TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Letter Regarding Events Held in Banned States
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider whether to authorize a member of the Board to sign a letter expressing AC Transit's Concerns regarding events held in banned states. [Requested by Director Walsh - 8/11/21]
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
Participation in conferences and events is one way to build strong public and policymaker support. Proactive communications regarding cancellations and policy changes that effect participation in these events is an important action to maintain positive relations and strong public and policymaker support.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Submitting a letter expressing AC Transit's concerns regarding events held in banned states has no direct impact on the budget.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
At the August 11, 2021 Board meeting, Board Director Walsh requested that there be a joint effort with other transit agencies to send a letter to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Florida Convention Bureau, and Florida Governor's Office, voicing a protest of participation in events that are in states with travel bans due to their discriminatory laws. Additionally, Director Walsh requested that efforts be made to have other Bay Area transit agencies sign-onto the letter. Staff has reached out to several Bay Area public transit agencies to determine if there is interest in sending a joint letter. At the time of writing this report, no transit agencies have confirmed, although some have expressed interest.
On June 29, 2021, the State of California added five states to the list of places where state-funded travel is banned because of laws that discriminate against members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community. The most recent travel bans apply...
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