluded from transportation planning.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–With its mission to advance systems thinking and the Triple-Bottom Line, the California Green Academy (“CalGreen”) has submitted public comments to the California Department of Transportation, regarding the January 2018 Draft Public Participation Plan (“PPP,” pictured right). When finalized, the PPP will direct outreach efforts for the California Transportation Plan, and the Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. TransportiCA’s concerns regarding with the draft version included:

1) Delineating further when submitted comments will be responded to individually, or as a group.

2) PPP recognizing the need for Spanish translation, but the PPP not being provided in Spanish.

3) PPP, and other important transportation notices, needing to be placed on public transportation fleets, and at major transportation facilities.

4) Planning and workshop sessions including evening and weekend options, held at local community or cultural centers, and with partnerships of established local organizations.

5) Utilizing community websites, such as Craigslist and Nextdoor.

6) PPP needing to be written in active voice and edited by a technical writer.

“The federal government has made it quite clear inclusion and equity will not be involved with the federal transportation planning process, so we are driven to contribute these vital comments and facts, making sure transportation and the planning process is open to all communities, and respecting the dignity of all system stakeholders–regardless of income or ethnicity,” stated Remi Mateo, TransportiCA’s Deputy Editor.

Today’s complete comment letter for the PPP can be viewed and downloaded here.

TransportiCA’s public comment submissions began in July 2016, with the first letter regarding the Draft California Sustainable Freight Action Plan, and TransportiCA is currently drafting a submission for the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Draft 2018 Business Plan. More information CalGreen’s Public Comment program, as well as, submitted letters, can be viewed at: www.calgreenacademy.org/pc, and inquiries can be directed to: tpc@calgreenacademy.org.

A PDF of this release can be downloaded here.