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City staff brief Equity Advisory Board on draft Title VI program required by TxDOT; requests board feedback
Summary
City staff presented a draft Title VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964) program required for TxDOT-funded projects, outlined a coordinator role, complaint procedures, language access, and a 90-day implementation expectation with a June 24 target; board members requested review and public-engagement assurances.
Terry Toedo, director of management services, told the Equity Advisory Board the city must adopt a formal Title VI program to remain eligible for certain federal transportation funds administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Toedo said the draft consolidates existing practices into a single adopted program and specifies actions the city will take — from a signed non-discrimination statement to a Title VI coordinator, complaint and referral procedures, language-access measures and regular program reviews.
Toedo said many practices are already in place but that TxDOT reviewers requested a formally adopted plan posted on the city website. He explained the administration has nominated an assistant to the city manager to serve as Title VI coordinator and said staff will place Title VI posters and complaint forms in public lobbies and on the website in English and Spanish. He also said the plan will require updated contract language, routine data collection tied to projects, and a program of regular reviews of planning and transportation activities.
Toedo said TxDOT asked staff to put the program in place within 90 days but that TxDOT is aware the city is actively working on adoption; staff cited a target of June 24 to submit required materials. The draft program, if adopted, would be active for a three-year cycle (2026–2029) and staff said they will solicit board feedback prior to the City Council review on May 26.
Board members asked about public engagement and training delivery; Toedo said the city’s People & Culture team will coordinate training and that staff will identify what existing materials can be adapted from TxDOT or developed locally. Members also pressed for clarity about how the Title VI program interacts with other projects; staff said the requirement is triggered when federal funds are received for a project and that most work to comply is procedural (posting, data-collection, complaint intake) until specific funded projects require further action.
No formal board action on the Title VI draft was recorded; staff requested feedback and will incorporate comments before Council consideration.
