A core function of the Transportation Agency is to undertake public outreach to provide information and solicit public input on the Agency's plans, programs and projects. Recognizing that the essential component of outreach is communication, the Board of Directors adopted a set of strategic goals in 2017 which included the need to enhance public communication.
As a result, the Agency's outreach program includes a variety of communication methods and techniques that include the Agency's website, social media, press releases, print and broadcast media, an annual report and other informational materials prepared for public presentations. The Agency's existing outreach process also includes conducting open public meetings and hearings to consider transportation issues with its standing committees and Board of Directors. The public is given the opportunity to comment on plans, programs and projects before they are finalized and approved by the Board. The Transportation Agency coordinates with Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) to reduce duplication and maximize the benefit of public outreach efforts.
The last Public Participation Plan, the 2015 Monterey Bay Area Public Participation Plan, was last adopted by AMBAG in April 2015 and was originally adopted in 2008 to comply with Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equality Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) legislation. The 2019 Public Participation Plan will cover a four-year period from 2019-2023 and must now comply with The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-Act) which was enacted in 2015. The 2019 Public Participation Plan emphasizes the transportation decision making process, including the expanded use of visualization techniques and innovative online marketing strategies in public outreach.
The federal requirements for updating the 2019 Public Participation Plan, includes increased involvement and collaboration with members of the public and decision makers and staff from all local jurisdictions and AMBAG's partner agencies within the region.
The key dates for developing the 2019 Public Participation Plan are:
- June 12, 2019: AMBAG Board of Directors will be asked to release the Draft 2019 Public Participation Plan for public comment
- August 14, 2019: Public Hearing on the Draft 2019 Public Participation Plan at AMBAG's Board Meeting
- August 21, 2019: Public Hearing on the Draft 2019 Public Participation Plan at TAMC's Board Meeting
- August 23, 2019: Close of the public comment period
- October 9, 2019: Final 2019 Public Participation Plan adopted by the AMBAG Board of Directors.