2023 Conference Program Book by COMTO

Los Angeles, California

2023 National Meeting & Training Conference

Premier Sponsors Industry Partners

CONFERENCE VENUE MAP WELCOME

Greetings COMTO Family!

We warmly welcome you to the 52nd National Meeting & Training Conference of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). We could not be more excited to have the COMTO Southern California Chapter as host, bringing together transportation agencies, private sector firms, small businesses and equity practitioners across modes and disciplines.

Our theme is Transportation: The Great Connector. Over a robust 4-day schedule, we will explore approaches to effectively using resources, policies, and influence to improve systems with equity, accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity as guideposts. In its ideal form, transportation connects people to opportunities, employment, loved ones – LIFE. To move is to live. We will hear from leaders and subject matter experts to discuss this theme in four main areas:

Equity, Access & Sustainability

Leadership & Workforce

Policy & Practice

Innovation & Future Mobility

It has been several years since the COMTO family convened on the West Coast for a National Meeting and Training Conference. We are confident that you will be enriched by this program designed to highlight multi-modal innovation, historically underutilized businesses, students pursuing careers in transportation and industry excellence during our closing awards Gala.

Soak in the sunshine as you engage in events that showcase the region starting with the Scholarship Golf Tournament featuring Los Angeles Lakers James “Big Game” Worthy at Industry Hills Golf Club on the legendary Eisenhower (The Ike) course! Get your cameras ready as you take in stunning views of Los Angeles during the “Opening Ceremony” welcome reception at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

We look forward to connecting with you as you take advantage of the world class networking opportunities and engage with leadership and industry practitioners from across North America. Thank you for your attendance and support of COMTO. We are COMTO! We are Equity Champions!

Sincerely,

2 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 3

Tanya Adams COMTO Board Chair Sr. Vice President Diversity & Inclusion, WSP, USA April Rai COMTO President & CEO Wilshire Grand Ballroom Atrium Skylight Silver Lake B A Echo Park K Town Boyle Heights Ladera Heights Westwood Lincoln Heights Beverlywood Mount Washington Glassell Park Los Feliz Hancock Park West East Terrace Garden I II III Podium 5th Floor Hollywood Ballroom Roosevelt Room Pre-Function Area Pre-Function Area Fitness Center Patio Pool Deck Pool I II Atrium Skylight Podium 7th Floor

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 5 Bringing People Together, Expanding Opportunity We are grateful for COMTO’s commitment to excellence and equity in creating opportunities for historically underutilized businesses and for all professionals in transportation. The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions hntb.com TABLE OF CONTENTS VENUE MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 COMTO WELCOME LETTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 HOST CHAPTER, COMMITTEES & WELCOME . . . . . 6 WELCOME LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 COMTO DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 YOUTH SYMPOSIUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS . . . . . . . . . . 20 ABOUT COMTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 GENERAL INFORMATION & OPENING PLENARY . . 24 2023 NMTC EMERGING LEADERS FORUM . . . . 26 SUMMIT MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 COMTO COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS . . . . . . . . 29 TRACKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 CONFERENCE APP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CONFERENCE AGENDA FRIDAY | SATURDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 SUNDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 MONDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 TUESDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 EXHIBITOR MAP & COMPANY PROFILES . . . . . 54

HOST CHAPTER COMMITTEE

Southern California Host Chapter Committee

CONFERENCE PLANNING CHAIR

Demauris Terry

President, COMTO Southern California Chapter

Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer, BA, Inc.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Vayakone Terry

COMTO SoCal Secretary

Director of Corporate Development & Strategy for Morgner Construction Management

TOURS AND TRANSPORTATION

Edna Stanley

COMTO SoCal 1st Vice President

Conference Planning Co-Chair

Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Transit Service Delivery, Los Angeles Metro

LOGISTICS AND VOLUNTEER PLANNING

Jaynare Bertrand

COMTO SoCal Treasurer

Transit Operations Supervisor, Los Angeles Metro

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM

Edna Stanley

COMTO SoCal 1st Vice President

Conference Planning Co-Chair

Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Transit Service Delivery

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Stepfone Montgomery

COMTO SoCal Immediate Past President

Founder and CEO, MSS Transit Strategic Partners

LEGISLATIVE, ADVOCACY, AND STRATEGIC OUTREACH

Shannon Lawrence

Second Vice President, COMTO SoCal

Director of Special Projects, Mayors office City of Los Angeles

WELCOME

Dear Esteemed Guests,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the great State of California, on behalf of the Southern California Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. It is hard to believe that it has been over 3 decades since the National Conference was held on the West Coast! We finally made it back to “Cali”! It is a great honor to host North America’s leading transportation officials, practitioners, agencies, partners, and equity champions for this year’s conference. We are excited about the opportunity to learn from your expertise and experiences, and we hope that you will find this conference informative, enlightening, and rewarding.

As you engage in this year’s program, the chapter has curated tours and program experiences that highlight multi-modal projects across the 45+ transportation agencies in the region, the first and second largest transport hubs, including the Port of LA/Long Beach, and LA METRO, the 2nd largest bus agency in the U.S. In addition, our tours will showcase Foothill Transit’s hydrogen fuel cell fleet and Long Beach Airport undergoing a $110M modernization program.

This year’s theme centers around the idea that transportation plays a crucial role in connecting people, communities, and businesses to opportunities, services, and resources. It is a vital component of our economy and quality of life, and we must ensure that our systems are efficient, reliable, and accessible to all.

We look forward to building new relationships, strengthening existing partnerships, and working together to ensure transportation remains The Great Connector.

In your downtime, we hope you enjoy the warm sunshine, beautiful beaches, fresh foods from a variety of cultures and even take in some celebrity sightseeing in Hollywood!

Welcome to LA!

Sincerely,

Demauris Terry

President, COMTO Southern California Chapter

Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer, BA, INC.

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 7

6 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE

Demauris Terry

WELCOME

March 21, 2022

Conference of Minority Transportation Officials 1330 Braddock Place, Suite 203 Alexandria, Virginia 22314

COMTO National Board of Directors:

On behalf of Los Angeles Metro, I am writing to express my support for the Southern California Regional Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO SoCal) in its quest to bring the 2023 National Meeting and Training Conference to Southern California.

Southern California is home to more than 45 bus, rail, aviation, and port agencies, including LA Metro, the third largest transportation agency in the United States, and LAX the third busiest airport. There are also more than $ 21 billion in transportation infrastructure projects planned for the region, including preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games .

In addition to building and expanding transit infrastructure, Southern California is also investing in the future workforce of transportation. In partnership with LA Metro, The SEED School of Los Angeles County (SEED LA), is scheduled to open Fall 2022. SEED LA is the county’s fi rst college-prep boarding school that provides students with a pathway to college and career readiness by engaging in computer sciences, engineering, and studies of systems and societies through transportation infrastructure.

It has been more than 30 years since the National Meeting and Training Conference was held in Los Angeles. We are transforming mobility options into a world -class transportation network that enhances quality of life for all who live, work, and play within the region. Southern California is the epicenter of transit innovation and expansion, and this is the perfect time for COMTO to strengthen industry partnerships on the West Coast.

LA Metro is enthusiastic about partnering with COMTO SoCal to bring an unf orgettable National Conference back to our region. I offer my full support for assisting this endeavor and hope that you can give favorable consideration to the COMTO SoCal bid proposal. We look forward to making this an unforgettable experience.

Sincerely,

Stephanie N. Wiggins Chief Executive Officer

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 9

Building a better world for 125 years.

Together with our customers, Bechtel works on projects with a higher purpose, creating gateways to a modern prosperous world and creating greater access and opportunity by building the framework for smarter cities that are more efficient, safer, cleaner, and more global.

Extraordinaryteamsbuildinginspiringprojects.

Dear Fr ends,

On beha f of the City of Los Ange es, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our beaut ful city for the 52nd Nationa Meet ng and Train ng Conference of the Conference of M nor ty Transportat on Officia s (COMTO) We are honored to host th s esteemed gather ng of transportat on professionals from across the country, and we ook forward to showcasing a l that Los Ange es has to offer

As many of you know, Los Angeles is a city that is constant y on the move Our thriving transportat on ndustry is he backbone of our economy, and it s through the hard work and ded cat on of organ zat ons ike COMTO that we are ab e to continue o innovate and grow We are proud to be a ci y that s comm tted to advanc ng transportat on equ ty and provid ng opportun ties for al communit es to thr ve

Over the course of th s conference, you w l have the opportunity to hear from some of the most nfluent al voices in our industry, as well as to connect with col eagues and peers from across the country You wi l a so have the chance to explore a l that Los Angeles has to offer, from our world-c ass museums and cu tural nst tutions to our beaut ful beaches and thriving enterta nment ndustry

As Mayor o Los Angeles, I look forward to working with you to bu ld a br ghter future for our city and for our country Together we can create a more equitable, susta nable, and prosperous transportat on ndustry.

Once again, we come o Los Angeles, and thank you for al that you do

Sincerely,

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 11 Bechtel.com

Dulles Corridor Metro, Virginia BART Silicon Valley Extension, California Crossrail, England Route 60 Truck Lanes, California

WELCOME

KAREN BASS MAYOR

Apri 24 202

Dear Memb

As Counc lw Committee, I am thri led and Training Conference express my gratitude fo

As transportation professionals, you p ay a pivota ro e in shap ng the future of our ndustry, and I commend you for your ded cat on to improving mobi ity, access and opportunity for all ndiv duals Your efforts have helped dr ve innovation and progress in the field, and have paved the way for a more sustainab e, equ table, and prosperous future

Th s year ’s conference promises to be a valuab e and nspiring exper ence, featuring nformative panels, expert speakers, and engaging network ng opportun ties I want to congratulate each and everyone of you for your contr butions to the success of this important event, and for your comm tment to advancing d versity, equity, and nclusion n the transportation industry

My colleagues in the City Counci and I are dedicated to working with partners like COMTO to create a more sustainable, equitab e and access b e transportat on system for al Ange enos We recognize that there is stil much work to be done to ensure that our transportation system meets the needs of a l communities, and we are committed to advancing policies and initiatives that help achieve that goa .

I hope that your time at today’s festiv ties is productive, enjoyab e, and memorab e, and that you leave with new connect ons and ins ght to help propel our industry forward

I am wishing everyone attending continued success and al the best!

With Hope,

HEATHER HUTT Councilwoman, 10th District Transportation Committee Chair

WELCOME

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

HOLLY J. MITCHELL

July 8, 2023

Dear Members of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials,

As a member of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors and as the Los Angeles County Supervisor for the Second District, I am honored to welcome you to the County of Los Angeles for the 52nd Annual National Meeting and Training Conference.

This is a truly historic moment for transportation in our region, as we continue to grapple with the many challenges facing our communities. From climate resiliency to traffic violence and congestion, we know that transportation is an essential component of our collective future, and therefore must find innovative and equitable solutions.

That is why I am so excited this conference is being held in Los Angeles, where we are home to one of fastest growing transportation systems in the world. We know that we have much to learn from the diverse experiences and insights of transportation professionals like you, and we are eager to engage with you on the many critical issues facing this industry.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees, your dedication and commitment to improving transportation in our communities is truly inspiring. I am confident that your work will help to create a more just and equitable transportation system for everyone.

Thank you to all the attendees for your unwavering commitment to this critical issue. Have a wonderful event.

Sincerely,

Holly J. Mitchell Supervisor, Second District

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

Board Director, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

12 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 13

WELCOME

Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration 500 W. Temple Street, Ste. 866, Los Angeles, California 90012 Phone: 213-974-2222 Fax: 213-680-3283

S UPERVISOR , S ECOND D ISTRICT EXPOSITION PARK OFFICE LENNOX OFFICE MARINA DEL REY OFFICE VERMONT CORRIDOR OFFICE WEST CARSON OFFICE 900 Exposition Boulevard 4343 Lennox Boulevard 13640 Mindanao Way, Room 2C 510 S. Vermont Avenue, Ste. G-100 20101 Hamilton Avenue, Ste. 170 Los Angeles, CA 90007 Lennox, CA 90304 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Los Angeles, CA 90020 Torrance, CA 90502

COMTO DIRECTORS

NATIONAL CHAIR

Tanya Adams

Senior Vice President, Inclusion & Diversity

WSP USA

FIRST VICE CHAIR

Dr. Lester Woods

Chief Administrative Officer

Missouri Department of Transportation (Modot)

SECOND VICE CHAIR

Gwendolen Gray

Project Controls Director & Vice President

HNTB

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Michelle Hiett

Revenue Systems IT Consultant

Hatch LTK

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Freddie Fuller

Vice President, Geographic Sales Manager Mid-Atlantic Jacobs

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Regine Beauboeuf, PE

Senior Vice President, Program Equity Advisor

HNTB

Yvette Janniere-Houlder

Lead Program Management, Enterprise Applications Metropolitan Transportation Authority, State Of New York (MTA )

Ruben Landa

Assistant Vice President / Texas Business LeaderCommunications & Public Involvement WSP USA

Melissa Rolle-Scott

Transit Section Chief, Office Of Safety & Security

Miami-Dade Department Of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW )

Keisha Campbell

Chief Diversity & Culture Officer

Toronto Transit Commission

Explore Careers in Transportation This Summer!

COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE

Quincy Howard

Assistant Chief, Minority Business Development Ohio Department of Development

Demauris Terry Executive Vice President/COO BA Inc.

Bianca Graves

Director, Business Services

Leading Edge Business Solutions, LLC

BOARD ADVISORS

Renee Banks

President & Chief Communications Officer G. W. Peoples Contracting Co., Inc. (GWP)

Christian Kent Principal

Transit Management Consulting, LLC

With Our CAREERS IN TRANSPORTATION FOR YOUTH Internship Program (“CITY”). A 10-week, paid internship.

COMTO’s Careers in Transportation for Youth Internship Program (CITY) provides minority undergraduate and graduate students with a unique opportunity to gain professional and practical experience in the transportation industry. Through the CITY Program, COMTO seeks to strengthen the workforce pipeline by preparing students to become leaders, decision makers, and change agents in the transportation industry. Students will work, learn, and build a network of equity champions while exploring careers in STEAM.

Gain Tools & Insight for Your Future!

Paid opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience in the transportation field.

Exposure to a wide range of transportation careers and industry developments.

The Road to a CITY Internship

Build professional connections with experts working in diverse transportation disciplines.

Opportunity to perfect interpersonal skills (soft skills), work habits and knowledge necessary for career success.

For

program and application information visit: comtonational.org/CITYINTERN

14 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER COMTO CITY Internship Program Begins Accepting Applications JANUARY Decision notices sen to students and hosts DECEMBER Application portal closes SPRING/SUMMER Interns placed at host organizations and participate in impactful workplace aining and development. JULY Interns attend and present at COMTO’s National Meeting and Training Conference in Los Angeles, California. Interested in hosting an intern? For more information, please fill out our Host Interest form and we will be in touch!

complete

Connecting communities

We value our partnership with COMTO and their commitment to connecting industry with community. We believe in and support infrastructure that connects and creates social value for neighboring communities to ensure equity and shared economic benefit for all. Through our expertise, we deliver transformational projects that solve our clients’ most complex problems and enhance the social well-being and economic resilience of our communities.

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM

COMTO’s Garrett A. Morgan Youth Symposium

COMTO’s Garrett A. Morgan Youth Symposium is held annually in conjunction with the National Meeting and Training Conference. The symposium serves to honor the legacy of this famed African American inventor and entrepreneur who revolutionized the transportation industry with the development of the traffic signal. His invention made traveling on roads and highways safe for automobile travelers around the world.

The 2023 Garrett A. Morgan Youth Symposium will be hosted by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA METRO). An interactive transportation lab at LA METRO headquarters will feature four activity stations designed to inspire over 100 middle and high-school students to explore careers in transportation.

Activities

1. Gridlock Buster Traffic Control Game – Gridlock Buster Traffic Control Game developed by the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies Program developed to demonstrate some of the tools and concepts that traffic engineers use every day. As a player, students will imagine they have been hired by the Traffic Management Laboratory and handed their first assignment.

2. Place It! Urban Design – Place It! is a design- and participation-based urban planning practice founded by urban planner and artist James Rojas. At its core, Place It! engages people in urban planning, transportation, design, landscape, and neighborhood change through their hands and senses so that they can be creative and expansive in their thinking and offer up real solutions to the challenges facing our cities and neighborhoods.

3. Build-A-Station – The Build-A-Station activity is a team-building exercise that challenges youth leaders to build a station within a budget and timeline. Each team member is assigned a specific role, with official name badges, such as Finance Officer, Facilities, Project Management Oversight, and Planning Manager. The teams will use a provided site plan and “purchase” images using “Metro Bucks” from boards that represent different project elements. The goal is to build the station within one year.

4. Build-A-Bridge – Teams are tasked with designing bridges based on assigned scenarios. They will use their knowledge gained at the beginning of the session on construction materials and bridge design to create the best bridge. The teams will be provided with a scenario details sheet, a planning sheet, and a sample bridge design blueprint.

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 17

Sponsored by

Question today Imagine tomorrow Create for the future

Ideas transform communities

WSP is proud to be a COMTO Platinum Industry Partner

“ rough the creation of our Equi Center of Excellence, WSP is commi ed to driving the transformation of transportation and mobili to full and equitable access for underserved, marginalized and disinvested communities. We are working to ensure that every one of our projects integrates equi into its processes, from planning to resourcing to implementation and use.”

— Tanya Adams, Senior Vice President, Inclusion and Diversi , WSP, and COMTO National Board of Directors Chair

Find out what we can do for you. WSP is a proud sponsor of the 2023 CEO SUMMIT Reception Sunday, July 9, 5:00pm – 6:00pm wsp.com

At HDR, we’re helping our clients push open the doors to what’s possible, every day. Proud Sponsor and Legacy Partner hdrinc.com

Join the conversation and “Tweet” before, during and after the meeting. Please use hashtag #NMTC23 when tweeting about the conference and follow COMTO at @COMTO National.

Join the most robust transportation industry related conversation on the COMTO National LinkedIn page.

Upload photos and share on the COMTO Facebook page.

ON-SITE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXHIBIT GALLERY HOURS

A first-time attendee or seasoned veteran? Have no plans or an unexpected break? Join us in the (Wilshire Foyer) Exhibit Gallery for unlimited networking with colleagues and exhibitors while taking a break from sessions. The COMTO Exhibit Gallery will be open for networking at the following times.

Sunday, July 9:

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Exhibit Gallery Open

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Continental Networking Breakfast 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Light Lunchtime Snack Monday, July 10

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Exhibit Gallery Open 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Continental Networking Breakfast 10:30 PM - 11:00 PM: Exhibit Gallery Break Sponsored by Hatch 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Meet the Primes Event Light Lunchtime Snack

5:00 PM Exhibit Gallery Closes

Tuesday, July 12

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Continental Networking Breakfast

Opening Plenary Session

Opening Remarks by Karen Bass

Sunday July 9 9:30 AM—11:30 AM Room: Wilshire 1 & 2

24 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 25

Mayor , Los Angeles City Hosted by Premier Sponsor

EMERGING LEADERS FORUM SUMMIT MEETINGS

2023 NMTC Emerging Leaders Forum

Sunday, July 9th, 2023, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Room: Wilshire 3

Emerging Leaders Forum

Topic: Making & Keeping Connections - Navigating Through Your Career

The highly anticipated Emerging Leaders Forum will focus on how professionals at all levels can foster relationships and attain the support needed for career advancement. In a hybrid environment, how can you build mentorship, sponsorship, and networking relationships? How can those relationships support talent development, career advancement, and attainment of professional goals?

Opening remarks

(Emerging Leaders Committee Co-Chairs, JR Alexander, Deloitte, and Tamika White, PSTA)

Sponsor Greetings from HDR representative (Tom Kim)

Introduction of topic, moderator, and panel (Co-Chairs JR and Tamika)

Panel discussion (Moderator, Qiana McKoy, HNTB)

Speakers: Rubi Sanchez, HDR, Carita Ducre, APTA, Ayesha Hassan, Michael Baker International, Christopher Macklin, JTA

Q + A Moderator, Qiana McKoy

Closing remarks & reception Kickoff (Whitney Morgan, KCATA)

Introduction of Reception Sponsors (Nadji Kirby, COMTO Chief of Staff)

Reception & Networking

EMERGING LEADERS RECEPTION | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

CEO Summit

Sunday, July 9, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

(Invitation Only): CEO’s representing the public and private sector gather for a half-day summit to discuss the unique challenges, opportunities and resources needed to lead transportation agencies, municipalities, authorities and organizations. Facilitated peer exchange sessions during the summit allow for robust discussion on best practices.

Historically Underutilized Business Forum

Monday, July 10, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Room: Wilshire 3

The Historically Underutilized Businesses Forum features panel discussions with industry leaders and agencies. Discussions will include best practices, challenges, opportunities and lessons-learned from state agencies around setting, monitoring and strategically increasing MWDBE goals. Panelists will discuss how requirements are established, evaluated, and adjusted to meet the needs of communities served.

CITY Intern Presentations

Tuesday, July 11, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Room: Wilshire 3

Through the CITY Internship Program, COMTO seeks to prepare the best and brightest to become leaders, decision-makers, and change agents in the transportation industry. Please join us as our 2023 CITY Intern cohort showcases their “Day in the Life” videos, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their internship experience and how much it has impacted them.

MEMBER MEETINGS

Joint Board of Directors & Council of Presidents (Invitation Only)

Saturday, July 8, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Room: Roosevelt A

New Member Orientation Welcome & Networking

Monday, July 10, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Room: Roosevelt A

The New Member Orientation Welcome & Networking will serve as a forum to introduce our new members to our COMTO community.

Annual Business Meeting

Tuesday, July 11, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Room: Wilshire 3

The COMTO Annual Business Meeting will provide an overview of COMTO’s strategic goals, priorities, operational updates and organizational standing.

26 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 27

Congratulations to this year’s award winners! Learn more at hatch.com The American Public Transportation Association Congratulates The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials on another banner year of serving as the THE GREAT CONNECTOR for its members

COMTO COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS

Chapter

We embrace your vision as our own Hatch is committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion for engineers in the transit and transportation industry. We are proud to partner with COMTO to bring this to fruition.

President

Alabama ................................. Brenda Perryman

Arizona ................................ Gary Flunoy

Atlanta ................................ Aaron Davis

Austin ................................. Yannis Banks

Boston ................................. Aboubacar Konate

Central Florida. . . . .

. . Iranetta Dennis

Chicago ................................ Rovaughn Graham

Cincinnati .............................. Adriene Hariston

Cleveland .............................. Jarrett Davis

Colorado............................... Marsha Nelson

Columbus .............................. Quincy Howard

Connecticut ............................ Sharon Okoye

District of Columbia ..................... Robyn Jackson

Ft. Lauderdale .......................... Rogelio Hendricks

Hampton Roads ......................... Keisha Branch

Hawaii ................................. Tracy Adams

Houston ............................... Steve Granson

Jacksonville ............................ Donovan Calicker

Kansas City............................. Maurice Gay

Louisiana .............................. Joshua Harrouch

Maryland .............................. Enyinna Anthony

Miami ................................. Gregory Robinson

Michigan ............................... Bianca Graves

Minnesota .............................. Tekia Jefferson

Nashville ............................... Kia Lewis

New York .............................. Rich Watson

North Texas ............................ Marvin Jackson

Northern California...................... Jesus Vargas

Oregon/SW Washington .................. Mario Alexander

Palm Beach County ...................... Bruce Guyton

Philadelphia ............................ Daniel Villanueva

Pittsburgh .............................. Charles Reeves

Richmond .............................. Lamar Bates

San Antonio ............................ Maurice Bridges

Southern California ...................... Demarius Terry

Toronto & Region ....................... Annette Salfarlie

Washington State .......................... Grantley Martelly

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TRACKS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The professional development sessions are designed to offer practical training and skill building on trending topics to enhance the effectiveness of all professional attendees. THE FIRST SESSION will focus on how organizations and agencies can respond to the “Great Resignation” with innovation in recruiting and retention initiatives. THE SECOND SESSION will focus on how to create a culture of inclusivity in an organization or agency

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY

To achieve full access in transportation for all users, how can we improve accessibility, safety, embrace shared mobility and address environmental justice? With major infrastructure projects and programs planned around reconnecting communities, how can we ensure underutilized communities and historically underutilized businesses (HUB’s) are partners in the process? This track will explore how we meet the moment of an industry focused on equity to deliver systems that efficiently connect communities. Embedding equity throughout the planning & decision-making business processes, making it the exception not the rule. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION CAN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Equity & Mobility, Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities, Safe Systems Approach, Equitable Planning and Design, Shared Mobility, Equitable contracting, Environmental Justice, etc.

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE

For transportation industry leadership and decision makers to fully reflect the communities served, what changes must occur and how can growing workforce needs be met effectively? How are organizations addressing sustainability in talent recruitment and retention methods? Are there innovative workforce practices related to training and professional development? How do we ensure local community engagement and participation? This track will include sessions discussing how to build, diversify and strengthen the transportation workforce pipeline for today’s rapidly evolving and ever-changing transportation environment. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION CAN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Workforce Development, Leadership Development, Employee Development in a Hybrid Workplace, recruiting methods to attract diverse candidates, Retention methods to foster a culture of inclusivity, Mental Health & Wellness, Leadership Diversity, Attracting the Next Generation of the Transportation Workforce, etc

POLICY & PRACTICE

With the passing of the infrastructure bill, a global demand for improved transportation systems, and a focus on environmental justice and social equity, it will take a multi-disciplinary approach to address numerous policy challenges. How are new policies being implemented? What impacts are they having on our communities? How are policies helping or hindering our historically underutilized businesses (HUB’s)? What role can HUB’s play in the process? This track will explore tools and strategies that have been adopted at the local, state, and federal level that increase connectivity, safety, accessibility, and advance equity in transportation. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION CAN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Practices on how to align transportation infrastructure with community values, navigating and implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Equity in policy and planning, etc.

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY

The pace of innovation has increased in the past decade in what many consider to be the fourth industrial revolution. Alternative fuels, technology, drone deployment and a concerted effort to improve the user experience is driving innovation in transportation. This track will feature projects, programs, research, and ideations across all modes of transportation bringing future mobility to fruition and addressing the potential benefits and challenges to implementation. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION CAN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Innovations with an Equity Lens in Autonomous Vehicle Technology, Connected Vehicle Technology, Drone Technology, Micro Mobility, Aviation, Rail, Freight & Logistics, Maritime, etc

CONFERENCE APP

National Meeting & Training Conference Mobile App

Using the WHOVA app, you will find a wealth of information right at your fingertips. The app contains the full conference program, presenter information, sponsor and exhibitor information, schedule, hotel maps and too much more to name here. Download the app from your Google or Apple store. Once downloaded, create an account or login using your Whova credentials and search for “COMTO 52nd National Meeting”. For those who are not using a smart phone, you may download the app content directly to your PC or tablet at https://whova.com/portal/ webapp/cnmtc 202307. Be sure to enable push notifications for conference communications. MORE INFORMATION IS BEING ADDED DAILY!

Electronic Devices

While we encourage you to download the 2023 Conference mobile app, as a courtesy to speakers and meeting attendees, please silence or turn off all electronic devices during sessions. For important calls and for your own privacy, please step out of the room and away from meeting room doors so you do not disturb fellow members.

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 31

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LOOK FOR THIS COLOR 30 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE

Friday July 7, 2023

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Scholarship Golf Tournament (Off-Site) p34

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

TECHNICAL TOUR

Long Beach Airport p34

Saturday July 8, 2023

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open p34

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Youth Symposium (Off-Site) p34

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

TECHNICAL TOUR

Tour of Foothill Transit Hydrogen p34

Fuel Cell Fleet (Off-Site)

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP #1

You Are a Brand: Build it Wisely p35

Room: Hollywood

FRIDAY, JULY 7 & SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023

Friday July 7, 2023

SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

BUS DEPARTS INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL @ 6:00 AM

The Eisenhower (The Ike): A Premier Southern California Course Designed by both William F. Bell and Casey O’Callaghan, locals and fans affectionately call this Los Angeles golf course “Ike”. Because it attracts golfers from around the world, it is fitting that this 18-hole, classic par 72 course be named for a popular world leader who also happened to love the game. Since reopening in late 2006 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Ike continues to win over fans with its traditional features: lush fairways and large undulating greens.

Industry Hills Golf Club, Pacific Palms Resort, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

TECHNICAL TOUR

LONG BEACH AIRPORT (Off-Site)

BUS DEPARTS INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL @ 12:00 NOON

Meet with Long Beach Airport (LGB) Director and COMTO member Cynthia Guidry. Tour LGB’s charming and easygoing airport, which is in the process of a $110M modernization program. Sights to see include the new Ticketing Lobby (opened May 2022), the behind-the-scenes Checked Baggage Inspection System (opened May 2022), the Consolidated Baggage Claim (opening April 2023), and the outdoor concourse. Guests will also enjoy a special tour of the LGB airfield. 90 minutes. Closed toes shoes required.

Saturday July 8, 2023

REGISTRATION OPEN

Room: Wilshire Foyer

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM (Off-Site)

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

BUS DEPARTS INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL @ 8:30 AM

The Youth Symposium has been designed to help our youth explore the various and vast opportunities available to them within the transportation and transportation related industries. This is an Off-site Workshop presented by LA Metro.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

TECHNICAL TOUR

TOUR OF FOOTHILL TRANSIT HYDROGEN FUEL CELL FLEET (Off-Site)

BUS DEPARTS INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL @ 7:00 AM

Tour of hydrogen fuel cell fleet housed at the Pomona Operations and Maintenance facility where a 25,000-gallon hydrogen fuel tank – the largest in southern California is housed. Foothill Transit launched Los Angeles County’s first three hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) buses into revenue service on Dec. 5 on the agency’s Line 291, which serves Pomona, Claremont and La Verne. This historic move is the vanguard of an order of 33 hydrogen fuel cell buses, the largest order of HFC buses in North America, manufactured by New Flyer. The full fleet of 33 HFC buses were ready for service February 2023. The hydrogen buses produce zero emissions, emitting only water vapor.

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP YOU ARE A BRAND: BUILD IT WISELY

Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKER:

Billy Terry, Executive Director, National Transit Institute (NTI)

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Did you know, “you” are a brand? Like Under Armor, Starbucks, Apple, or Gucci, when your name is said or when industry peers think about you – images and adjectives come to mind. What impacts what others think and believe about you; does that impact your career opportunities? Are you conscious of your brand as a professional and what is helping or hurting it? Join this highly interactive session where we will engage in fun, deep, self-reflection, and discussion about advancing professionally by building our brand.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

COMMUNICATION SKILLS THAT INFLUENCE, MOTIVATE, AND PERSUADE

Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKER:

Kevin Catlin, President and Managing Partner, Insight Strategies, Inc.

This course is for those wanting to understand and utilize the power and nuance of great communicators. Whether spoken or non-verbal, are you communicating to the very best of your abilities and, in doing so, positively influencing, motivating, and persuading others? Sharp communication skills will enhance relationships with your circle of direct reports, peers, immediate supervisors/managers, senior executives, clients, and community stakeholders. Join this session and add to your communications toolbox!

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

JOINT BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS MEETING Room: Roosevelt A 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WELCOME RECEPTION/OPENING CEREMONY (Off-Site)

LA Coliseum, 3911 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037

BUS DEPARTS INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL @ 5:30 PM

Sponsored by

34 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 35

Sponsored by Sponsored by MV Transportation MAP

FRISAT

Presented by

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

ENGINEERING A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR PLANET AND ITS PEOPLE

From highways to railways and ports to airports, we deliver safe and reliable infrastructure with expertise spanning the entire transportation ecosystem to connect communities and promote sustainable living.

We’re proud to support COMTO at the 52nd Annual Meeting & Training Conference. SNCLAVALIN.COM

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

ECUMENICAL SERVICE

Room: Hancock Park

EXHIBIT GALLERY OPEN

Room: Wilshire Foyer

REGISTRATION OPEN

Room: Wilshire Foyer

CONTINENTAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Room: Wilshire Foyer

OPENING PLENARY SESSION

Room: Wilshire 1 & 2

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

EQUITY IN INFRASTRUCTURE PLEDGE SIGNING CEREMONY

Room: Wilshire 3

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

ADDRESSING PUBLIC TRANSIT ACCESS & EQUITY: A COMPARATIVE LOOK AT CHICAGO, IL & DALLAS, TX

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Room: Silverlake

SPEAKERS: Catherine E. Muller, President, Muller & Muller Nadine S. Lee, President & CEO, DART

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of public transit in addressing equity. While many of the workers seamlessly shifted to remote offices, just as many essential workers — disproportionately women, minority, and lowincome — have relied on public transit. Addressing the travel needs through a racial and socioeconomic equity lens is needed, Metra Commuter Rail (Metra) and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) are exploring options to address these evolving needs. Attendees will hear about the unique approach to public transit that is ever evolving in both cities. Chicago has a rich history of commuter rail, rapid transit, and busses, while Dallas is more dependent on the automobile than public transit.

THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 37

Sponsored by Sponsored by

SUNDAY

Sponsored

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP

CLIMBING THE LADDER OF LEADERSHIP: REAL STRATEGIES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 2

SPEAKERS:

Gregory Bradley, Principal, Bradley Consulting & Training

Ken Middleton, AVP, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer

If you ever desired to be in leadership, this is the workshop for you. Does the thought of being in leadership scare you? Intimidate you? This session is designed for those who are serious about being in leadership. This workshop will be led by two individuals who are crazy about being in leadership. We will share rare, uncut, and uncensored strategies with participants on how to climb the ladder of leadership. Participants will come away with practical tools that will help them develop or reenergize their feelings about being in leadership.

POLICY & PRACTICE WORKSHOP

USING FARELESS PASS PROGRAMS TO INCREASE RIDERSHIP AND EQUITY

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Room: Hancock Park

SPEAKERS:

Devon Deming Deputy Executive Officer, Fareless System Initiative

Dia Turner Management Analyst Marketing, Culver City Bus

Attendees will learn how Los Angeles Metro and 14 partner transit agencies created a free student transit pass program that doubled participation and increased equity and student success. Discuss best practices in leveraging partnerships between transit agencies, school districts, and other program sponsors to create a free pass program. Learn how free passes have helped minority and low-income students, as well as students in equity-focus communities, not only to travel to and from school, jobs, and after-school activities, but also to improve their health and student success.

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY WORKSHOP

HOW TO BUILD & RETAIN A DIVERSE TALENT NETWORK & APPEAL TO GEN Z

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKERS:

Gerald Francis, President, Keolis

Gian Fiero, Director of Workforce Development, Acumen Building Enterprise Inc.

Jenny Fahlbush VP of Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Affairs, Keolis

For transportation industry leadership and decision makers to fully reflect the communities served, what changes must occur and how can growing workforce’s needs be met effectively? How can organizations and agencies attract Generation Z (anyone born between 1981 and 1996) to work in the transportation industry? Data points to a need for modifying outreach efforts in recruitment and retainment strategies that have a more targeted and personal appeal. This is accomplished with a relentless focus on both retention and recruitment simultaneously: implementing workplace

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

practices that encourage personal and professional growth while aggressively pursuing talent by using all the tools in the toolbox (trades, employment networks, mentorships/internships, etc.). Transportation agencies managed largely by the Baby Boomer generation (anyone born between1946 and 1964) are retiring and will continue to retire over the next few years. This will leave a void of qualified workers who can fill this deficit. This constitutes the need for both urgent and creative solutions. Transportation agencies, companies, and firms will benefit from shrewd insights into key employment considerations for Generation Z including Compensation/financial benefits that afford coveted work-life balance goals, value added remote work opportunities and clarity into career paths, promotions, and growth opportunities.

12:30 PM - 5:30 PM

CEO SUMMIT (Invitation Only) | WSP sponsored reception: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

NETWORKING AND LIGHT LUNCHTIME SNACK IN THE EXHIBIT GALLERY

Room: Wilshire Foyer

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

HOW CULTURAL COMPETENCY & CO-CREATION SUPPORT

EQUITABLE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Room: Silverlake

SPEAKERS:

Brad Owen, Sr. Executive Officer, Program Management, LA METRO

Melissa Boyles, Vice President of Diversity & Development, Stacy & Witbeck

Theresa McClure, Strategic Communications Director for Transportation, HDR Nicole Franklin, Engagement & Outreach Manager, BART, Link 21, Equity Advisory Council

Transportation agencies are changing how they plan for and deliver infrastructure to incorporate equity into decision-making processes and community engagement. This panel will explore how LA METRO incorporated a cultural competency plan into the East Sam Fernando Light Rail Transit Project and took a “corridor first” approach to create economic opportunity for local area small businesses, robust workforce development components, and comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion elements. The panel will also discuss the use of co-creation, a form of equitable engagement that assumes shared power, responsibility, and decision-making with the community. The panel will address engagement in partnership with Community Based Organizations (CBOs), compensation for engagement, how to define guidelines and manage expectations for participatory decision-making and provide examples of agency-wide policies and commitments to co-creation engagement.

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP

DIVERSIFYING THE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 2

SPEAKERS:

Mikki Taylor-Hendrix, Communications and Public Involvement Specialist, WSP, USA

James Jackson, Transportation Diversity Recruitment Strategy Coordinator, Michigan DOT

Edwin Tatem, Senior Vice President Central Region Program Management & Construction Management, WSP, USA

In 2014, The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) created a program help develop and recruit Black and brown talent in transportation. MDOT’s Transportation Diversity Recruitment Program (TDRP), Continued...

38 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 39

SUNDAY

Sponsored

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

led by James Jackson, is an internship program designed specifically for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) who have an interest in the transportation field. Students from HBCUS all over the country are encouraged to apply to take a paid summer internship in Michigan at MDOT or one of MDOT’s many partner companies like WSP. As stated by MDOT, The goal of the TDRP is to recruit and expose underrepresented groups of students to transportation-specific career opportunities. While participating in this program, students will develop professional competence, long-range career goals, integrate work experiences with academic knowledge, establish a professional network, and earn income that can assist with college expenses. With funding from the Federal Highway Administration grant, MDOT’s TDRP initially supported four students before growing to reach dozens of student applicants. TDRP has had strong support from MDOT’s previous director, Paul Ajegba P.E. who is an alumnus of Prairie View University, in Prairie View, Texas. With the support of Paul Ajegba and the partner firms, TDRP has been able to grow the program, hosting 63 interns in 2022. As the transportation space evolves, it is important that the workforce reflects the diversity of communities it serves. To continue to grow and make innovative, equitable progress, having more minorities planning, building, and designing infrastructure is imperative

POLICY & PRACTICE WORKSHOP

CURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDS OF MOBILITY PRICING

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Room: Hancock Park

SPEAKERS:

Rosa C. Roundtree, National Operations Director, Atkins

Marcelle Jones, Principal, Transportation Policy & Smart Mobility, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Lucinda Broussard, Director of Transportation System Operations, San Diego Associations of Governments

Attendees will learn what’s possible within the range of current mobility pricing, and future developments on the horizon. Panelists will discuss the conditions that can accelerate the transition to next-generation road user charging models. Participants will discover how tolling and road user charging (RUC) fits into the overall transportation funding scheme, the different approaches to mitigate congestion and fund mobility needs within a community. Attendees will learn how equity policy decisions can be balanced between competing and conflicting priorities.

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY WORKSHOP

UPDATE ON US DOT EQUITY PRIORITIES INCLUDING EQUITY ACTION PLAN

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKERS:

Irene Marion, Director, Departmental Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Transportation

Christopher Coes, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation Keith Benjamin, Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs, FHWA

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

EMERGING LEADERS FORUM

Room: Hollywood 1 See page 26 for Agenda

What does mentoring, professional development, succession planning and building leaders look like in a changing environment? What stayed the same, what changed and what is on the horizon?

The highly anticipated Emerging Leaders Forum will focus on how organizations and agencies can foster professional development, mentoring and succession planning to position transportation professionals to be eligible for leadership roles, all in a hybrid world. In addition, a panel will discuss solutions in practice and initiatives that have been successful.

SUNDAY,

JULY 9, 2023

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

EMERGING LEADERS RECEPTION Room: Hollywood 1 Sponsored by: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

CEO RECEPTION (Invitation Only)

40 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 41

Sponsored by Sponsored by

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

EXHIBIT GALLERY OPEN

Room: Wilshire Foyer

REGISTRATION OPEN

Room: Wilshire Foyer

CONTINENTAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Room: Wilshire Foyer

US DOT PANEL DISCUSSION

Room: Wilshire 3

Speakers to be Announced

EXHIBIT GALLERY BREAK

Room: Exhibit Gallery

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Sponsored by

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY AND EQUITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Hancock Park

SPEAKERS:

Ron Brooks Founder and CEO, Accessible Avenue

Martin Kareithi, Director, Systemwide Accessibility, Capitol Metropolitan Transit District, Austin, TX

Eric Haack Strategic Planner, Access Services, Los Angeles, CA

Amy Hockman Interim Chief of Transit Operations, Central Ohio Transit Authority, Columbus, OH

Sponsored by

As the transit industry has increased its awareness of and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion for all people it exists to serve, transit agencies and their business partners have begun to design and deliver new products and services that are making transportation more accessible and more equitable for people with disabilities. This workshop will begin with a discussion of the related concepts of accessibility and equity, as they pertain to people with disabilities, and it will feature three projects that three different transit agencies have undertaken as a means of improving both the accessibility and equity of both fixed-route and paratransit services offered for people with disabilities.

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP

CROSSING BARRIERS TO RECRUIT WORKERS OF COLOR INTO FRONTLINE PUBLIC TRANSIT

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKERS:

Beverly Scott, PhD, CEO, Introducing Youth to American Infrastructure, Inc.

David Stephen, Sr., Communications Specialist, International Transportation Learning Center

MONDAY,

JULY 10, 2023

Around the country, transit agencies of every size need more workers, particularly operators and mechanics on the frontline. Unfortunately, this shortage is forcing already challenged communities to cut service and compelling them to think outside the box when recruiting and maintaining talent. This presentation will feature discussion on the Transit Workforce Center’s (TWC) National Transit Frontline Worker Recruitment Toolkit, #ConnectingMyCommunity, and how to implement its strategies and customizable templates, access mini-case studies and sample advertisements from agencies nationwide and build an effective and targeted campaign that can be implemented to help reach predominantly black and brown communities. Additionally, this session will include discussion on best practices and tools to target youth, the formerly incarcerated, and working with community, workforce, and faith-based organizations.

POLICY

& PRACTICE WORKSHOP

MEANINGFUL

SUPPORT OF INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE COMMUNITIES

IN POLICY & PRACTICE

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Silverlake

SPEAKERS:

Annette Salfarlie Special Advisor, Partnership Development & Support, City of Toronto

Shabnum Durrani, Head of Corporate Communications, Toronto Transit Commission

Michael Etherington Indigenous Consultant, Toronto Transit Commission

Venus Garg, Vice President, Major Pursuits, AECOM

Ed Sniffen, Director, Hawaii Department of Transportation

Ensuring equity in transportation includes meaningful engagement and consideration for Indigenous and Native communities across our project regions. This panel will provide insights respectful engagement and consideration of Indigenous and Native communities is critical for moving projects forward and will also touch on the importance of supporting Indigenous and Native employees in the workforce. The panel will discuss application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as important cornerstones for best practices in this area. Participants will discuss best practices in meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceedings with economic development projects.

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY WORKSHOP

THE USE OF INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) & TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 2

SPEAKERS:

Kimberly Slaughter CEO, Systra

Brian McGuire BIM Manager, Systra

Today’s built environment is getting ready for the future using digital technologies that have geospatial information as their foundation. The exponential increase in data availability through the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about automation in manufacturing and industrial practices and advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, 5G wireless technologies, and 3D visualization and printing that is changing the traditional landscape of the built environment and cities around the world. Digital cities collect and analyze massive amounts of data to make better decisions in order to drastically improve the quality of urban life. But creating a Continued...

42 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 43

MONDAY

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

digital city is not just about investing in data collection or digitally transforming traditional infrastructure or streamlining city services but working towards finding equitable and optimal solutions to everyday problems. A robust public-private partnership model will ensure community participation in decision making at every level of governance as well as create long-term investment opportunities.

This workshop will explore case studies on the use of BIM, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) to improve the structural quality, visual impacts, and safety of transportation infrastructure, as well as improve asset management.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

MEET THE PRIMES EVENT AND LIGHT LUNCHTIME SNACK IN THE EXHIBIT GALLERY

Room: Wilshire Foyer

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES FORUM

Room: Wilshire 3

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION WELCOME & NETWORKING

Room: Roosevelt A 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

EMBEDDING EQUITY INTO TRANSIT MEGAPROJECTS IN THE BAY AREA

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Room: Hancock Park

SPEAKERS:

DeNise L. Blake Assistant Director, Business Operations & Capital Projects, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

April Chan, General Manager/CEO, San Mateo County Transit District

Mydria Clark, Deputy Equity Manager, HNTB

Camille Tsao Program Lead, Link 21, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

This panel will discuss two important transportation projects in the Bay Area and how equity has been embedded into the planning, design and community engagement aspects. The Link21 Program promises to greatly improve Northern California’s passenger rail network—with that transformation come concerns about equity which is why advancing equity is a central tenant of the Program and is being embedded at the ground floor of a 30-yearlong megaproject, with community input at its center. In early 2022, the San Mateo County Express Lanes launched the first choice-based equity program in the US, known as the 101 Express Lanes Community Transportation Benefits Program. Core equity components include sound policy and planning, community engagement, and transportation data and equity metrics being used to shape and administer the program in the first year of implementation.

MONDAY,

JULY 10, 2023

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP

LEADING WITH A BOLD & PROGRESSIVE APPROACH: FOSTERING

FAMILY DYNAMICS & MAKING STRIDES FOR WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKERS:

Raquel Olivier, CPA, MBA, Founder, Olivier, Inc.; Link Transportation Corporation

Renee Edwards,PMP, Project Manager, Olivier, Inc

Kari Mackenbach, VP of Strategic Pursuits, Water

Krystal Paisley Marketing & Communications Director, MS Consultants

To recruit and retain diverse employees into our organizations, agencies and small businesses in a post-pandemic environment, bold and progressive approaches are critical to support individuals with varying degrees of personal/ familial responsibilities. During this session, attendees will learn about strategies to foster family dynamics in the workplace with a family-model leadership approach that promotes the African adage, “A family is like a forest - when you are outside, it is dense; when you are inside, you see that each tree has its place.” In addition, strategies will be shared on how to better support women and persons with diverse levels of caregiving/familial/personal responsibilities in the worforce.

POLICY & PRACTICE WORKSHOP

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: POLICIES & PRACTICES

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Room: Silverlake

SPEAKERS:

R. Keith Moore Environmental Protection Specialist, FHWA

Robert Washington Environmental Protection Specialist, FHWA

Sharon Vaughn-Fair, Administration Assistant Chief Council For Field Legal Services - North FHWA

What does environmental justice look like in practice at the planning and environment levels of transportation project development. While the discussion will center around National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), correlations related to environmental law will be addressed including updates to the Environmental Justice executive orders, policy guidance, and reviews of recent court decisions involving environmental justice.

44 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 45

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

Continued...

Sponsored

MONDAY

Sponsored

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY WORKSHOP

SEED PLANTING WITH CENTER OF EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN AVIATION

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Room: Hollywood 2

SPEAKERS:

Nicole Jones, Program Manager Career Pathways, Denver International Airport Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation

Barry Burch, Manager of Community Affairs, Denver International Airport Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation

Heather Ellis, Program Manager Career Pathways, Denver International Airport Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation

This interactive workshop will begin with a shark tank style presentation engaging the audience with ideas and opportunities for collective thinking. The workshop will lead participants on a development journey with the Denver International Airport Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation of how to maximize their workforce programs. Participants will review their current stakeholders and collaborators to elevate their current employees and attract and retain new employees. The power of collaboration lies in combining the talents of a group to maximize the amount of energy, passion and creativity contributed by each member. We will discuss way to customize their ongoing processes of having the tools, processes, and the environment to be able to communicate, innovate, problem solve and think creatively to grow the transportation pipeline. Participants will leave with tangible next steps to implement the importance of collaboration and workforce development in the transportation industry

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

SCHOLARSHIP GALA

Room: Wilshire 1&2

Sponsored by

COMTO will present our 2023 National Scholars. COMTO’s National Scholarship Program supports our strategic goal of ensuring the continuing legacy of minorities in transportation. COMTO annually awards multiple national academic scholarships, ranging from $500 to $6,000 each to minority graduate and undergraduate students from across the country. Scholarship awardees are represented in all academic backgrounds and pursuing various careers in the transportation industry.

THIS EVENING’S EMCEE:

Ashley Mackey Community Journalist for ABC7 Eyewitness News

INSPIRE TRANSFORM

HELP US CONTINUE OUR 20 PLUS YEAR COMMITMENT OF LIFTING UP AND PROVIDING TRAINING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DANCE ARTISTS

46 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE

THE DEBBIE ALLEN DANCE ACADEMY IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH 501(C)(3) STATUS CM MY CY CMY

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

REGISTRATION OPEN

Room: Wilshire Foyer

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

CONTINENTAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Room: Wilshire Foyer

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Room: Wilshire 3

TECHNICAL TOUR

PORT OF LA/LONG BEACH (Off-Site)

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

BUS DEPARTS INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL @ 9:00 AM

Aboard the 2 hour narrated excursion, you will get close to operations at the two busiest Ports in the nation. See towering cranes, massive vessels, the most advanced and green terminal in the world, new infrastructure projects such as the new Long Beach bridge and the award winning Everport Terminal Redevelopment, the bustling Los Angeles Main Channel, and possibly even catch a glimpse of local marine life. Once aboard and underway, you will see what happens every day at the Ports and learn some historical and interesting facts along the way. You will also learn about the variety of groundbreaking green programs the Ports are implementing to reduce the environmental impact of operations.

11:00 AM-12:00 PM

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

ADDRESSING DISPARITY WITHIN DISPARITY

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Silverlake

SPEAKERS:

Frank Otero President & CEO, PACO Group, Inc.

Dwayne C. Sampson Founder & President/CEO, Transportation Diversity Council

Glenessa R. Gordon, P.E. Assistant Director, Business Diversity Operations, PANYNJ

Gregory A. Jenifer, President & CEO, Armand Resource Group, Inc.

Sponsored by

At the State and local level, minority business participation programs are managed by the various public agencies responsible for certifying M/WBE firms, establishing the goals and administering their participation. These agencies have a long-standing commitment to minority business inclusion and diversity in contracting opportunities. Unfortunately, despite these efforts in recent decades, numerous studies have shown that Black and Hispanic firms have traditionally been left out and received a disproportionate small percentage of the total goods and services contracts procured. For the past 2 years, a Task Force composed of M/WBE firms and small business advocates, including COMTO and the Transportation Diversity Council, have been working with the Executive Management of the Port Authority of NY&NJ to examine the obstacles that impede minority business participation in contracting opportunities. This working group, with the commitment of the Port Authority’s Executive Director, have been able to implement numerous recommendations that have significantly and measurably contributed to an increase in contracting opportunities for certified Black and Hispanic firms. The program created at the Port Authority can serve as a Model for other agencies to consider implementing many of these procurement changes to increase the participation of Black and Hispanic certified firms.

TUESDAY, JULY 11,

2023

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP

EFFECTIVELY PREPARING & ENGAGING THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Hancock Park

SPEAKERS:

Greer Johnson Gillis SVP- Chief Infrastructure & Development Officer, JTA

Ken Middleton AVP, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, JTA

Maria G. Meleandez Head of Talent Development, LA METRO

Jaclyn Aviles Project Manager, LA METRO

The transportation industry faces several challenges in reflecting the communities it serves, meeting growing workforce needs, addressing sustainability, and ensuring local community engagement and participation. To address these challenges, several changes must occur, including: Building a diverse and inclusive workforce pipeline / Embracing sustainability in talent recruitment and retention methods / Ensuring local community engagement and participation. In this session, attendees will hear from industry leaders on how their agencies are addressing recruiting and candidate engagement in a post-pandemic environment, to build and strengthen the next generation of the transportation industry’s pipeline, through innovation and meaningful expanded learning practices.

POLICY & PRACTICE WORKSHOP

EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS & ANALYSIS FOR FREIGHT PROJECTS

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 2

SPEAKERS:

Christopher Lindsey Senior Associate, Cambridge Systematics

Clay Barnes Associate, Cambridge Systematics

Bakai Ruslanbek Uulu, Senior Economic Consultant Advisory Services, U.S., WSP, USA

Advancing transportation equity within a freight context can be a challenging undertaking. The benefits of improved freight mobility are broadly distributed across geography and stakeholders while the burdens tend to be localized and disproportionately borne by communities adjacent to freight assets. During this panel discussion, attendees will learn the state of the practice for freight transportation equity including the data and methods state departments of transportation are currently employing, investigate the ability to measure freight equity impacts and their usefulness in transportation decision-making. Panelists will discuss how equity impacts can be quantified in an economic impact analysis (EIA) and quantitative approaches to address equity in EIA for two freight transportation projects, one from either coast of the United States.

Continued...

48 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 49

TUESDAY

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY WORKSHOP

AI POWERED REPAIR PLANS ENHANCING ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE AT MATA

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKERS:

Bacarra Mauldin, Deputy CEO, MATA

Krish Inbarajan CEO, Preteckt

Satpal Bamrah, Product Manager, Trapeze

Over the last 20-30 years bus maintenance has continued to evolve slowly, and no major innovation has been introduced in maintenance practices. There have been significant new technologies introduced constantly on the bus propulsion systems and further emerging technologies around zero-emission and autonomous operation are being quickly introduced. Best of breed maintenance practices involve preventive maintenance (PM) schedules and certain amount of digitization. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems have provided a great way to document and standardize work orders, parts usage and serve the backbone to many maintenance teams operations. MATA was the first agency in NA to think about bringing AI technology developed from trucking to transit buses. The innovation developed by Preteckt in trucking was incubated and implemented at MATA and carefully woven through the fabric of the maintenance culture. This innovation has the potential to reduce diagnostic time by more than 50%, reduce parts used by 30%. AI and Digitization is still being dreamed at several fleets, whereas MATA is making this a reality, with the clear vision and leadership to bring forth innovation in maintenance. As ChatGPT captures the imagination of the masses, MATA is converting millions of sensor data from its buses into actionable insights working closely with Preteckt AI and Trapeze EAM.

12:30 AM - 2:00 PM

LEGISLATIVE PLENARY LUNCH SESSION

Room: Wilshire 3

Theme: Meeting the moment – Using policy to address community needs

With the implementation of the Infrastructure, Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) underway, how can we effectively use resources, policies, and influence to improve systems and address community needs with equity, accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity as guideposts? Join us as we discuss various approaches and perspectives on IIJA implementation, challenges and opportunties with transportation leadership and elected officials.

PANELISTS:

Dr. Morteza Farajian, Executive Director, Build America Bureau

Veronica McBeth, Senior Advisor, Federal Transit Administration

Rex Richardson, Mayor, City of Long Beach

Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor, City of Los Angeles

Amber Meschak, Director of the Business, Jobs, & Social Responsibility Division at Los Angeles World Airports

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

CITY INTERN PRESENTATIONS

Room: Wilshire 3

TUESDAY, JULY 11,

2023

2:30 PM-3:30 PM

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

EQUITY & SOCIAL MOBILITY: ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF MARGINALIZED AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Room: Silverlake

MODERATOR:

Alesia Cain, Head of Umo Solutions and Market Development – Cubic Transportation Systems, Vice President of Communications COMTO New York

PRESENTERS:

Sheri Gill Dixon, Director of Revenue, Hampton Roads Transit

Melissa Gray, Assistant Director, Transportation, USAging

For the transit-dependent lower socioeconomic population, public transportation is the means for mobility, meaning it is the “vehicle” in providing access to opportunities such as education, employment, healthcare, housing, and basic needs. Mobility is a person’s physical ability to move, but there is also a social aspect of mobility. Social mobility is a person’s ability to move between the different levels in society, such as moving from low-income to middle class. Lack of access to public transportation creates transit barriers for the transit dependent lower socioeconomic populations to opportunities which in turn limits and often prevents social mobility. This presentation will include an in-depth discussion on equity in public transportation and the impact on social mobility for the lower socioeconomic population. Topics will also include ways to improve equity in transit through fare structure/policies, technology, and partnerships, as well as discuss unintended consequences of decisions. Key findings from the National Aging & Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) study on the transportation needs and preferences of people of color, Tribal elders, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and non-English speakers will also be shared.

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP COO ROUNDTABLE

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Room: Hancock Park

SPEAKERS:

Roan Bennett Vice President, Integrated Planning and Policy, Cambridge Systematics

Hear from COO’s in the transportation sector on this unique role in ensuring Transit Agencies are delivering service to those who need it the most. The need to carefully manage resources while navigating the many challenges impacting operations are the responsibility of the Chief Operating Officers (COO’s) tasked with leading agency operations . One way these COO’s are able to effectively manage their operations is by using data. Data Visualization specific to customer experience helps to highlight the importance of visually telling the story of the customer experience. This has been pivotal in helping agencies effectively run their operations, especially with ridership starting to recover to near pre-pandemic levels. The riders that depend on the service are often times not choice riders, transit is often the lifeline for connecting the marginalized and underrepresented to job opportunities, medical appointments, grocery shopping, etc. This session will also focus on how agencies are making sure that they fully understand the relationship between service operations and customer experience, and how they can use dashboards and other tools to effectively manage their operations.

50 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 51

TUESDAY

Sponsored by

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

POLICY & PRACTICE WORKSHOP

DISABILITY TRAINING: CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Room: Hollywood 2

SPEAKERS:

Lina Aragon, Operations Manager, Palm Tran

Creating an authentic culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace should be at the core of every business. Perceptions and unconscious bias are some barriers disabled people face when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. Training staff with appropriate content and methodologies that promote understanding, respect, and empathy can assist in successfully changing misperceptions. Improving the overall experience that people with disabilities have at the workplace, increasing the overall morale and productivity levels of all staff members. During this interactive workshop, attendees will reveiw a disability technical and sensitivity training sample using a ludic methodology that engages participants and promotes behavioral changes.

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY WORKSHOP

SIGNAL PRIORITY & PREEMPTION: PERFORMANCE MEASURES & PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Room: Hollywood 1

SPEAKERS:

Shankar Natarajan, Advanced Mobility Virginia Group Lead, Jacobs Oluwaseun Adegbaju, Senior Assistant Traffic Engineer, City of Detroit Department of Public Work Ruochang Huang, Transportation Planner, Jacobs

Transit Signal Priority (TSP) has been implemented in many municipalities to give preference to transit vehicles at intersections. Traffic signal preemption is described as the “transfer of normal operation of a traffic control signal to a special control mode of operation” (MUTCD). This system helps give the right of way to important classes of vehicles at signalized intersections. The use of this system is beneficial to avoid/prevent collision between various road users and can be used by first respondents to save travel time while responding to emergencies. TSP performance measure is the major challenge in enhancing TSP due to labor-intensive data collection efforts and various traffic management practices. The City of Detroit located on the Southeast Region of the State of Michigan plans to implement the signal preemption within a specific corridor in the city to replace its existing and outdated beacon-based preemption system. The proposed preemption and priority system is intended to be a ‘center-to-center’(a cloud-based processing) system that links the systems used for dispatching and routing subject vehicles to the City’s centralized traffic signal system. Attendees will learn about an advanced TSP performance measure strategy based on automated traffic signal performance measures (ATSPMs) and how the City of Detroit is implementing the system and and managing the operational environment.

TUESDAY, JULY 11,

2023

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

2024 HOST CHAPTER RECEPTION

Room: Wilshire Foyer

Join our 2024 Host Chapter COMTO Houston at our pre-Industry Awards cocktail reception and get a little taste of at what you can expect at next year’s National Meeting and Training Conference in Houston, Texas!

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA

Room: Wilshire 3

Join us for an evening of awards at this spectacular signature closing event of the Conference. For more than 30 years, the Industry Awards Gala has recognized individuals, organizations, and COMTO Chapters which have made outstanding contributions to the transportation industry throughout the year. Industry Awards honorees come from all sectors and modes of the industry. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

52 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 53

Sponsored by

TUESDAY

Sponsored by

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS

1. SEPTA

2. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

3. SYSTRA

4. MV Transportation

5. AECOM

6. WSP

7. COMTO HQ

8. HNTB

9. LA Metro

10. HDR

11. UZURV

12. Cubic

13. Masabi

14. RideCo

15. A Customer’s Point of View

16. Southern California Association of Governments

17. Flowbird Payments

18. Butterfli Technologies

19. TransDev

20. Parametrix

21. Bentley

22. Atkins

23. California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)

24. Amtrak

25. Clever Devices

26. Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP)

27. Texas Department of Transportation

28. CA High Speed Rail Authority

29. Memphis Area Transit (MATA)

30. B2Gnow

31. CalTrans

32. US DOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business

COMPANY PROFILES

A Customer’s Point of View, Inc.

A Customer’s Point of View, Inc. is your customer experience monitoring partner and consultant. Whether it is federal compliance, on- time performance, operator driving safety or ADA compliance.

AECOM (Premier Sponsor & Industry Partner)

AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organizations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From highperformance buildings and infrastructure to resilient communities and environments, to stable nations, our work is transformative, differentiated, and vital. See how we deliver what others can only imagine at www.aecom.com and @AECOM

Amtrak (Industry Partner)

For over 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Amtrak is a place where employees and customers have opportunities to thrive and be their best selves. We are proud of our workforce and are committed to building a collaborative and connected community. As America’s railroad, our organization aims to reflect our communities.

Atkins

Founded in 1938, Atkins has been engineering and designing lived environments that serve their communities for more than eight decades. Our mission is to work with design and engineering clients to deliver transformational infrastructure projects, using data, cuttingedge technology and design-led thinking. We bring together teams of market-leading experts to create infrastructure which shapes people’s lives for the better and makes the lived environment more sustainable and more human. https://www.atkinsglobal.com/

Bentley

Bentley’s commitment extends beyond delivering the most complete and integrated software paired with exceptional service, training, and 24/7 technical support. For over 37 years, Bentley has served the engineers and other professionals responsible for designing, constructing, and operating sustainable infrastructure, essential to the quality of life for everyone, everywhere. With our broad range of software, strong global presence, and emphasis on our commitment to our neighbors, Bentley is more than a software company — we are engaged members of the global community. Our successes are determined by the skills, dedication, and involvement of extraordinary Bentley colleagues around the world. https://www.bentley.com/

54 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 55

EXHIBITOR

MAP

BOOTH 15 BOOTH 5 BOOTH 24 BOOTH 22 BOOTH 21

COMPANY PROFILES COMPANY PROFILES

B2Gnow

B2Gnow is a multi-module, SaaS system used by more than 400 public agencies, including today’s leading airports, transits, state departments of transportation, and others in the transportation sector. Two million plus users regularly access the system to register, prequalify, submit compliance/ payment/sales reports, manage grants, review bid solicitations, manage workforce/EEO data, and use B2Gnow to monitor over $2.2 trillion in contracts and spend, substantially reducing administrative effort.

Butterfli Technologies

Butterfli improves the lives of persons with barriers to mobility, impacts the business of specialty fleets, and transforms transportation within cities and healthcare organizations through personalized service and connected technology. We provide on-demand and scheduled assisted transportation for people with disabilities, seniors, or anyone who needs specialized rides. https://www.gobutterfli.com/

California High Speed Rail Authority

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), is responsible for planning, designing, building and operation of the nation’s first high-speed rail system. California high-speed rail will connect the mega-regions of the state, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs and preserve agricultural and protected lands.

California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) administers more than $100 million annually for grant programs that strive to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on California roads. The OTS programs identify and address behavioral safety issues such as impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

CalTrans

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.

Clever Devices

Clever Devices is a leading provider of technology solutions for all modes of public transportation including fixed-route, bus rapid transit, para transit and rail. Our solutions enhance mobility and help meet the public transportation challenges of communities around the world. Based in Woodbury, NY with offices in the United States, Canada, Italy and Brazil, Clever Devices is a privately held company. www.cleverdevices.com

Cubic Transportation Systems

Cubic Transportation Systems helps agencies design, integrate, deploy, and manage mobility systems fit for the challenges of tomorrow. Our solutions help modernize fare collection systems to give customers a convenient, simple way to pay for travel, however they choose— through mobile payments, contactless, or account-based ticketing.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mission is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA partners with industry, safety advocates, and state and local governments to keep our nation’s roadways safe and improve commercial motor vehicle safety through regulation, education, enforcement, research, and technology.

Flowbird Fare Payments

Flowbird is a global leader in fare payment solutions. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of transit products and solutions including Ticket Vending Machines, mobile payment applications, and electronic validators to help our clients achieve high operational efficiency.

HDR (Champion Sponsor & Industry Partner)

For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. For more information, please visit www.hdrinc. com.

HNTB (Premier Sponsor & Industry Partner)

HNTB Corporation understands the lifecycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial, and operational challenges. We deliver infrastructure-related services, including planning, design, program, and construction management. Our culture is defined by integrity, technical excellence, and providing quality work on time and on a budget to our clients’ satisfaction.

56 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 57

BOOTH 30 BOOTH 25 BOOTH 18 BOOTH 12 BOOTH 28 BOOTH 2 BOOTH 23 BOOTH 17 BOOTH 31 BOOTH 10 BOOTH 8

COMPANY PROFILES COMPANY PROFILES

LA METRO (Premier Sponsor)

Metro is unique among the nation’s transportation agencies. We serve as transportation planner and coordinator, designer, builder, and operator for the country’s largest, most populous county. More than 10 million people – nearly one-fourth of California’s residents –live, work and play within our 1,433-square-mile service area.

Masabi LLC

Delivering fare payment innovation to over 250 agencies of all sizes, Masabi delivers a robust plug-and-play Account-Based Ticketing platform supporting Smart Card, Open Payments, Mobile Ticketing, Barcode and Mobility-as-a-Service solutions. Masabi delivers best-inclass solutions though it’s open ecosystem of over 100 partners, helping reduce total cost of ownership and vendor lock-in.

Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is the public transportation provider for the Memphis area. As one of the largest public transit operators in the state of Tennessee, MATA transports customers in the city of Memphis and parts of Shelby County on fixed-route buses, paratransit vehicles and vintage rail trolleys. The system is governed by a policy board appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Memphis City Council www.matatransit.com

MV Transportation (Gold Sponsor)

“For more than 40 years, MV Transportation has provided safe, reliable, affordable transportation to cities, counties, municipalities, and other jurisdictional entities, as well as private corporations, non-profit agencies, and community organizations. We currently support 230 active transit contracts in 28 states and 3 Canadian provinces. For additional information, please visit www.mvtransit.com

RideCo.

RideCo is an industry leader in on-demand transit technology. We partner with transit agencies, municipalities, local fleet operators to design and operate on-demand transit services. Our solutions reduce travel time, increase service frequency for riders while lowering transit agencies’ cost-per-ride and attract net-new riders to transit systems. To learn more, visit www.rideco.com.

SEPTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is one of the largest transit systems in the United States, serving five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area and connecting to transit systems in Delaware and New Jersey. Its services include regional rail, buses, trolleys, subway and a high-speed line to western suburbs.

Southern

California Association of Governments (Friends of COMTO Sponsor)

SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and nearly 19 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable and sustainable Southern California. For more information about SCAG’s regional efforts, please visit www.scag.ca.gov.

SYSTRA

The Signature Team for Transportation and Facilities Solutions, SYSTRA provides architecture, engineering, and construction management services to clients offering public transportation, education, and housing to our communities. With nearly 200 employees nationwide, we are a trusted partner to public agencies throughout the United States. Commitments to safety and quality, the environment, and ethics drive our activities.

Texas Department of Transportation

Headquartered in Austin, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is organized by administration, districts and divisions. TxDOT’s workforce is made up of engineers, administrators, financial experts, designers, architects, sign makers, accountants, purchasers, maintenance workers, travel counselors and many other professions who work together to realize the TxDOT mission: Connecting you with Texas.

Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP)

The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) develops near-term, practical solutions to problems facing public transportation. TCRP provides you access to public transportationrelated research reports, and products. www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/

Transdev

Transdev is the largest private-sector operator of multiple modes of transit in North America. Transdev is committed to being the trusted partner of cities and transit authorities through quality execution and innovations in mobility. Its parent company, Transdev Group, is a leading global operator and integrator of mobility operating in 18 countries and providing passengers every day the freedom to connect to what they care about in their cities. www. transdevna.com

58 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE THE GREAT CONNECTOR: COMTO + TRANSPORTATION 59

BOOTH 9 BOOTH 16 BOOTH 13 BOOTH 3 BOOTH 29 BOOTH 27 BOOTH 4 BOOTH 26 BOOTH 14 BOOTH 1 BOOTH 19

COMPANY PROFILES

US DOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization’s (OSDBU) mission is to ensure Small Business policies and goals of the Secretary of Transportation are implemented in a fair, efficient and effective manner. Click on the links at the left for information on small business assistance, small business loans for women and veterans, and more small business resources.

UZURV

UZURV is an Adaptive Network Company (TNC) that helps agencies, organizations, nonprofits, and communities deliver safe, reliable, and affordable transportation using adaptive mobility technology and a network of FTA compliant drivers. www.uzurv.com

WSP (Industry Partner)

WSP USA is a leading engineering and professional services consultancy firm. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors, and construction management professionals serving the transportation, buildings, energy, water and environmental markets. At WSP USA, we believe that the diverse talents and backgrounds of our people enable us to offer a broader range of capabilities and solutions for our clients. www.wsp.com

We Build to Last

60 2023 NATIONAL MEETING & TRAINING CONFERENCE

Balfour Beatty builds the structures and infrastructure that enhances how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Find out more visit: www.balfourbeattyus.com BOOTH 32 BOOTH 11 BOOTH 6

JO H N WAY N E A R P O R T @ JO H N WAY N E A I R O C A R CO M

SANDAG.org Connecting the San Diego Region PLAN | BUILD PROVIDING A FULL CONTINUUM OF INNOVATIVE SERVICES TO STRENGTHEN OUR NATION’S INFRASTRUCTURE Three Sisters Bridges Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PROUD TO SUPPORT COMTO’S NATIONAL MEETING AND TRAINING CONFERENCE MBAKERINTL.COM B U I L D I N G B E T T E R F U T U R E S F O R O U R C O M M U N I T I E S I N A N D O U T O F T H E O F F I C E E V E R Y D A Y . S U P P O R T I N G P U B L I C I N F R A S T R U C T U R E P R O G R A M S S I N C E 1 9 9 2 PM/CM Support Services / Contract Compliance & Management / XBE Program Outreach Pasadena / Dallas / Honolulu / Las Vegas / Oakland / San Diego Connect with us: www.triunityeng.com info@triunityeng.com Triunity, Inc. is a professional services firm, providing engineering and program management /construction management (PM/CM) services for some of the nation’s most challenging transportation and infrastructure projects. At Triunity, we are committed to client satisfaction, high quality work, and employee professionalism while adding value to our community and industry. Triunity, Inc. honors and appreciates The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. . . as the Voice of Equity in Transportation. Denver Boston Seattle Los Angeles Kansas City

Advancing Project Delivery MWBE, DBE, CalTrans, SBE www.systemscl.com Follow us on Facebook: @SystemsConsultingLLC Planning Project Management Quality Management Project Controls Proud supporter of COMTO for over 15 years Seattle Denver Los Angeles Strategic Solutions to Advance Mobility From alternative delivery approaches to innovative financial plans and analytical tools, we work with our clients to navigate critical issues, create new opportunities, and guide projects to opening day and beyond. Strategic Advisory Services Public Private Partnerships Technology and Innovation Financial Planning and Advisory Program Development Project Management and Oversight Learn more at infrastrategies.com How can we address the most urgent challenges facing the Chicago region? Transit is the Answer. The RTA has recently adopted Transit is the Answer, the 2023 regional transit strategic plan that has been in development for more than a year. The plan vision is safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people to opportunity, advances equity and combats climate change. Read the plan and learn more at rtachicago.org COMPTO Program RTA Ad-2.indd 1 5/25/23 1:42 PM

cubic.com/transportation

over five decades, Cubic Transportation Systems has been at

forefront

connecting communities from San Francisco to New York,

Milwaukee to Los Angeles, with equitable transportation solutions. Our success and longevity are built on the diversity of our team, which brings together bright minds from all backgrounds around the world. We are proud to collaborate with our partners and suppliers to innovate technology and raise communities, advancing mobility for all.

this journey towards a better, more connected future. CTS COMTO Accelerate Ad.indd 1 5/15/23 7:22 AM ELEVATING OUR COMMUNITY In honor of Thurgood Marshall, we proudly sponsor COMTO’s 52nd National Meeting and Training Conference BWIAIRPORT.COM Christian T. Kent Transit Management Consulting, LLC One Columbus Center, Suite 600 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 www.christiankentconsulting.com 757-452-4900

STRATEGIES FOR THE PARATRANSIT

- Christian T. Kent, Principal •ADA Paratransit Service • On-Demand Service •Procurement & Contracting • Leadership Development •Organizational Alignment • KL2 Transit Executive Search • 35 years industry experience • Paratransit subject matter expert •APTA Board of Directors • APTA Access Committee Chair • COMTO Board Advisor • NTI Adjunct Instructor

ON THE ROAD TO A MORE CONNECTED FUTURE For

the

and

Join

MOBILITY

INDUSTRY

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

contactbd@ratpdev.com Fixed Route, Paratransit, and Streetcar Operations and Management www.RATPDevUSA.com Diversity. We draw on experience across cultures, generations, and oceans to encourage innovative transportation solutions. North America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia/Oceania: RATP Dev is present in 16 countries where our 107 subsidiaries operate and maintain innovative and safe transport systems. Our diversity connects us to the world "Joining a company that values diversity is not just about being in a workplace that is representative of the world we live in, but about being part of a community that celebrates and embraces our differences.” Ibrahima Toure Chief Development O cer JTI is a premier Minority-Owned SBE providing leading-edge Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) solutions for transportation projects. Our 3D models immerse transportation planners and engineers in true-to-life virtual environments that validate physical and functional designs before construction takes place.

learn more, visit us at justtouchinteractive.com

the

JUST TOUCH INTERACTIVE Project and Program Management for the Transportation Industry 3000 Atrium Way, Sui e 200 Mt. Laurel, NJ, US 08054 Phone: (856) 248-0557 unico nconsu tingsolut ons.com UNICORN CONSULTING SOLUTIONS, LLC CONNECTING THROUGH DIVERSITY, EQUITY & EXPERTISE - SINCE 2010MARINETIGER.COM DBE/SBE/WBE ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT CONSULTING TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING RESILIENCY PLANNING

Visualize

Possible.

Gateway to the world Powered by our people DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Learn more at flydenver.com Customer Service Field Maintenance Airside Ground Tower The Missouri Department of Transportation is proud of its partnership with COMTO. Together, we build connections with Missouri’s minority and disadvantaged communities. ● MoDOT is now hiring in all areas of transportation at www.modot.org/careers. ● Upcoming Design-Build projects—including multiple bridge bundles and improvements to Interstate 70—offer contract opportunities to DBEs across the state. Want to learn more? Contact MoDOT’s External Civil Rights division at: DBE@modot.mo.gov. FOR ITS 52ND ANNUAL MEETING AND TRAINING CONFERENCE! CONGRATULATIONS TO COMTO COMING 2025

Through a partnership with Cuyahoga Community College, we offer:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

• GED and adult diploma programs

• College and career readiness workshops

• Women in Transition services

• Workforce Success course

Get on track to a rewarding career with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority! Visit rideRTA.com/careers. GCRTA: Connecting the Community to skills and training required to succeed in the transportation industry.

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

rtd-denver.com

Long Beach Transit has been serving some of the most diverse cities in the nation for 60 years. We're proud that our leadership, employees and hiring practices reflect the communities we connect every day. ridelbt.com

Routed in equity.

DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is here to help you reconnect to the world. With more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents, DTW is the gateway to your next journey. Enjoy our convenient parking options, unique shops and popular restaurants. Our team is known for delivering an award-winning customer experience and we’re ready to welcome you to DTW. #DTWnonstop www.metroairport.com DETROIT. TRAVEL THE WORLD. NONSTOP.

RTD is proud to join COMTO in supporting diversity, inclusion, and opportunity within the transportation industry. Together, we make lives better through connections. Celebrating diversity and opportunity

A World-Class Agency Where Diversity is Valued

From

Since

we get there, we’ll get you there. We’re moving Virginia toward

cleaner, more

future.

• Ben Franklin Bridge • Walt Whitman Bridge • Commodore Barry Bridge • Betsy Ross Bridge • PATCO

Until

efﬁcient

On-demand transit, built for your network.

embrace diversity in every element of our operation.

ensuring that we remain on the forefront of providing contracting opportunities to MBEs, WBEs and DBEs to continuing to grow as an employer of choice for diverse communities across the region, the DRPA stands strongly committed to ensuring that we reflect and respect all of the communities which we serve.

1994,

year

Authority

non-discrimination

have paid more than $405 million

certified minority, women, disadvantaged

veteran-owned

the

implemented its

programs, we

and

businesses.

learn more about employment or contracting opportunities, visit drpa.org

DRPA IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Chairwoman Cherelle L. Parker | Vice Chairman Jeffrey L. Nash CEO John T. Hanson

SEE YOU IN HOUSTON! Roadway . Bus . Rail . Plane . Port . Space July 8-12, 2024 HOUSTON HAS IT. Scan here to see how Houston has it! Simply the Best! www.scag.ca.gov @SCAGnews @SCAGnews @SCAGmpo SCAG proudly supports COMTO’s 2023 National Meeting & Training Conference 3108 2023.06.01 CALLING ALL EQUITY CHAMPIONS! COMTO and Transportation: two great connectors. At COMTO, we believe in the power of transportation to bring people, communities and ideas together. As a member of COMTO, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with a network of professionals and advocates who share the same passion for building a more connected, accessible and equitable transportation system. THE CONFERENCE OF MINORITY TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS. 202.506.2917 | info@comtonational.org Find us on social media: Search “COMTO National”

COMTO Headquarters 4121 Wilson Blvd Suite 901 Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 202-506-2917 Email: info@comtonational.org Website: www.comto.org Find us on social media. Search for “COMTO National”

2023 Conference Program Book

CONFERENCE VENUE MAP WELCOME

Greetings COMTO Family!

HOST CHAPTER COMMITTEE

Southern California Host Chapter Committee

WELCOME

Dear Esteemed Guests,

WELCOME

Building a better world for 125 years.

WELCOME

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

COMTO DIRECTORS

Explore Careers in Transportation This Summer!

Gain Tools & Insight for Your Future!

Connecting communities

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM

COMTO’s Garrett A. Morgan Youth Symposium

Activities

Question today Imagine tomorrow Create for the future

Ideas transform communities

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

About COMTO

Vision

Mission

OPENING REMARKS GENERAL INFORMATION

CONVENTION REGISTRATION HOURS

TICKET SALES

EVALUATION FORMS & SURVEYS

SOCIAL MEDIA | CONNECT WITH COMTO

Opening Plenary Session

Opening Remarks by Karen Bass

EMERGING LEADERS FORUM SUMMIT MEETINGS

2023 NMTC Emerging Leaders Forum

CEO Summit

Historically Underutilized Business Forum

CITY Intern Presentations

MEMBER MEETINGS

New Member Orientation Welcome & Networking

Annual Business Meeting

COMTO COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS

TRACKS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

EQUITY, ACCESS & SUSTAINABILITY

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE

POLICY & PRACTICE

INNOVATION & FUTURE MOBILITY

CONFERENCE APP

National Meeting & Training Conference Mobile App

Electronic Devices

CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE

FRIDAY, JULY 7 & SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

ENGINEERING A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR PLANET AND ITS PEOPLE

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

CURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDS OF MOBILITY PRICING

UPDATE ON US DOT EQUITY PRIORITIES INCLUDING EQUITY ACTION PLAN

EMERGING LEADERS FORUM

JULY 9, 2023

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE WORKSHOP

JULY 10, 2023

& PRACTICE WORKSHOP

SUPPORT OF INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE COMMUNITIES

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

JULY 10, 2023

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

INSPIRE TRANSFORM

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

2023

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

2023

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

2023

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS

COMPANY PROFILES

A Customer’s Point of View, Inc.