SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

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FROM:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFIC

JAMES DE LA LOZA

One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

CHIEF PLANNING OFFllZtt-t---

213.922.2000 Tel metro.net

JOANN�ETERSON CHIEF iMAN CAPITAL & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

SUBJECT: EQUITY FOCUS COMMUNITIES UPDATE

ISSUE

In June 2019, the Board received an update on the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) development (Legistar File No. 2018-0819), including the Baseline Understanding Framework and a Values Framework. The Board adopted the Equity Focus Communities (EFCs) as a working definition under the Equity Platform (Motion 18.1 from Directors Bonin, Garcia, Solis, Kuehl, Hahn and Dupont-Walker, Attachment A). This report provides an update on the hiring status of the Equity Officer and additional detail on the methodology for developing the EFCs.

DISCUSSION

Equity Officer Recruitment Human Capital & Development (HC&D) has built a robust recruitment plan to fill the position of Executive Officer, Equity and Race. We reached out to the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE) to identify a recruitment agency that has proven experience in this area. With the recommendation of GARE, we entered into an agreement with Walker and Associates Consulting Services.

The announcement for the position was posted on June 28 (Attachment B). The deadline for applications was August 12. The details of the outreach conducted for the recruitment and the full timeline is included as Attachment C. More than

seventy (70) applications were submitted and the interviews began the week of September 9. A candidate is expected to be brought on board in late October.

EFCs as Working Definition The Board adopted the Equity Platform Framework in February 2018 (Legistar File No. 2017-0912) to address the vast disparity in access to opportunity. The Equity Platform includes four pillars: Define and Measure; Listen and Learn; Focus and Deliver; and Train and Grow. The first pillar is tasked with defining equity and identifying performance metrics to assess if equity is being meaningfully achieved. By adopting the EFCs as a working definition of equity, the Board has committed to using the EFCs to measure the success of key initiatives. The EFCs were developed collaboratively in consultation with the PAC and key academics in LA County. The EFCs are illustrated in Attachment D.

The use of the EFCs is an important start, but it will continue to be refined. The Equity Officer, once selected and on board, will lead the effort to further develop the definition of Equity for Metro and how best to address the need for Equity across all aspects of Metro control. Meanwhile, the EFCs provide specific targets for measured impacts and improvements through the eyes of the LRTP. Staff will continue to analyze technical data regarding the EFCs to provide detailed information to the Board through the LRTP update process. The Equity Officer and LRTP staff will work in consultation with the PAC in the use of EFCs, as well as the expansion of the Equity Platform at Metro (Attachment A).

Equity Process & Approach The draft LRTP Values chapter outline presented a cross-sectional equity analysis to expand upon federally-required Title VI analysis already conducted by Metro to consider how LRTP investments impact or benefit vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across LRTP performance goals and guiding themes. The equity impact analysis will serve as a holistic framework for assessing agency progress in closing gaps to opportunity and other equity impacts. The approach was created through a two-step process:

1. Define social equity populations - select criteria and concentration thresholds to identify a subset of the County as a focus population that can be compared to the rest of the County to evaluate disparate impacts.

2. Select equity performance measures to evaluate equitable performance under each LRTP goal.

The EFCs provide the target population under item 1, allowing Metro to analyze the performance of its investments on specific Los Angeles County residents that statistically show less access to opportunity. Under item 2, the Board will adopt performance measures as part of the update to the LRTP. With the adopted performance criteria, staff can monitor the benefits of future Metro investments on

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EFC communities. The performance measures from the LRTP will allow this analysis, as well as an analysis of systemwide benefits.

Foundational Metro Actions The draft LRTP performance measures reported in June (Attachment E), including the draft equity framework, was drawn from a broad selection of Metro reports and Board adopted-studies. In addition to the above-referenced Equity Platform, other contributions include, but are not limited to:

• Vision 2028 (2018) • Metro 2008-2015 Quality of Life Report (2016) • Metro Active Transportation Strategic Plan (2016) • Measure M Board-Adopted Systemwide Performance Measures (2015) • Metro Subregional Mobility Matrices (2015) • Metro First Last Mile Strategic Plan & Planning Guidelines (2014) • Metro Short Range Transportation Plan (2014) • Metro Complete Streets Policy (2014) • Metro Performance Measures Study (2013) • Metro Countywide Sustainability Planning Policy & Implementation Plan

(2012) • Metro Long Range Transportation Plan (2009)

Equity Stakeholder Input Staff worked with the PAC, and developed an Equity-focused working group that began in Summer 2018. The purpose of the working group was to determine the location of underserved communities by analyzing data that showed unequal access to opportunity, or related disparate outcomes. As part of this effort and discussion, staff examined equity practices at other agencies, specifically municipal planning organizations (MPOs) throughout California. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in the Bay Area was the MPO with the most detailed equity approach. They applied a broad variety of demographic factors (12) with thresholds for how many factors had to be included in a given area, resulting in a focus on 20% of their population.

However, PAC members stated a preference for a more streamlined approach with a larger population share. During the process staff reviewed demographic and statistical information about the following groups: Non-white; low-income; over 64; households with disability; single-parent households; zero-car households; rent-burdened households; and households with limited English. The analysis included reviewing how the demographic groups fared in terms of facing certain risk factors referred to in the EFC discussions as "opportunity gaps." Examples of opportunity gaps considered are lower numbers for high school graduation, higher rate of homelessness, asthma rates, and more arrests per capita.

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Equity Focus Criteria Of the analyzed demographic factors, the following three groups stood out as having the highest statistical correlations and/or a higher than County average (30% or more in likelihood) to opportunity gaps:

• Low-Income; • Non-White; and • Zero-Car Household.

The working group goals in developing the EFC scenario: 1. Capture a larger percentage of low-income, non-white, and zero-car

households than the county average 2. Set thresholds for low-income, non-white, and zero-car households 3. Logic: must meet low-income and EITHER non-white OR zero-car

thresholds.

The selected approach captured 30% of Los Angeles County population ( approximately 3 million, see Attachment A) utilizing census tracts that contain:

• Population where at least 40% are low-income (less than $35,000annual income, Attachment F); and

• At least 80% are non-white (Attachment G) or at least 10% of the households have zero cars (Attachment H).

This methodology was reviewed and validated with representatives from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and University of Southern California Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (USC PERE).

NEXT STEPS

LRTP staff will continue to coordinate with the PAC (representatives include Caltrans, SCAG, COGs, and other local partners) on refinement of the definition of EFCs up through the development of the LRTP and will keep the Board apprised of these efforts. The future Equity Officer will be consulted as part of this process, and that officer will continue to develop the application of the Equity Platform across all Metro activities and efforts. This development will go beyond the EFC framework, to provide a more comprehensive Equity framework.

The Draft LRTP will include an EFC performance-based analysis of our planned investments. The Draft plan update will be presented to the Metro Board in Spring, at which time staff will request release of the Draft LRTP for public review, and adoption of the LRTP performance measures (Attachment E). These measures, as drafted, will evaluate future systemwide impacts, as well as EFC specific impacts throughout Los Angeles County.

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The NextGen and Congestion Pricing Feasibility Study efforts will provide updates to the Board on incorporating EFCs into their analyses. Lastly, HC&D will update the Board on the recruitment of the Equity Officer.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A - Motion 18.1 Attachment B - Recruitment Brochure for Executive Officer, Equity and Race Attachment C - Timeline for Recruitment of Executive Officer, Equity and Race Attachment D - Equity Focus Communities Attachment E - Draft LRTP Performance Measures Presented June 2019 Attachment F - Low-Income Map

Census Tracts with at least 40% Low Income Population Attachment G - Non-White Population Map

Census Tracts with at least 80% Non-White Population Attachment H - Zero-Car Households Map

Census Tracts with at least 10% Zero Car Ownership

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Attachment A: Motion 18.1

Metro

©Metro Board Report

FIie #: 2019-0516, File Type: Motion/ Motion Response

Motion by:

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation

Authority One Gateway Plaza

3rd Floor Board Room Los Angeles, CA

Agenda Number: 18.1

REGULAR BOARD MEETING �UNE 27, 2019

Bonin, Garcia, Solis, Kuehl, Hahn and Dupont-Walker

Defining Equity Focus Communities

In February 2018, the Metro Board adopted the Equity Platform, a groundbreaking policy framework for addressing disparities in access to opportunity that result from historical disinvestment in low­income communities and communities of color. The Equity Platform included four key pillars to guide the work of the agency. The first of these pillars, Define & Measure, is foundational for all equity work moving forward. Over the past year, the lack of a clear definition of equity has hindered the application of the Equity Platform to agencywide planning efforts.

Los Angeles is one of the most inequitable regions in the United States, according to the National Equity AUas. The significant gap between the region's wealthy and low-income communities manifests itself spatially, which affects educational attainment, job access, health outcomes, public safety, environmental quality, mobility, and more. Regions with greater disparities in educational and employment access are associated with slower economic growth and less social cohesion. In contrast, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, the International Monetary Fund, Standard and Poor's, and USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) have all found that regions that intentionally prioritize equity enjoy more robust economic growth over the long haul. Beginning to addre$S these disparities is an urgent need, since it takes time to realign agency priorities and resources from historical practices. Adopting a working definition for use during the critical planning efforts underway, most notably the NextGen Bus Study and the Congestion Pricing Feasibility Study, would result in real benefits for communities that have waited a long time for their needs to be addressed equitably.

Metro Page 1 of2 Printed on 6121/2019

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FIie #: 2019-0516, File Type: Motion/ Motion Response Agenda Number: 18.1

As part of the LRTP Draft Values Framework, Metro planning staff have developed a definition of Equity Focus Communities, learning from renowned academic experts at USC PERE and in consultation with the Metro Policy Advisory Council. This definition identifies two demographic factors that have historically been determinants of disinvestment and disenfranchisement: household income and race/ethnicity. A third factor. households with low vehicle ownership, presents an opportunity to target new mobility investments in neighborhoods with a higher propensity to take full advantage of them. Together, these three factors represent the locations where strategic transportation investments can have the greatest impact on reducing disparities in access to opportunity. While it is undoubtedly possible to further refine this definition, it would be imprudent to let this excellent work sit idle when it could be put into practice immediately.

SUBJECT: DEFINING EQUITY FOCUS COMMUNITIES

APPROVE Motion by Directors Bonin, Garcia, Solis, Kuehl, Hahn and Dupont-Walker that the Board direct the CEO to:

A. Adopt Equity Focus Communities as a working definition under the first pillar of the Equity Platform;

B. Utilize this definition of Equity Focus Communities to evaluate scenarios in planning efforts currently underway, including NextGen and Congestion Pricing, along with supplemental metrics if necessary and appropriate;

C. Continue to refine the definition and applicability of Equity Focus Communities through the development of the LRTP and in consultation with the Policy Advisory Council and Chief Equity Officer.

D. Report back to the Board on the status of hiring the Chief Equity Officer.

Metro Page2 of2 Printed on 6/2112019

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ttactiime t . Recruitme Br:oc ur. if Executive Officer, 'Equity and Race

Los Angeles County Metropolitan

Transportation Authority

Executive Officer, Equity and Race

©Metro

,:

Metro is seeking an Executive Officer, Equity and Race to

provide oversight and implementation of Metro's equity

platform to ensure that all Metro plans, programs, and

investments consider equity from the perspective of access

to opportunities for LA County's most vulnerable

populations and communities.

Join us.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

> Racial. ethnic, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, gender and age-based initiatives focused to advance historically marginalized populations

> Effective strategies that arc designed to advance equity for all stakeholders

> EEO and Affirmative Action rules and regulations > Meaningfully engage a wide variety of stakeholders in challenging

dialogue and critical self-reflection around racial identity, implicit bias, systemic racism, structural inequities, etc.

> Read, write. speak, and understand English > Prioritize and manage work to meet deadlines > Handle highly confidential infonnation > Understand, interpret and apply policies, procedures, contracts, laws,

regulations and labor/management agreements > Compile. analyze, and manage data > Communicate with various levels within and outside of Metro > Absorb and synthesize infonnation quickly and adjust facilitation

strategy accordingly

Key Duties and Responsibilities

> Oversees and coordinates the equity platform portfolio across all Metro Departments; While Department heads and their staff will take the lead in developing and carrying out specific activities, this position will ensure that elements of the Platfonn as defined in its adopted ··policy pillars" are applied appropriately to those actions

> Incorporates definitions of equity consistent with the Platform's focus on access to opportunity

> Directly engages undcrserved communities that are potentially impacted by Metro pol icics, programs, projects, or services; and addresses potential problems actively and responsibly throughout those efforts

> Identifies and carries out specific actions in partnership with other agencies or agents that are designed to improve access to opportunity via transportation

> Recommends equity-based education for staff, stakeholders and the Board of Directors through research, trainings, and peer industry collaborations

> Leads intra-agency coordination in support of, and between key equity initiatives; equity platfonn elements of the Policy Advisory Council; Identifies the medium- and long-range strategic plan actions necessary to build the national movement for racial equity in the agency as well as across the transportation sectors

> Develops, convenes and supports a new Equity Advisory Commission, that will consist of a core group of equity thought leaders throughout the LA County area representing academia, foundations, and community representatives: facilitates and guides cross-disciplinary forums to address speci fie issues that Metro is facing

> Serves as the key point person and liaison with stakeholders and the general public regarding equity issues; maintains and develops relationships with advocates, foundations, and governmental representatives to further effective implementation of the equity platforn1

Metro/PTSC is an equal employment opportunity employer

> Initiates, builds, and manages cohesive partnerships and professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels internal and external to Metro

> Coordinates with the Department of Civil Rights on issues of mutual interest between equity-based pol icy and regulation

> Provides reports to the Board on the implementation of the equity platform, and as required throughout the program

> Contributes to ensuring that the EEO policies and programs of Metro arc carried out

Experience and Education

> Bachelor's degree-Sociology, Social Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Social Work, Public Administration, Human Resources Management or other related field

> Five (5) years of senior-management level experience working in the area of racial justice and anti-poverty work focusing on the advancement of organizational cultures into one of inclusivity, equity, and diversity

Salary

> The salary range for the Executive omcer, Equity and Race is HBB ($153,004.80 - $ 1 9 1 ,006.40 - $229,008.00). Salary placement will be determined by education and experience.

Benefits

Financial Security > 40 l k Thrift Savings Plans > 457 Deferred Compensation Plans > CalPERS Pension Plan

Group Benefit Plans > Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance > Health Care Spending Account > Dependent Care Spending Account

Time Off > Time off with Pay > 1 0 Paid Holidays > Maternity & Family Leave

Employee Perks > On-site Fitness Center & Classes > Agency-wide Fitness Challenges/Events and Wellness Fairs > Transportation Passes and Subsidies > Child Care Center > Employee Assistance Plan > Credit Union > Recreational Activities & Discounts

Application and Selection Procedure To apply, send a resume, cover letter and three references to: LAi\letro(@walkeraac.com no later than 5 p.m. (PST) on Monday, August 12, 2019.

Search Partner: u Jlker and Associo1tes

\\'\V\V.\Valkeraac.corn c .. .... .hut !If'

Questions: Email Constance Walker at cwalkcr@walkeraac.com. Do not call or email LA Metro about this position.

Attachment C: Timeline for Recruitment of Executive Officer, Equity and Race

SEARCH UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EQUITY AND RACE

AUGUST 5, 2019 © Metro

I . Summary of Recruiting Efforts To-Date • Position posted via online advertisements/posts or emails via outlets including:

o Civi l Service Careers

o DiversityJobs

o Glassdoor

o Government Jobs

o Prevention Institute

o ZipRecruiter

• 1-on-1 email and/or phone outreach to over 75 thought leaders and/or potential candidates with

new outreach since the last update italicized:

o Josefina Aguilar - Executive Director, TRUST South LA o Mika/ Anderson - Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prototype Entities o Evelyn Blumenberg - Professor and Chair of Urban Planning, UCLA Luskin School of Public

Affairs Marsha E. Bonner - Director of Programs, Annenberg Foundation

o Peter Laurence Carr, IV - Founder and Attorney, PLC Law Group Anthony Chambers I I - Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Keurig Dr. Pepper

o Witman A. Christian Ill - Director, PRISM and the National Equity Network, USC Race and Equity Center Jessica Cortez Kimbal l - Head of Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion, Mattel

o Kevin DeGood - Director of Infrastructure Policy, Center for American Progress o Regina Freer - Professor, Politics; Advisory Committee, Black Studies, Urban and Environmental

Policy, Occidental College o Calvin Gladney - President and CEO, Smart Growth America o Dr. Shaun R. Harper - Founder and Executive Director, USC Race and Equity Center o Portia Jackson Preston -Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health, California

State University, Los Angeles ( Ralph Lippman - Executive Director, California Community Economic Development Agency

(CCEDA)

o De Dee Loftin Davis, Racial Equity Consultant

LA METRO SEARCH UPDATE: EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EQUITY AND RACE

• \ � ·ialker and Associates � Cttt1)Ul1111g. I I ('

Dwayne S. Marsh - Co-Director, Government All iance on Race and Equity {GARE) & Vice President for Institutional and Sectoral Change, Race Forward

o Jessica Meaney - Executive Director, Investing in Place o Courtney Moore - Director, DEi Strategy/External Relationships, Caesars Entertainment

Shane Murphy Goldsmith - President & CEO, Liberty Hi l l Foundation o Beth Osborne - Director, T4 America o Rio Oxas - Policy & Programs Organizer, People for Mobility Justice o Manuel Pastor- Director, USC Program for Environmental & Regional Equity, University of

Southern California o Sherice Perry - Communications Director for Dr. Jill Biden, Biden for America o Laura Raymond - Director, ACT-LA o Kellee Scott- Sr. Associate Director, MBA Admissions, USC Marshall School of Business Lola

Smallwood Cuevas - Project Director, ULCA Labor Center Beatriz Solis - Director, Healthy Communities - South Region, The California Endowment Ni lka Thomas - VP of Talent & Inclusion, Lyft Tunua Thrash-Ntuk - Executive Director, Local In i tiatives Support Corporation, LA (USC - LA)

o Beth Trombley - Director of Public Affairs & Brand Communication, Kaiser Permanente o Effie Turnbull-Sanders - Executive Director, SLA TE-Z

Mark Wilson - CEO, Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD)

II. Results of Recruiting Efforts To-Date

• 42 applications submitted

• At least 2 cultivated candidate appl ications are pending/will be submitted soon • Additional applications anticipated leading up to the application deadline

I l l . Next Steps

• Applications Due - 8/12/19 • Vetting Interviews Conducted - 8/19/19 • Materials on the Candidate Pool with Recommendation Submitted - 8/21/19 • Candidate Selection Call - 8/23/19 • Prel iminary Interviews Conducted & 2-3 Finalists Selected - 9/9-12/19 • Final Round Interviews Conducted & a Finalist is Selected - 9/16/19 • Reference & Background Checks are Conducted & Offer Letter is Extended - 9/23/19

LA METRO SEARCH UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EQUITY AND RACE • \ � lalkcr and Associates � Gm1ul1111g, I l C

Attachment D : Equity Focus Communities

Highways Fixed Guideway Transit

- EFC Communities 30% of LAC Population

<13ster

Census Tract Thresholds > 80% Non-white >40% Low Income > 1 0% Zero Car

Santa Clarita *Thresholds are based on: 1) Non-white AND Low Income, or 2) Low Income AND Zero Car ,.

.-: •

..

Pomona -L

Santa Mpnicc1., ..

0 0 10 20 Miles

Attachment E: Draft LRTP Performance Measures

Vision 2028 Goals

Goal 2: Deliver

outstanding trip

experiences for all

users of the

transportation system

II System Performance

Objectives DRAFT Performance Measures

Optimize the speed, reliability Travel time by mode 1 and performance of the

transportation system

2 Provide high-quality mobility options for all

Travel time reliability by mode

Percent of households and jobs within 10-minute walk or roll of high­quality transit

Transit competitiveness (vs. driving) in key travel markets

Person travel hours in non-SOV modes

Active transportation mode share

Collisions by mode by severity

3 Improve transportation system Miles of protected bicycle pathways and sidewalks within ½ mile of high safety and security

4 Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction

5 Promote access to opportunity in Equity Focus Communities

quality transit Part I & II crimes reported on Metro transit system

Customer satisfaction with Metro bus, rail, and Express Lanes systems

Percent of Equity Focus Community (EFC) households within 10-minute walk or roll of high quality transit

Collisions by mode and severity in EFCs

Miles of protected bicycle pathways and sidewalks within ½ mile of high quality transit in EFCs

Affordable housing within ½ mile of high quality transit in EFCs

Percent of household income spent on combined transportation and housing costs in EFCs

Percent of activity centers in EFCs within 10-minute walk or roll of high quality transit

Percent of roads and highway bridges in good and fair condition in EFCs

Affordable housing within ½ mile of high quality transit 6

Reduce household costs spent 1-------------------------­on transportation and housing Percent of household income spent on combined transportation and

housing costs

7 Promote economic vitality

Regional economic growth attributable to transportation investments

Regional jobs attributable to transportation investments

9 Enhance public health and quality of life

10 Manage roadway congestion

GHG emissions

Air quality pollutants

Percent of activity centers within 10-minute walk or roll of high quality

Active transportation mode share

Vehicle hours of delay per capita Vehicle miles traveled per capita Total person throughput Average roadway incident clearance time

11 Increase share of travel by non-1-A_n_n_u_a_l t_r_a_n_si_t _tr

--'ip_s

___________________ -l SOV modes SOV mode share

Support efficient goods 12

movement

Truck vehicle hours of delay

Truck travel time reliability

Percent of roads and highway bridges in good and fair condition 13

Maintain a state of good repair

Percent of backlog to state-of-good-repair funding needs to address transit assets past useful life

14 Ensure accountability through Progress toward project completion compared to financial forecast transparent reporting practices

Legal and policy reports issued on time

Attachment F : Concentration of Low-Income Households

Lancaster

Pa l mdale

Santa Clarita

Pasadena

-

Legend

Concentration of Low-Income Households

< 30% Torrance

1 5% - 30%

30% - 40% Highways 4o% - SS% -- Fixed guideway

- > 55% transit

� - I.. - .,tong Beach

• Pomona

0 0 1 0 20 Mi les

Attachment G : Concentration of Non-White Population

Santa Clarita

...

Santa �ca

Legend

Concentration of Non-White Population

< 30%

30% - 50%

50% - 70% Highways

?O% - 9o% -- Fixed guideway

- > 90% transit

• Lancaster

Pa lmdale

0 0 1 0 20 Mi les

Attachment H : Concentration of Zero Car Households

Legend

Concentration of Zero-Car Households

< 5%

5% - 1 0%

1 0% - 20% Highways 20% - 35% -- Fixed gu ideway

- > 35% transit

Santa Clarita

Burbank

Torrance

w

Lancaster

Palmdale

Pasadena

. ,.

0

Pomona

0 1 0 20 Mi les