Carmelita Cervantes

The meeting included an update on the activities of sub-regional service councils and preparations for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Participants discussed the potential for one-on-one meetings with board directors and the future of in-person board meetings. Key policy discussions centered on the RTD code of conduct, specifically concerning security presence on light rail lines, and the impact of the fare study, with members emphasizing the importance of human presence and security to ensure rider safety.

The meeting provided guidance on the DBE recertification process following US DOT revisions to 49 CFR parts 23 and 26. Key discussion topics included the removal of race and sex-based presumptions for social and economic disadvantage, the requirement for owners to submit a personal narrative and current personal net worth statement for re-evaluation, and instructions for utilizing the B2G Now system. Furthermore, agencies discussed the shift to small business (SB) goals on federal projects during this transition and addressed inquiries regarding the status of certifications and submission deadlines.

This presentation outlines the Regional Transportation District's (RTD) proposed triennial Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal and the methodology for federal fiscal years 2026-2028. The plan establishes a 6% overall DBE goal, derived from an analysis of nine anticipated federally funded projects, which primarily consist of bus contractor services and represent 87% of the total triennial budget. Key aspects of the methodology include identifying contract opportunities, validating federal funding, performing a market analysis of DBE and non-DBE firms, and considering historical data and community feedback. The objective is to foster a level playing field for DBEs in the Denver metropolitan area, ensuring fair competition and maximizing participation through both race-conscious and race-neutral measures, supported by ongoing outreach and technical assistance initiatives.

The committee discussed the goals for transitioning to a zero-emission fleet, specifically addressing scope one, scope two, and scope three greenhouse gas emissions based on the greenhouse gas protocol. Key discussion topics included the proposed timeline for fleet transition, the requirement for interim emission reduction goals, and the coordination of round tables to engage with industry experts. The committee also debated the financial implications of switching to new technologies, the potential for grant funding, and the alignment of these goals with other transit agencies' initiatives.

The committee meeting covered administrative information regarding remote participation and communication access. The primary agenda item was an executive session to consider personnel matters, specifically the presentation of the 2025 performance self-appraisal by the General Manager and CEO and the provision of preliminary performance feedback from the Board of Directors.