Transportation projects create pathways to jobs. Through thoughtful workforce programs— built in partnership with industry, and with a focus on disadvantaged businesses— we can help more underserved people find and keep good jobs in the transportation sector.
For example, in Denver, a workforce development grant from the Federal Transit Administration is supporting the Workforce Initiative Now, a partnership led by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Partners include the Community College of Denver, Denver Transit Partners, and the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver. Together, they work to help local employers in the transit and construction industries meet hiring and training needs while connecting Denver residents to good career opportunities.
Every $1 billion we invest in infrastructure not only improves connectivity between communities and opportunity; it also creates 13,000 jobs. And when those jobs are local, the community benefit of that public investment multiplies. Below are resources for local, regional and federal decision-makers that can help facilitate the transportation pipeline to work opportunity:
DOT Local Hire Initiative explores new ways to make it easier for states and cities to hire local residents for transportation projects. The pilot program allows recipients of highway and transit grants to use hiring programs in which preference is given to local residents, low-income workers, and veterans.
Cross-Modal Connectivity Research: In 2016, FTA, FHWA, and OST will make connectivity information available for the 50 largest metropolitan areas and provide new insights into job connectivity for every neighborhood. The project will incorporate highway connectivity using commercially available sources of travel time data.
The Transportation Planning Process: A Briefing Book for Transportation Decision makers, Officials, and Staff provides guidance and recommendations for local officials to discuss transportation equity and analysis of gaps in connectivity to essential destinations.
FTA’s TITLE VI transit route maps now include level of service and employment access. In 2016, the Department will release updated training materials and guidance and conduct webinars for transit agencies nationwide.