TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 10, 2024
TO: Regional Transportation Advisory Council
FROM: Stella Jordan, Public Engagement Program Manager
RE: Draft Advisory Council Language for MPO MOU Update
This memorandum proposes new draft language for the Regional Transportation Advisory Council (Advisory Council) section of the MPO’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) document. The new language reflects recommendations made by the MPO Ad-Hoc MOU Update Committee, research on peer agencies’ advisory councils, MPO Public Engagement Program goals and objectives, and conversations with the Advisory Council and Advisory Council leadership. Key changes distinguishing this draft from the current MOU language regarding the Advisory Council include the following:
· Clear mission statement
· Defined goals
· Clarification of the relationship between the Advisory Council and MPO staff
This draft language is not final, and represents a work in progress that will be further refined by input from the Advisory Council and the MOU Committee.
1 Proposed update
The Boston Region MPO supports a Regional Transportation Advisory Council (Advisory Council) to advance public engagement in the 3C planning process. As a public forum that guides MPO planning and decision-making, the Advisory Council includes and elevates diverse perspectives from stakeholders representing areas and interests throughout the region. The Advisory Council’s mission is to create space for broad conversations and knowledge-building about regional transportation issues and provide input into the development of MPO programs and projects in the context of public priorities.
To accomplish this, the Advisory Council is guided by the following goals:
1. Equity. A membership comprising advocacy, community-based, and professional organizations, agencies, and municipalities that increases equitable involvement in the MPO’s decision-making process by including and elevating diverse and underrepresented perspectives, fostering robust dialogue, and supporting engagement in the planning process.
2. Accountability. A focus on bringing transparency and greater accountability to encourage the MPO’s decision-making to be consistent with the vision and goals established in the long-range plan.
3. Engagement. An empowered role in the development and implementation of the MPO’s Public Engagement Program and Plan and coordination with staff on public education efforts.
To support the Advisory Council’s mission and goals, the administration and facilitation of the Advisory Council is managed and funded through the Boston Region MPO Public Engagement Program. MPO staff provide educational opportunities for Advisory Council members to effectively engage with MPO work and maintain timely connections between the Advisory Council and the MPO planning process, including by creating engagement opportunities at key decision-making points, evaluating the impact of the Advisory Council’s engagement in the planning process, and coordinating on implementation of the Public Engagement Plan.
The Advisory Council holds a seat on the MPO board and membership in committees of the board.
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CIVIL RIGHTS NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Welcome. Bem Vinda. Bienvenido. Akeyi. 欢迎. 歡迎
You are invited to participate in our transportation planning process, free from discrimination. The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is committed to nondiscrimination in all activities and complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency). Related federal and state nondiscrimination laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, sex, disability, and additional protected characteristics.
For additional information or to file a civil rights complaint, visit www.bostonmpo.org/mpo_non_discrimination.
To request this information in a different language or format, please contact:
Boston Region MPO Title IV Specialist 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150 Boston, MA 02116 Phone: 857.702.3700 Email: civilrights@ctps.org
For people with hearing or speaking difficulties, connect through the state MassRelay service, www.mass.gov/massrelay. Please allow at least five business days for your request to be fulfilled.
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