TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Equity in Infrastructure Project Resolution
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider the adoption of Resolution No. 25-007 supporting the Equity in Infrastructure Project.
Staff Contact:
Lynette Little, Director of Civil Rights & Compliance
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Prioritize Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Initiative - Internal and External Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Programs and Priorities
The District’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility means ensuring that local business enterprises have opportunities to do business with the District. Encouraging the utilization of the small, local businesses within the District’s service area aligns with the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Business Element Program and commitments to support the East Bay and regional economy.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no immediate budgetary impact associated with the adoption of this resolution; however, implementing the commitments will require staff resources over time as infrastructure projects proceed.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
In anticipation of the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), prominent members of the transportation industry including Denver International Airport CEO Phillip A. Washington, and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John D. Porcari founded the non-profit Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP). EIP aims to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by advocating for policies that increase infrastructure contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). EIP’s coalition currently exists of seventy-four (74) pledge signers, including heads of transit authorities, airports, ports, water districts, and engineering, financial, and construction firms from across the country and is supported by Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs, Social Impact Fund, HNTB, STV, Anser Advisory, The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and The James Irvine Foundation.
The efforts in the EIP Pledge align closely with current District policies and processes. Signing a resolution in support of the EIP will strengthen the District’s commitment to achieving equity in contracting small, local, and historically underutilized businesses.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
An AC Transit statement in support of the Equity in Infrastructure Project principles and actions will serve as a guide for consideration of future opportunities and policy actions to support small, local, and underutilized businesses. Joining the coalition of pledge signers may also provide the District with opportunities to collaborate with other major agencies and share best practices, thereby enhancing and strengthening our existing Diversity Equity & Inclusion framework and equity initiatives.
Any such policy actions, however, may require further consideration and action by the Board of Directors, as appropriate.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
No alternatives were considered for this item.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Board Policy 465 - Procurement Policy
Board Policy 466 - Small and Small Local Business Enterprise
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 25-007 and Related Exhibits
Prepared by:
Phillip J. L. Halley, Program Manager
In Collaboration with:
Brooklyn Moore-Green, Senior Program Specialist
Approved/Reviewed by:
David Wilkins, Director of Bus Rapid Transit
Joe Callaway, Director of Capital Projects
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
Fred Walls, Director of Procurement and Materials
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer