State seeking applicants for transportation Equity Advisory Committee

California state transportation agencies are announcing an open call for applicants to serve on the interagency Equity Advisory Committee, which first convened last year in partnership between the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), the California Transportation Commission (Commission), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 

The 15-member Equity Advisory Committee advises each agency on how to achieve meaningful outcomes in transportation equity, environmental justice, and equitable economic opportunities, especially in transportation planning and programming. Applications for at least two open seats are due Feb. 4.

To apply to participate on the Equity Advisory Committee, visit:  https://forms.office.com/g/MZXiGf1Tmb.

“The Equity Advisory Committee is already making a difference by providing a unique perspective on the state’s transportation policies and programs,” said CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin. “I encourage all interested Californians to apply to join the committee and continue this important work.”

Newly elected Committee Chair William Walker added that “now is a pivotal time to become a member of the Equity Advisory Committee as California grapples with questions such as how to reduce vehicle trips, make roads safer for active transportation modes, electrify the vehicle fleet, and reverse the negative impacts of transportation infrastructure upon underserved and underrepresented groups. Help us by becoming a part of that change.” 

Members of the Equity Advisory Committee review, advise, and make recommendations on transportation related plans, programs, and policies to CalSTA, the Commission, and Caltrans during open public meetings. Committee membership is intended to elevate diverse and historically marginalized voices, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, rural communities, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual individuals, people with disabilities, older adults, youth, low-income, and unhoused individuals in California.

Committee members serve two-year terms. Each member must be a resident of California and must clearly demonstrate a history of equity-centered personal or professional experience or community leadership, or be actively engaged in transportation equity, policy, programming, advocacy or related fields such as health, air quality, climate, housing justice, community development or socio-economic development.