The EAC Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Data Implementation convened on June 19, 2025, under the auspices of the California Transportation Commission to discuss the development and application of new data tools aimed at enhancing transportation planning and equity considerations.

The meeting began with a presentation on an interactive web map designed to provide users with detailed breakdowns of various indicators for each census block. Attendees were encouraged to explore the tool independently, which allows for zooming into specific areas and verifying data against local knowledge. A complementary story map was also introduced, offering a visual guide to help users navigate the web map and understand its functionalities.

In addition to the web map, the subcommittee discussed a newly developed analytical tool currently in pilot testing. This tool is intended primarily for internal use by Caltrans staff but may be made available to a broader audience in the future. It aims to assist planners in assessing the equity impacts of their projects early in the planning process. The analytical tool simplifies the data analysis required for various project components, such as bicycle lanes and freeway expansions, and generates reports that provide feedback on potential impacts—positive, neutral, or negative—based on equity indicators.

The meeting also touched on the importance of making these tools user-friendly, reducing the technical barriers for planners who may not have extensive data analysis experience. This approach is intended to facilitate better decision-making regarding transportation projects and their implications for community equity.

Looking ahead, the subcommittee plans to reconvene in August to discuss feasible use cases for the tools being developed. If the team is not ready to present concrete examples by then, the meeting may be postponed until November. Current use cases under consideration include efforts related to the Caltrans system investment strategy and Complete Streets initiatives linked to Senate Bill 960.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment to integrating data-driven tools into transportation planning processes, with a focus on equity and community impact.