Equity in Action

For our region to reach its full economic potential, all residents must be able to access opportunity. Our region is stronger when communities provide all residents access to opportunities for success, prosperity, and quality of life.

How we promote equity

• Using our influence and investments to build a more equitable region

• Creating real choices in where we live, how we travel, and where we recreate for all residents, across race, ethnicity, economic means, and ability

• Investing in a mix of housing affordability along the region’s transit corridors

• Engaging a full cross-section of the community in decision-making

Council programs and services support equity in the region

Expanding housing options

• Community Choice Housing Program
  This Metro HRA program assists families with Housing Choice Vouchers find housing in areas of opportunity. Coordinators provide families with supportive services to help them achieve self-sufficiency and success in their new neighborhoods.

Improving transit

• Better Bus Stops
  Federal funding enables Metro Transit to invest in bus stop and customer waiting shelter improvements that enhance access to employment and educational opportunities.

• Student Pass Program
  Metro Transit's Student Bus Pass provides students with a convenient and affordable way to get to jobs, internships, classes, and education events before or after school hours.

• We Speak Your Language
  Metro Transit's Language Line service enables phone representatives to provide trip plans and transit information in 170 languages with the help of translators.

Supplier diversity

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  The DBE program works to increase the participation of women and minority owned businesses in the award of federally assisted contracts.

Workforce development

• Urban Scholars Program
  This 12-week summer internship program enables students from diverse backgrounds to gain critical real-world experience through mentorship, guided projects, and leadership development workshops.

• Metro Transit Mechanic-Technician Training Program
  This program combines empowerment training, tutoring, and 300 hours shadowing current mechanic-technicians, with a goal of preparing participants for successful careers at Metro Transit.

Deepening public engagement

• Public Engagement Plan
  Our public engagement plan plan establishes principles and processes to engage people in our decision-making processes, and ensure that Met Council decisions reflect the needs of community stakeholders.