February 27, 2023

To all who value active and public transportation,

In late 2022, we successfully launched the first part of a brand new grant program - the Innovative Mobility Program, focusing on social equity and helping members of historically excluded groups get where they need to go more quickly, more affordably and in a safer manner. We distributed our first round of micro-grants and there's much more to come.

But we need your help!

The Innovative Mobility Program, or IMP, has a total of $20 million in available funding, with half through state funding and half through federal funding. The program will have three primary components: micro-grants, large competitive grants, and contracted services. Large competitive grants and contracted services are currently in the planning and design process, with applications for large grants expected to open in late 2023.

Openings for 8 - 12 external stakeholders

We're creating a Technical Advisory Committee to help move the program forward and reach its goals. The purpose of the committee is to provide feedback to ensure that large grants and contracts are reflective of IMP goals, and that equity is centered in the design, implementation, and outcomes of the IMP.

Who are we seeking?

We're looking for representatives from the following areas, with equal representation from urban and rural areas, to the extent possible:

• Transportation options providers.
• Community-based organizations.
• Local/regional governments.
• State agencies.
• Tribes.
• Community members from historically excluded groups.

What experiences are we looking for?

We are actively seeking members with a robust understanding of equity, and at least two of the following:

• Professional experience, subject matter expertise, or interest in multimodal transportation, active transportation, and/or transportation options.
• Experience designing, administering, applying for, and/or reporting on large competitive grants.
• Experience collaborating with, or working at community-based organizations.
• Experience applying an equity lens to programs or services, or using equity criteria in evaluation.
• Experience working closely with underserved communities.
• Understanding of underserved communities’ barriers to transportation or transportation needs.

How will we choose members?

We will evaluate applicants based on whether or not the applicant:

• Fulfills the membership requirements (see above).
• Has knowledge or interest in multimodal/active transportation.
• Represents a historically excluded group, or has an experience or position in life that provides perspective on historically excluded groups.
• Has the ability to engage as required to meet committee needs.

Timeline and what to expect

The committee will meet monthly for a minimum of 6 months beginning April 2023. After 6 months, ODOT staff will determine whether this committee should continue to meet and if so, how often. There may be an opportunity for members of the IMP Technical Advisory Committee to join the scoring committee that reviews and evaluates large grant applications.

How to apply

Review the TAC description to learn more. Complete the application form expressing your interest in the IMP Technical Advisory Committee and submit it via e-mail to Dorian Pacheco by March 26th, 2023. Advisory committee members may be eligible for compensation for their time, depending on qualification for ODOT's Equitable Engagement Payment Program. 

Questions? Please contact the Innovative Mobility Program Manager, Dorian Pacheco, 971-428-7564, or call 7-1-1 for statewide relay.

We look forward to hearing from you!