Transit, More than a Ride - Trusted Advocate Project
Register for the June 27 discussion:
Bridging the Distance:
Connecting our communities to public decision making through the Trusted Advocate Community Engagement Model
Learn more about the Trusted Advocate Pilot Project
View and Download the 2013 Transit, More than a Ride - Trusted Advocate Pilot Project Evaluation
View and Download the 2012 Transit, More than a Ride - Trusted Advocate Project Interim Report
Trusted Advocate Project and Central Transit Study
In preparation for the opening of Green Line LRT in 2014, Metro Transit conducted a transit service study of the Central Corridor to integrate existing bus service with the future LRT.
The DCC 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.
Well over 1200 community members participated in trusted advocate engagement sessions. 700 data points were collected thtough the trusted advocate process. Advocates have built relationships with community groups and individuals that allow them to “loop back” for additional feedback. The advocates also developed a positive working relationship with Metro Transit staff.
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 gained an understanding of transit service planning and worked 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 brought from their communities to the transit planners and work directly with planners to ensure community voice was heard and their ideas are fully considered.
