As a recipient of Federal transit funding, MET Transit has been required to have a Title VI Program in place with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states: "No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal assistance based on race, color, or national origin."  In addition to the requirement to submit an updated Title VI Program every three years, on August 28, 2012, the FTA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing changes to the Title VI Circular.  One of the new requirements of the Circular is that the MET's Title VI Program must now be approved by the City Council and signed by the Mayor.  A copy of the updated Title VI Program is available for review in the City Clerk's office.

The City Council may:

• Approve the updated Title VI Program; or
• Not approve the updated Title VI Program and jeopardize receiving any further FTA grant funding.

As a recipient of Federal transit funding, MET must have a Title VI Program in place.   Failure to submit an updated Program may jeopardize or delay the award of the annual FTA operating and capital grants, and prevent the drawdown of any of those funds.

Staff recommends that City Council approve and the Mayor sign the updated Title VI Program.