Assessing the Impact of Equity Work in Transportation

University Transportation Centers Programhttps://doi.org/10.7922/G2154FBQ2021PDFTech ReportMcCullough, Sarah RebollosoErasmus, SequoiaUniversity of California, Davis. Institute of Transportation StudiesPacific Southwest Region 9 UTC, University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia. Dept. of Transportation. Division of Research and InnovationUnited States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and TechnologyUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramPacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (UTC)CaliforniaUnited StatesCase studiesEquity (Justice)MinoritiesMobilityPoliceTransportation planningInclusionDiversityWorkplace climatePSR-19-42 TO-021Caltrans 65A0674 Task Order 021 USDOT Grant 69A3551747109Final Report (November 2019 \u2013 March 2021)This report assesses equity work within transportation in California by analyzing the expert perspectives of transportation professionals who also identify as Black or people of color. 28 professionals from across the state were interviewed. Many interviewees work on transportation equity as part of their central job function. Interviews were transcribed and coded for major themes. Key findings centered around a key distinction between \u201cperformative\u201d equity work and \u201cauthentic\u201d equity work. Performative equity work privileges the comfort and perspective of dominant groups, reinforces status quo, stays in the realm of rhetoric, and often results in superficial changes only. Authentic equity work centers the experience of Black people and people of color, embraces discomfort, transforms dominant culture, and results in measurable changes to the lives of those historically oppressed. Key recommendations include supporting action-oriented equity work, especially around resource allocation and redistribution of decision-making power to communities. The report includes case studies of how to apply findings to new mobilities and policing, as well as visions for more equitable transportation futures.127