Transit, More than a Ride - Trusted Advocate Project
During 2012, Metro Transit will be conducting a transit service study which will focus on integrating bus transit and light rail transit (LRT) in Central Corridor. As a part of this work, Metro Transit seeks public involvement to better inform the planning process before it even begins. Ultimately, public involvement will help determine the future network of transit in the Central Corridor Area. Click here to learn more about the transit study.
The DCC has partnered with Metro Transit to help support and enrich community engagement in the transit study process. DCC will be implementing a Trusted Advocate pilot project which will contract with proven community organizers, advocates and leaders of different communities.
What is a Trusted Advocate?
Successfully used in Seattle, Washington and Oakland, California, the Trusted Advocate engagement model contracts with a member of specific communities to lead engagement of his/her community in a public process. The Trusted Advocates have deep connections into their communities as organizers or advocates. Trusted Advocates have demonstrated their abilities to navigate cultural and language distances, and have the confidence of their people and the public agency.
In this pilot project, Trusted Advocates will gain an understanding of transit service planning and work with the DCC and Metro Transit planners to develop an engagement toolkit to help advocates gather and document information and feedback from their communities. The advocates will bring information from their communities to the transit planners and work directly with planners to ensure community voice is heard and their ideas are fully considered. They will help Metro Transit integrate community input into the final plan and communicate planning process and possible compromises to their communities.
Who Are the Trusted Advocates?
Suado Abdi, suado@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
Saint Paul, Somali community and small businesses*
Hadi Abdidubul, hadi@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
Skyline Tower residents*
Mee Cheng, mee@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
Saint Paul, Southeast Asian community*
Sulekha Diriye, sulekha@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
West Bank – Cedar-Riverside, Somali community*
Anne Gomez, anne.g@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
West Bank*
Henry Keshi, henry@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
Prospect Park and Glendale residents and low-income families*
Sheronda Orridge, sheronda@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
Saint Paul, Frogtown neighborhood, low-income families and individuals*
Tim Page, tim@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
Saint Paul, African-Americans, Youth and low-income families*
Kjensmo Walker, kjensmo@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org
The Disability Community and heavily transit-dependent individuals*
