Resources
This resource library is a collection of tools and informational resources to help communities scope, address, and better define key aspects of their community reconnection projects.
Filter resources by the community reconnection themes listed in the menu below.
Community Engagement and Community-based Stewardship, Management, and Partnerships
Community engagement and community-based partnerships are vital for fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration within a community. By actively involving residents in decision-making processes and initiatives, communities can leverage local knowledge, resources, and skills to address challenges effectively. This approach not only enhances community resilience and sustainability but also strengthens social cohesion and fosters a sense of belonging among residents, leading to a more vibrant and thriving community overall.
Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) Toolkit | US DOT
This toolkit is a collection of resources and strategies to enhance public involvement, aiming to foster a clearer understanding of the community’s feedback on transportation system performance and needs.
Roadmap to Equitable Community Transportation: Best Practices for Conducting Mobility Needs Assessments | The Greenlining Institute
This guide emphasizes best practices for conducting mobility needs assessments, emphasizing equitable approaches in community transportation planning. It provides guidelines to ensure that transportation initiatives address diverse community needs effectively and inclusively.
PlanWorks | US DOT
An online tool designed to facilitate collaborative decision-making in transportation planning and project development. It focuses on critical decision points across various stages including long-range planning, programming, corridor planning, and environmental review. PlanWorks recommends optimal times and methods for engaging cross-disciplinary partners and stakeholder groups, promoting consensus-building throughout these processes.
Main Street, California | Caltrans
This guide emphasizes the unique role of state highways as community main streets, highlighting the importance of designing these roads to meet the needs of all users and enhance community value. It makes concepts like complete streets, livability, equity, and sustainability accessible to everyone, while offering practical strategies, photo examples, and resources for fostering collaboration and shared vision among stakeholders.
I-5 Rose Quarter Independent Cover Assessment | ZGF
This case study highlights the importance of community engagement in project improvement. The active involvement of local residents and stakeholders with the planners not only ensured the project met the community’s needs but also cultivated a sense of ownership and stewardship, leading to its sustained success.
How to Engage Low-Literacy and Limited-English-Proficiency Populations | US DOT
This report details effective approaches for identifying and involving low-literacy and limited-English-proficiency communities in transportation decision-making processes.
Community Organization Webinar Series | US DOT
A previously recorded webinar designed to enhance the knowledge of community-based organizations and empower their involvement in local public transportation initiatives by offering insights into federal resources.
Community Connections Toolbox | US DOT
This resource hub offers creative tools and strategies designed to assist state DOTs, MPOs, local and Tribal governments, and other stakeholders in fostering community cohesion and enhancing access to services and opportunities.
Citizen Participation & Equitable Engagement (CPEE) Toolkit | HUD
This toolkit aims to ensure equitable disaster recovery by engaging communities, including those impacted by transportation infrastructure. It provides tools and strategies for involving citizens in planning and assessing transportation-related recovery projects, ensuring accessibility, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Beyond Engagement: Equity Principles to Guide State Department of Transportation and Community Collaboration | The Greenlining Institute
This guide outlines equity principles for state DOT to collaborate with communities, emphasizing fair access and benefits in transportation planning and development. It aims to ensure that transportation policies and projects prioritize equitable outcomes, addressing historical disparities and promoting inclusive community engagement.