COMTO, in partnership with AECOM, AFA, ITSA, MWDBE Training Academy, ReConnect Rondo, and Two Degrees, was selected by USDOT to serve as National Capacity Builders to support 16 Networked Communities.
The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) recently announced a partnership with AECOM, Accelerator for America (AFA), Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), The MWDBE Training Academy, Inc. (MWDBETA), ReConnect Rondo, and Two Degrees. This strategic alliance, bolstered by a $4,250,000 grant under the FY 2023 Thriving Communities Program (TCP), has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to serve as National Capacity Builders for 16 communities. This collaboration is poised to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in underserved areas across the United States.
COMTO’s expertise in grant management, stakeholder engagement, and actualizing equity goals will be applied to ensure that communities are given opportunities to thrive using a restorative practices approach that prioritizes strengthening relationships between residents, community-based organizations, public sector, and private sector partners. The $4,250,000 grant under the FY 2023 Thriving Communities Program (TCP) will play a role in this endeavor, helping 112 communities’ nationwide access to federal funding and resources provided by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). DOT is awarding grants totaling $23.6 million to three national and six regional Thriving Communities Capacity Builders to support the 112 communities, which includes 12 Tribal Nations.
AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, will provide expertise to support communities in each project delivery phase to tackle their most complex challenges and create innovative solutions that make an impact. “We’re excited to partner with COMTO to bring much-needed transportation improvements and capacity to communities across the nation,” Christie Baker, AECOM’s Senior Vice President and Northeast Transportation Business Line Lead said. “This work builds on extensive collaboration with our clients to deliver transformational and equitable mobility outcomes that expand access to opportunities.”
TCP National Capacity Builders will provide project-level technical assistance and planning support on issues such as preparing grant application materials, undertaking pre-development and project delivery activities, designing and deploying more inclusive community engagement strategies, and fostering small business and workforce development. This support empowers communities and drives their sustainable growth and prosperity.
ITSA will support community partners in advancing their knowledge and deploying intelligent transportation technologies. This will improve mobility and foster sustainability and economic growth in these communities. ITS America’s national reach, including its members and network of state chapters, will be integral in supporting communities for the scaled deployment of innovative transportation technology. “We are thrilled to partner with COMTO and our network on this TCP grant. Programs like TCP from the BIL are vital to bringing new technology to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to save lives and build local economies,” ITSA President & CEO Laura Chace said.
The program provides two years of no-cost, intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to help them identify, develop, and deliver transportation projects to achieve locally-driven economic development, health, environment, mobility, and access goals. AFA will activate its network of over 80 cities and build upon its strong track record of supporting communities to lead a networked community of practice to develop further and implement inclusive growth and engagement strategies, breaking down barriers in cities traditionally excluded from opportunity. “AFA is honored to be again chosen as a USDOT Thriving Communities capacity builder. We look forward to working with this innovative coalition to help 16 communities maximize the economic and community benefits of the BIL — making national change from the ground up,” AFA President & CEO said.
Technical assistance provided through the program includes individualized training support to small businesses to ensure they are positioned to offer supportive services in compliance with local, state, regional, and federal regulations. MWDBETA President Gary Wade is well-known for reminding small business owners in his program, “If you knew better, you could do better.” Capacity-building support will include mentorship from the community-based organization ReConnect Rondo in identifying funding opportunities, conducting planning activities, and applying restorative community development frameworks. “We are honored to partner with COMTO in this transformative work. Like Rondo, many communities were devastated by the federal highway system, and we’re eager to contribute our experience and expertise to giving lift to communities across the country,” ReConnect Rondo Executive Director Keith Baker said.
