Involving Participants with Limited English Proficiency
MARC is responsible for involving and providing meaningful access to the benefits, services, information and other important portions of programs and activities for individuals who are considered Limited English Proficient (LEP).
LEP persons are individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English. These individuals may be entitled to language assistance.
Following Title VI of the Civil Right Act of 1964 for national origin and to guide MARC staff through assessing whether certain requirements for providing language assistance for any given public participation process are required, we have adopted an LEP plan for our transportation program that dictates certain requirements for our planning work.
More information and the LEP plan can be found on MARC's website at marc.org/LEPP.
Executive Summaries
The following key document executive summaries will be available in Spanish:
- Metropolitan Transportation Plan
- Transportation Improvement Program
- Unified Planning Work Program
Public notices
Spanish-language translations will continue to be provided for newspaper advertisements notifying the public of opportunities to comment on proposed changes to the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, Unified Planning Work Program and Public Participation Plan.
These translations are published in local circulation newspapers for Spanish-speaking persons.
Outreach materials
Spanish-language outreach materials developed by federal, state and local transportation agencies will be made available when possible. The Title VI and LEP Coordinator will maintain a list of these resources.
MARC will evaluate translation needs for outreach materials on a case-by-case basis and will consider providing key outreach materials in Spanish as new materials are developed. The following documents are currently available in Spanish:
- Public Participation Plan
- Title VI Brochure
- Guide to Transportation Decision Making
MARC Website
MARC is assessing cost and infrastructure needs to modify MARC’s website to allow translation services, such as the Google Translate program, to allow users to view HTML content in other languages.
Interpreters
Interpreters and translation services will be available to support public participation throughout the MPO region. MARC uses demographic and language data, including the Modern Language Association Language Map and U.S. Census geographic data, to identify communities with limited English proficiency and help ensure equitable access to planning and decision-making activities.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
MARC is committed to ensuring that our planning programs, activities and public engagement opportunities are accessible and inclusive for all residents. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, MARC prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability or economic status. We strive to provide equitable access to information, participation opportunities and transportation decision-making processes for all members of the public.
For additional information regarding the Title VI program and to learn about the process to file a complaint, please visit marc.org/TitleVI.
Ensuring Access in Planning Processes
When developing engagement strategies for transportation planning activities, MARC considers the needs of populations that may experience barriers to participation, including individuals with disabilities, low-income populations, racial and ethnic minority populations and households with limited access to a vehicle. Demographic, socioeconomic and transportation data are used to help identify these populations and inform outreach efforts.
Outreach methods are selected based on the characteristics of the affected area and may include local newspapers, community publications, social media, transit advertising and other targeted communication channels.
Public meetings and engagement activities are conducted at accessible locations, such as libraries, community centers and other public facilities. Meeting locations are ADA-compliant and, when feasible, served by public transit. Additional accommodations may be provided as needed to support participation.
MARC seeks to ensure that all interested parties have a reasonable opportunity to participate in the transportation planning process. Public involvement materials provide information about project objectives, decision-making processes and opportunities for input. Feedback received through public engagement activities is documented and considered during the development of plans, studies and programs.