In early 2019, the Metro Council directed that Get Moving 2020 projects and programs must advance Metro’s racial equity goals. To achieve these directives, Metro conducted an analysis to explore how communities of color could be affected by the projects proposed for funding in the proposed measure. The Investment Corridor Profiles provide baseline data about who lives along each corridor and the state of transportation safety, housing access and affordability, and factors related to displacement.
Data shows that people of color are more likely to live in places that aren’t adequately served by transit, and are more likely to be hit or killed by a car while walking, biking or driving. In addition, communities of color, as well as lower-income people, often live closer to major roads and highways where they are exposed to higher levels of toxic traffic pollution and experience a higher risk of asthma and other respiratory problems.
Key findings in the analysis
- Proposed projects are strongly weighted toward areas where people of color live.
- 60% of the total proposed corridor projects are located in areas of the region where high concentrations of people of color live.
- Proposed safety projects are strongly weighted toward areas where people of color live.
- Proposed transit projects are strongly weighted toward areas where people of color live.
If the proposed measure passes, this point-in-time analysis would be updated.
To develop the proposed measure, Metro also conducted community engagement to gather insight on community benefits and racial equity outcomes. This input, along with best practices from the parks and natural areas bond and the affordable housing bond, became the basis for Metro’s Get Moving 2020 Racial Equity Outcomes and Strategies, which articulates specific equity outcomes and strategies if the proposed measure passes.
Community engagement and oversight would continue through the implementation of the proposed projects, if the proposed measure passes.