TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on approval and implementation of the Title VI and Limited English Plan. Consent to approve this plan allows the City Manager authority to sign all necessary documents to complete the application. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The City of Maricopa is the secondary recipient for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds. In addition to federal financial assistance, the City of Maricopa receives technical assistance with transportation-related projects. As a regulatory condition of obtaining these funds, the City of Maricopa is required to administer a program that establishes Title VI goals and objectives, which pertain to a multi-modal transportation system.
The focal point of nondiscrimination law is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. This focal point refers particularly to the responsibilities of the City of Maricopa and has to comply with requirements by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). There is, however, a broader application of nondiscrimination law that is found in other statutes, regulations, and executive orders. Discrimination based on sex, disability, and age are prohibited, as well as unfair and inequitable treatment of persons as a result of projects which are undertaken with federal financial assistance. This broader application refers to requirements by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 clarified the intent of Title VI to include all programs and activities of federal aid recipients and contractors, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in federally assisted programs. This prohibition against discrimination applies to all phases, activities, and programs of the City of Maricopa when any project or program receives federal assistance regardless of whether that particular program or activity is directly federally funded or assisted.
This prohibition against discrimination applies not only to activities and programs provided directly by Arizona Department of Transportation through its staff and resources, but also to activities and programs funded totally or in part by FTA and FHA through contracts or other funding relationships or assistance. Due to its broad scope and applicability, both civil rights and program personnel are involved in assuring that discrimination does not occur.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Mayor and City Council provide approval and implementation of the Title VI and Limited English Plan with the consent that allows the City Manager authority to sign all necessary documents to complete the application.