For Immediate Release
April 18, 2024
COMTO, in partnership with AECOM, AFA, ITSA, MWDBE Training Academy, ReConnect Rondo and Two Degrees selected by USDOT to serve as National Capacity Builders to support 16 Networked Communities.
Washington, DC The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in partnership with leading industry partners including AECOM, Accelerator for America (AFA), Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), The MWDBE Training Academy, Inc. (MWDBETA), ReConnect Rondo, and Two Degrees proudly announce their selection by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to collectively support 16 communities as National Capacity Builders. This pivotal collaboration, backed by a substantial $4,250,000 grant under the FY 2023 Thriving Communities Program (TCP), aims to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in underserved areas across the United States.
COMTO's expertise in grant management, stakeholder engagement and actualizing equity goals will be applied to ensure that communities are given opportunities to thrive using a restorative practices approach that prioritizes strengthening relationships between residents, community-based organizations, public and private sector partners. "COMTO is honored to lead this dynamic collection of organizations to empower under resourced communities to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity," said April Rai, President & CEO, COMTO. “COMTO’s work in this area spans over 50 years across 40 chapters and has always centered around equity in transportation,“ said Tanya Adams, Chair, Board of Directors, COMTO. The TCP will help 112 communities’ nationwide access federal funding and resources provided by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). DOT is awarding grants totaling $23.6 million to three national and six regional Thriving Communities Capacity Builders to support the 112 communities, which includes 12 Tribal Nations.
AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, will provide its expertise to support communities in each phase of project delivery to take on their most complex challenges and pioneer innovative solutions that make a positive, lasting impact. “We’re excited to partner with COMTO to bring much-needed transportation improvements and capacity to communities across the nation,” said Christie Baker, AECOM’s Senior Vice President and Northeast Transportation business line lead. “This work builds on extensive collaboration with our clients to deliver transformational and equitable mobility outcomes that expand access to opportunities.”
TCP National Capacity builders will provide project-level technical assistance and planning support on issues such as preparing grant application materials, undertaking pre-development and project delivery activities, designing and deploying more inclusive community engagement strategies, and fostering small business and workforce development.
ITSA will support community partners in advancing their knowledge and deployment of intelligent transportation technologies. This innovation will not only improve mobility but also foster sustainability and economic growth in these communities. ITS America’s national reach, including its members and network of state chapters, will be integral in supporting communities for the scaled deployment of innovative transportation technology. “We are thrilled to partner with COMTO and our network on this TCP grant. Programs like TCP from the BIL are vital to bringing new technology to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to save lives and build local economies,” said Laura Chace, President & CEO, ITSA.
The program provides two years of no-cost, intensive technical assistance to underresourced and disadvantaged communities to help them identify, develop, and deliver transportation projects to achieve locally driven economic development, health, environment, mobility, and access goals. AFA will activate their network of over 80 cities and build upon their strong track record of supporting communities to lead a networked community of practice to further develop and implement inclusive growth and engagement strategies, breaking down barriers in cities traditionally excluded from opportunity. “AFA is honored to again be chosen as a USDOT Thriving Communities capacity builder. We look forward to working with this innovative coalition to help 16 communities maximize the economic and community benefits of the BIL making national change from the ground up,” said Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, President & CEO, AFA.
Technical assistance provided through the program includes individualized training support to small businesses to ensure they are positioned to provide supportive services in compliance with local, state, regional and federal regulations. Gary Wade, President of the MWDBETC is well-known for reminding small business owners in his program, “If you knew better you could do better.” Capacity building support will include mentorship from community-based organization, ReConnect Rondo, in identifying funding opportunities, conducting planning activities and applying restorative community development frameworks. “We are honored to partner with COMTO in this transformative work. Like Rondo, many communities were devastated by the federal highway system, and we’re eager to contribute our experience and expertise to giving lift to communities across the country,” said Keith Baker, Executive Director, ReConnect Rondo.
Two Degrees, a communications and creative strategies firm will ensure communities convey essential project goals and values through compelling storytelling. "Receiving the Thriving Communities grant marks an exciting chapter for Two Degrees. We're thrilled to deepen our partnerships and drive transformative community work that fosters real change a true testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision," said Dan Kully, Two Degrees.
This unparalleled collection of organizations represents a combined 13 decades of experience providing technical assistance, building capacity and management of transportation and infrastructure projects in various stages of delivery across diverse American communities. The planned approach to technical assistance and capacity building will be holistic, multifaceted, and agile, leveraging the strengths of each organization to serve the unique and changing needs of each community. By harnessing this collective expertise, community project teams will no doubt be positioned for success in creating and sustaining thriving communities.
For further information on the Thriving Communities Program and the selected recipients, please visit the DOT website: Thriving Communities Program .
Contact:
April Rai, President & CEO COMTO
April.rai@comto.org (202) 998-3352
About the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials
COMTO, founded in 1971, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing underrepresented groups in the transportation industry. With 40 chapters across North America, COMTO's mission is centered around ensuring transportation meets the needs of all and its workforce reflects the communities served. Visit www.comto.org.
About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of
equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of US$14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.
About Accelerator for America
AFA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan “Do Tank” that delivers solutions, connections, and resources to mayors and other local leaders working to create greater economic mobility in underserved communities. Through Capacity Building, Technical Assistance and Advocacy, AFA helps develop opportunities for communities to invest in themselves by maximizing federal funding programs, attracting innovative private investments, and by generating local infrastructure funding. Visit AcceleratorForAmerica.org.
About the Intelligent Transportation Society of America
The Intelligent Transportation Society of America was founded by Congress to advise the federal government on digital transformation in transportation and is the only organization that brings together private industry, government, researchers, non-profits, and communities to advance the deployment of intelligent transportation technologies to save lives, promote sustainability, and increase access and opportunity for all communities. Our vision is a better future transformed by transportation technology and innovation that is safer, greener, and smarter for all. Visit www.itsa.org.
About the MWDBE Training Academy, Inc.
The MWDBE Training Academy is a close group of individuals and entities that aim to provide technical training and education to the underserved and underutilized business community on certain rules and regulations to ensure their ability to qualify, pursue and attain contracting opportunities. The virtual classes offer knowledge sharing and the growth of a strong network of educated practitioners nationwide in the small business community. Visit www.mwdbeacademy.com
About ReConnect Rondo
ReConnect Rondo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring equity and opportunity in the historically black Rondo neighborhood by leading a united effort in pursuit of one common goal a revitalized African-American Cultural Enterprise District connected by a community land bridge. Visit www.reconnectrondo.com.
About Two Degrees
At Two Degrees, we help design and accelerate creative operational and communications strategies that elevate the products and services of our clients. We only work with companies that are committed to changing their practices to help address the global crisis of climate change. Visit www.twodegrees.live