Larissa King Rawlins

Thanks to our Hilary Fong, CBAP, PhD for this interesting post about how Highlands is helping California's Transit Transformation Task Force.

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Big win for CA infrastructure! The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is fueling $3.5B in upgrades across our highways and rail systems, including key projects for San Diego. Building a safer, more connected California! Learn more https://lnkd.in/e7Un3Wha

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🌟 SGC Request for Information (RFI)!🌟 The California Strategic Growth Council Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program just released an RFI seeking public input on the Community Resilience Centers Program’s Implementation Grants (CRC). 🚀✨ These grants will fund: 🏗️ New construction and upgrades of facilities to serve as community resilience centers 🌳 Campus amenities that support the use of the facility 💪 Services and programs that build overall community resilience An independent program evaluator will: 🔍 Review the Implementation Grants 🛠️ Develop a statewide program evaluation framework 📊 Work with grantees to identify indicators for tracking and monitoring project impacts Public input is needed on: 📝 Evaluating CRC program outcomes 💡 Enhancing CRC program impacts 🔄 Recommendations for overall CRC program improvements Responses should be submitted to [email protected], with [email protected] CC’ed. Please include “SGC23158 CRC Implementation Grant RFI” in the subject line. ⏳ Submit by June 28, 2024, to be considered!More information can be found at: https://lnkd.in/ggUMjYnH Let's build stronger, more resilient communities together! 💪🌍 #CommunityResilience #SGC #PublicInput #Grants #CommunityDevelopment #ResilienceCenters

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As Transform engages on the next Bay Area regional transportation measure via the Connect the Bay Act (SB 1031), we've been very focused on ensuring highway expansion is not part of the regional measure. That position isn’t just rooted in our values but in polling. Here’s what we found. - Climate voters won’t support a measure with highways - Voters know highway expansion doesn’t reduce traffic - Repairing roads and improving safety are winning issues Tell MTC you want funding for transit, not new highways. https://lnkd.in/gSiMmmvb #connectthebayact #regionaltransportation #fixitfirst #planbayarea

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New research from Portland State University demonstrates that a substantial initiative from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is an effective tool for improving the recruitment and retention of a more diverse workforce. The Highway Construction Workforce Development Program is a statewide, collaborative effort that funds supportive services for apprentices learning trades including carpentry, cement masonry, electrical, ironwork, laborer crafts, operating engineering and painting while in a registered apprenticeship program. “Consistent with our previous evaluations, we find that apprentices who receive services through the program are more likely to complete their apprenticeship than apprentices who do not receive these services,” said Maura Kelly, co-author of the report and professor of Sociology at Portland State University. “Specifically, apprentices who receive program services are 10% more likely to complete their apprenticeship.” During the study period between 2022 and 2023 there were 1,966 new apprentices. The report shows that the construction workforce is continuing to diversify. Of those new apprentices, 14% identified as women and 45% identified as people of color. The share of apprentices who identified as White men dropped to 46% — a decline of 20% since 2010-2011. “Building a stronger, more diverse workforce starts with recognizing the barriers that have existed for too long preventing women and people of color from completing their apprenticeship in the building and construction trades, and then we must be creative to ensure those barriers are reduced until they no longer exist,” said Christina Stephenson, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Support services include child care, “ready items” (work clothes, tools and protective equipment), non-financial assistance (targeted support services like counseling, advocacy, and support networks) and hardship funds. Read more about the study: https://lnkd.in/gkE9uimA

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At the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP), we're thrilled to see our pledge signatories, like California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), embrace innovative solutions that advance #equity for communities and Historically Underutilized Businesses (#HUBs). #Caltrans has launched the Transportation Equity Index (EQI) tool which identifies a number of variables impacting transportation equity. The EQI tool's layered data helps planners and decision-makers see how projects can support underserved neighborhoods and local businesses, creating opportunities for all. “Transportation inequities can’t be addressed adequately without critical data to help identify priority populations most impacted by California’s transportation system,” emphasized Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary, at the EQI’s release. #EquityinInfrastructure #EIPPledge

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🚇 New Public Safety Department for LA Metro! 🚇 The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) board has unanimously approved the establishment of the Metro TCPSD (Transit Community Public Safety Department). 🚏 The Department aims to enhance visibility, accountability, and consistent service delivery, ensuring a safer transit system for Metro employees and customers. The specialized workforce is trained to address the unique needs of transit riders using care-based strategies. 🦺 The comprehensive strategy includes staffing enhancements, maintaining 386 law enforcement officers while increasing the deployment of Ambassadors (+141), homeless outreach (+5), and crisis intervention staff (+81). Investments also incorporate $5 million annually for innovative public safety infrastructure improvements at transit stations. This multi-layered safety model will enhance coordination, improve response times, and address the specific needs of riders. 🚉🌟 Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said, "We are addressing complex public safety issues that require a bold, new approach. The Metro TCPSD will go far beyond providing law enforcement to address crime. We will introduce a fresh, new public safety model that puts people at the center and addresses quality of life issues that have become so prevalent in cities and transit systems across the country." #LAMetro #PublicSafety #TransitCommunity #Innovation #SafetyFirst #BetterCities

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State transportation agencies are already seeing the effects of climate change on their infrastructure and transportation systems. In this episode of the InfraTalk Podcast, Secretary of California State Transportation Agency, Toks Omishakin, discusses the impact climate change has had on the state of California and his agency's work. He also shares how important it is for the industry to tackle today’s transportation problems with modern solutions. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/d9e3uRzP #Transportation #Infrastructure #Innovation #ClimateChange #InfraTalkAmerica #Podcast

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CA FWD is thrilled to see the newly revamped infrastructure website launched by the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom, which aims to show the impact of infrastructure investment across California. This website calls back to CA FWD's 2022 set of regional infrastructure meetings -- back then, along with Antonio Villaraigosa during his time as Infrastructure Advisor for the state of California, we met with over 1,000 Californians from across sectors and industries to hear feedback on regions-focused infrastructure spending. These regional meetings resulted in a CA FWD report with recommendations on how to best prioritize equity and climate resilience, while fast-tracking needed infrastructure projects. #Regionsup work like this is critical to our belief that the state's diverse and vibrant regions have the potential to show the U.S. and the world a truly sustainable economic model. https://lnkd.in/gSkyPEmf #infrastructure #energytransition #climateresilience #regionsup #california #energy #climate #cleanenergy #jobs #investment

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We just released Incomplete Streets: Aligning Practice with Promise in Caltrans Projects, a detailed look at how Caltrans addresses active transportation. Our report offers a path forward for safer, more inclusive streets. https://lnkd.in/eF-KruxS

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Thinking about #transit projects? Check out this guide for effective planning and public participation! #CommunityEngagement is key. We've summarized insights from transit agencies into a roadmap with four steps for community-focused mobility. https://hubs.la/Q02W2xQl0

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Planning principles in action!

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Join our virtual California Roundtable on June 27th, 11AM PT as Rosa Castro, Research & Grants Manager at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, explores how your agency can achieve elevated grant success. 🏆 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gNb-dD4S You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn how to: 👉 Ensure you are set up to take advantage of unprecedented funding opportunities 👉 Think beyond the grant application process and factor in the administrative burden of post-award management and audit readiness 👉 How to utilize purpose-built software to boost your organization’s grant funding and management 👉 Discuss balancing the budget after influx of funding declines #GrantFunding #GrantManagement #EunaGrants

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There is still time to participate in SACOG's Mobility Zones Survey. Take the two-minute survey to help identify areas with high mobility needs across the region. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMjvY-rb

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Highway expansions always result in more congestion and consequently increased carbon emissions. Thinking different, and planning with climate in mind can lead to innovative transport solutions for the future!

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Share your transportation priorities and experiences on the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) “Shape Your Transportation Future” survey. Tell PAG where you believe it should apply its transportation funding resources for the next 30 years. www.PAGregion.com/2055 #Tucson #transportation

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Funding Opportunities Roundup 💰 💵 1. Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Due: Sept. 9, 2024 Competitive projects are low-cost solutions at locations with severe, fatal, or repeat collisions. This is a great source of funding for intersection improvements like high visibility crosswalk markings, leading pedestrian interval timing, RRFBs, PHBs, sidewalks, and more. Note: Eligibility requires the applicant to have adopted a Local Roadway Safety Plan. https://lnkd.in/gz5r6FWv 2. Solutions for Congested Corridors Due: Nov. 19, 2024 Eligible project elements within the corridor plans may include improvements to state highways, local streets and roads, rail facilities, public transit facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and restoration or preservation work that protects critical local habitat or open space. https://lnkd.in/gPuufpP8 3. Local Partnerships Program Due: Nov 20, 2024 Active transportation projects are eligible. 40% of funding is competitive; 60% by formula. Eligibility: Jurisdictions with voter-approved taxes, tolls, or fees, which are dedicated solely to transportation improvements. https://lnkd.in/gx3vjPui

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