Douglas Houston, Gregg P. Macey, Jeannine M. Pearce, Catherine Garoupa
Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Irvine
Disparities in exposure to roadway hazards (e.g., pollution, noise) remain stubbornly persistent due to structural inequalities embedded in the built environment. Research has consistently documented racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in traffic exposures nationwide, including heightened exposure to heavy-duty truck traffic, a significant source of noise and pollution. Such disparities also exist in the provision of sidewalks, bike lanes, and street trees, which can help mitigate roadway dust, noise, and pollution and can increase pedestrian safety, encourage walking and cycling, and provide health benefits. These environmental injustices are tied to historic patterns of racial segregation and disinvestment. Traditional public engagement methods have largely failed to address these inequities.
At ITS-Irvine, our faculty are committed to advancing equity in transportation systems through community-engaged research. In this study, Dr. Douglas Houston, along with Gregg P. Macey, Jeannine M. Pearce, and Catherine Garoupa, evaluated the use of Community Steering Committees (CSCs) as an alternative engagement model in three AB 617-designated communities in California’s San Joaquin Valley—Stockton, South Central Fresno, and Arvin/Lamont. Through interviews and case study analysis, the research examined how residents and community leaders prioritized and implemented three local strategies to reduce roadway hazards: vegetative barriers, expanded sidewalk infrastructure, and revised truck routes.
Key Research Findings
- AB 617 Community Steering Committees (CSCs) expanded resident participation in decision-making.
- Resident frustration was common.
- Community-identified strategies were often delayed.
- Community-identified strategies were often implemented as short-term demonstration projects.
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