HomeMy WebLinkAbout12. Adopt Updated Citywide Language Access Plan and City Title VI Program-TransitD ') CityofDowney AGENDA MEMO
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Item No.
APPBOVED BY
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNc1r1T Y MANAGER
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
DE ROJAS, ASSISTANT
TO THE CITY MANAGERBY: VANIAH
OCTOBER 8, 2019
ADOPT THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND CITY TITLE
VI PROGRAM - TRANSIT
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve and adopt the updated Citywide Language Access Plan and the City of Downey Title VI Program-Transit.
BACKGROUND
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based upon race, color or national origins. It requires that agencies receiving federal funding ensure that services are provided to all individuals without regard to race, religion or national origin. Downey receives direct federal funding from a variety of sources, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice, as well as the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Moreover, several state and local agencies from which Downey receives funding are also recipients of federal funding, and are thereby required to ensure sub-recipients such as Downey have a plan in place to comply with Title VI.
While most federal agencies issue little guidance beyond allowing recipients to devise a plan that fits the organization's programs, community and budget, the FTA requires that all direct and primary recipients document their compliance with the Department of Transportation's Title VI regulations by submitting a Title VI Program-Transit to a FTA regional civil rights officer once every three years or as otherwise directed.
DISCUSSION
Per a FHWA Guidance Memorandum, Processing of Title VI Complaints, dated June 13, 2018, all Title VI complaints received by a sub-recipient are to be forwarded to Caltrans to be submitted to FHWA Division Office for investigation or review. Similarly, if a complaint is received by a FTA sub-recipient, those are to be forwarded to the FTA for investigation or review.
To comply with the FHWA and FTA requirements, the Citywide Language Access Plan and the City of Downey Title VI Program-Transit have both been updated to incorporate these changes (Attachment A). The Plan's previous language stated the any Title VI complaint received by the City would be reviewed and investigated by the City's Human Resources Department.
ADOPT THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND CITY TITLE VI
PROGRAM - TRANSIT
OCTOBER 8, 2019
PAGE2
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to adopting the Citywide Language Access Plan and Title VI Program -
Transit. However, there will be expenses associated with the provision of translation and
interpreting services as required by federal law.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety and Infrastructure
Public Engagement
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Citywide Language Access Plan
Attachment B - Title VI Program - Transit