Building Community Resilience and Equity: A Case Study on the Importance of Federal Transit Grants for Title VI Programs in Nebraska.
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Doctoral)
Major/Field of Study
Public Administration
Advisor Information
Dr. Josie Schafer
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
22-3-2024 10:30 AM
End Date
22-3-2024 11:45 AM
Abstract
In today's evolving landscape of public administration, the integration of social equity, inclusion, and diversity (SEDI) is vital in promoting community resilience. The mandate of rural transit agencies to uphold Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act aligns harmoniously with the principles of SEDI, ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subject to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Specifically, any program receiving federal financial assistance is required to complete and maintain a Title VI Civil Rights Nondiscrimination program for their agency to meet Federal Transit Administration funding requirements and often State funding criteria as well. Despite its importance, rural transit agencies often struggle to navigate the bureaucratic and complex Title VI compliance process. This case study of Nebraska explores the interaction of SEDI and resilience in Title VI compliance, highlighting the vital role of community-engaged research centers in educating transit managers on the terms and procedures of Title VI plan updates and enforcement. Finally, this research demonstrates how a collaborative approach enhances the efficiency of Title VI programs and identifies promising practices that can be applied in similar communities.
Building Community Resilience and Equity: A Case Study on the Importance of Federal Transit Grants for Title VI Programs in Nebraska.
CEC RM #201/205/209
In today's evolving landscape of public administration, the integration of social equity, inclusion, and diversity (SEDI) is vital in promoting community resilience. The mandate of rural transit agencies to uphold Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act aligns harmoniously with the principles of SEDI, ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subject to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Specifically, any program receiving federal financial assistance is required to complete and maintain a Title VI Civil Rights Nondiscrimination program for their agency to meet Federal Transit Administration funding requirements and often State funding criteria as well. Despite its importance, rural transit agencies often struggle to navigate the bureaucratic and complex Title VI compliance process. This case study of Nebraska explores the interaction of SEDI and resilience in Title VI compliance, highlighting the vital role of community-engaged research centers in educating transit managers on the terms and procedures of Title VI plan updates and enforcement. Finally, this research demonstrates how a collaborative approach enhances the efficiency of Title VI programs and identifies promising practices that can be applied in similar communities.