Measure X Senior & Disabled Program:

1. RECEIVE update on the Measure X Senior and Disabled Program and,

2. PROVIDE input on the program guidelines and draft needs assessment. 

The Senior & Disabled Transportation Services Program is a grant program funded by Measure X. The Transportation Agency accepts grant applications from non-profit organizations to fund activities that increase transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities. Five non-profit organizations were awarded funding in the first cycle of the program. Staff will provide an update on the grantee's first annual reports and request input on potential changes to the program guidelines for the second grant cycle. The Transportation Agency is also conducting a needs assessment to address questions about services provided to South County communities by the organizations awarded funding. The public comment period for the needs assessment and program guidelines closes July 31, 2019. 

The Transportation Agency received five (5) complete applications for the first grant cycle. The applications were scored by a grants review committee composed of members from the MST Mobility Advisory Committee and the Citizens Oversight Committee. The attached application scoring summary provides an overview of each proposal and the score averages. The review committee recommended funding all applications, with a reduction of ITN Monterey County's request. The five proposals were presented to the Citizens Oversight Committee which recommended using $1.5 million in Measure X funds for the first grant cycle covering fiscal years 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20. In January 2018, the TAMC Board approved funding of the five proposals and executing agreements with each organization. In February 2018, the Board received criticism regarding the application selection process and geographic distribution of funds. Specific concerns were voiced about the limited services provided to South County communities by the organizations awarded funding.

The Transportation Agency is conducting a needs assessment (web attachment) and an evaluation of the first grant cycle to address these concerns and to incorporate any changes to the application selection process for the second grant cycle to better meet the program's purpose. Staff will give an overview of the work completed by grantees during the first grant year and discuss how each program is performing. Each grantee submitted an annual report (web attachment) outlining tasks completed, tasks pending, funds expended and pictures of grant funded activities. The success of grantees has been measured by comparing consistency between the work completed and the work outlined in their grant agreements. Grantees submit quarterly claims and progress reports with documentation on how funds are being spent.

The following items will be discussed for potential changes to the program guidelines:

• Evaluating the proposals is difficult, since each organization provides very different services. Should the program define metrics to evaluate effectiveness, such as the number of trips provided, clients served, areas served, or cost per client?
• Reviewing the eligible activities and expenses based on how each meets the program's goals may be beneficial.  For instance, should purchase of MST services (bus passes, senior taxi vouchers, etc.) be an eligible expense? What type of activities best meet the Measure X mission? 
• Requiring a site visit during the application process may be a way to understand the proposed grant-funded activities - should that be a part of the process?

Based on the evaluation of the first grant year, staff is requesting input from Committee members on the needs assessment and changes to the program guidelines for the second grant cycle scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2020/21. The assessment and program guidelines were presented at the May 29, 2019 MST Mobility Advisory Committee meeting and will also be vetted by the public and stakeholders with the public comment period ending on July 31, 2019. The proposed timeline for this project is below:

Draft Program Guidelines

Draft Needs Assessment