Metro Magazine, November 2020

15 WITH YOUR WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT SECUREMENT STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE AMF BRUNS DEVELOPED FIRST WHEELCHAIR SAFETY AND ANCHORING SYSTEM EST 1958 AMF Bruns of America www amfbrunsamerica com 800 677 1615 FUTURESAFE HEAD BACKREST SEATBELT ANCHORAGE SILVER SERIES WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS Fully Automatic Self tensioning Available Different fl oor anchorages J Hook carabiner loop Visit us SWTA Feb 23 26 Shreveport LA TBD WITH YOUR WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT SECUREMENT STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE AMF BRUNS DEVELOPED FIRST WHEELCHAIR SAFETY AND ANCHORING SYSTEM EST 1958 AMF Bruns of America www amfbrunsamerica com 800 677 1615 FUTURESAFE HEAD BACKREST SEATBELT ANCHORAGE SILVER SERIES WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS Fully Automatic Self tensioning Available Different fl oor anchorages J Hook carabiner loop Visit us SWTA Feb 23 26 Shreveport LA TBD other way around That is exactly the heart of environmental justice Janet Gonzalez Tudor is director transportation operational resiliency Cathy LaFata is a sr transportation planning manager and Kim Pallari is director of strategic communications for transportation at HDR elevates the community Equally important is that we embrace the opportunity to enhance quality of life by respecting all people at the core of the process those who may be affected the most to uncover solutions that bring the most value and create stronger more resilient communities such that the community helps to shape the infrastructure rather than the level of engagement takes time and monetary resources but can prove to be the most effective way of obtaining informed consent and support while reducing social and political risks OUTREACH IS STILL POSSIBLE In a pandemic and other major events it is even more critical than ever to be relevant to understand the audience and to be sensitive to their needs while still continuing to engage them in planning for their future mobility and way of life This is a delicate time in transportation planning In some parts of the U S governmental or public agency distrust and political polarization is at an all time high and health mandates restrict our ability to engage safely in person However by retooling our traditional methods and deploying virtual tactics with equity in mind we can still seek valuable participation and engagement in infrastructure projects Crossing the digital or technological divide might mean partnering with schools or community centers that are offering essential services to provide access to computers tablets or other smart devices for internet access Making online virtual meetings mobile friendly or live streamed on social media can help engage multi generational low income or culturally diverse residents Leveraging tools like telephone townhalls can help engage hard to reach communities Getting creative to grab attention in a time when the public is focused on survival job security and health risks is challenging Translating messages into visual format like video infographics and animation helps people quickly learn about a project Look for ways to push that visual content out to the masses to reach all audiences consider multiple tactics including traditional media social media and direct mail One newer option is to utilize postcard mailers that include direct website links to project videos BUILD TRUST ELEVATE THE COMMUNITY An equitable transportation solution benefits the lives of as many people as possible including those who need it most Communities will lose trust in civic leadership if their concerns are not incorporated early in the process and it can take years to rebuild that trust Advancing a project through an environmental justice lens provides not only a defensible environmental review but helps to develop a better project that NOVEMBER 2020 METRO MAGAZINE COM