CVTA members advance CBTA branding policy to finance committee after softening enforcement language

Staff presented a streamlined draft of a CBTA acknowledgment, communications and branding policy designed to standardize how jurisdictions and partners acknowledge CBTA contributions in press materials, signage and social media.

Chet summarized the policy’s purpose: to provide consistent messaging about CBTA involvement and make it easier for staff and the public to identify CBTA-funded work. The draft organizes expectations by funding level — e.g., signage and press language for larger projects — and includes suggested wording for press releases and acknowledgment.

Several members raised concerns about an enforcement clause (item 6 in the original packet) that previously said failure to comply "may result in withholding of reimbursement until compliance is achieved." Amy and others said that language was too punitive and raised operational concerns. Chet and Barb explained the packet included an updated May 6 revision that softens the language; the revised wording reads that "reimbursements may be paused until confirmation of future compliance from the jurisdictions and the registration," rather than an explicit withholding. Chet said the intent was not to revoke funding but to create a consistent, good-faith acknowledgment practice.

Members discussed whether the policy should apply equally to regional and local funding and whether signage requirements were realistic for smaller local projects. Several members recommended removing item 6 to pilot the policy and revisit enforcement if compliance issues arise. A motion to advance the streamlined draft to the finance committee with item 6 removed was made and approved by voice vote.

Staff said they will circulate the revised redline and the streamlined three-page version to members and the finance committee for further review before full-authority consideration.