City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: APRIL 21, 2026 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARDS: ALL
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: THE 2026–2029 SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION TITLE VI PROGRAM AS REQUIRED UNDER THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION CIRCULAR 4702.1B ISSUE:
Approve the 2026-2029 Special Transportation Title VI Program as required under the Federal Transit Administration Circular 4702.1B.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the Special Transportation Title VI Program as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of their requirements; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents to implement the approval of these documents, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of U.S. legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Its passage marked a major turning point in American civil rights, ending the unequal application of voter registration requirements and outlawing racial segregation in schools, workplaces, and facilities that serve the general public.
On February 11, 1994, Executive Order (EO) 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,” was enacted by President Clinton. The Presidential memorandum accompanying EO 12898 identified Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as one of several federal laws that should be applied “to prevent minority communities and low-income communities from being subject to disproportionately high and adverse environmental effects.” Title VI prohibits discrimination by recipients of federal financial assistance on the basis of race, color, and national origin, including the denial of meaningful access for Limited English Proficient persons.
In 2012, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) updated its requirements for all recipients of FTA funding under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These updates required agencies to document their compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Title VI regulations by submitting a comprehensive Title VI Program to their FTA regional civil rights officer every three years, or as otherwise directed by the FTA. The guidance also mandated that each Title VI Program receive formal approval from the agency’s governing body prior to submission.
Special Transportation’s 2023-2026 Title VI Program was approved by the Riverside City Council on August 15, 2023.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Riverside’s Title VI Program encompasses the policies, processes, and procedures implemented by Special Transportation within the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, along with the Title VI plan established by the General Services Department in 2015. As part of this program, the General Services Department designated a Title VI Coordinator, developed a Title VI brochure outlining the City’s nondiscrimination policy, and created complaint forms available in both English and Spanish. All of these resources are publicly accessible on the City’s website. Together, these measures not only ensure compliance with the Federal Transit Administration’s Title VI requirements but also reinforce the City’s commitment to transparency, equity, and inclusive service delivery.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this recommendation.
Prepared by: Ron Profeta, Transit Manager
Approved by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Interim Finance Director Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachments: Attachment: 2026-2029 Special Transportation Title VI Program Special Transportation 2026-2029 Title VI Plan ● Page 2