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Title VI

The Des Moines Area MPO, by virtue of accepting federal funding, pledges to not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, minority status or income level.

Submissions

The MPO periodically updates its Title VI programs with the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.

FTA Title VI Program
FHWA Title VI Plan

While the programs may remain unchanged for years at a time, the MPO regularly reaffirms that it will adhere to Title VI requirements by signing “Assurances.” The most recent is published here:

2024 Assurances

Background

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. In addition, other statues, laws, regulations, executive orders and the U.S. Constitution provide guidance for the effective execution of the objectives of Title VI. These include:

  • Section 324 of the Federal Aid Highway Act, the enabling legislation of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which prohibits discrimination based on sex;
  • The 1994 Presidential Executive Order which directed every federal agency to make Environmental Justice (EJ) a part of its mission by identifying and addressing the effects of all programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations.

The Des Moines Area MPO commits to upholding the principles of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related guidance. The Des Moines Area MPO’s policies and programs should not discriminate against people based on race, color, national origin or sex. The MPO’s policies and programs should avoid disproportionately negative effects on minority and low-income populations. The Des Moines Area MPO seeks involve as broad a cross-section of region’s population, in addition to the population segments and certain organizations with specials interests in transportation.

Public Participation Plan

The MPO aims to provide citizens, stakeholder groups, and other interested parties with reasonable opportunities to be involved in planning processes. These efforts are outlined in the Public Participation Plan. For more information, click here.

Language Assistance Program

The Language Assistance Plan (LAP) seeks to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to the transportation planning process.

Language Assistance Plan

Complaint Process

Members of the public can file complaints if with the Des Moines Area MPO does not meet the expectations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 324 of the Federal Aid Highway Act, or the 1994 Presidential Executive Order regarding Environmental Justice. The process of filing a complaint is as follows:

  • Persons wishing to file a formal discrimination complaint may do so by completing the Title VI Complaint Form and submitting it within 180 days of the alleged discrimination
  • Within 10 calendar days, the MPO will forward this form and any additional information to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) Title VI Coordinator.
  • The Iowa DOT will conduct an investigation into the complaint and make a recommendation to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which will make the final determination.
  • The Iowa DOT and the MPO will inform the person filing the compliant of the final determination.

For more information from the Iowa DOT, click here.

Staff Contact

For more information about Title VI or the Title VI complaint process, please contact MPO staff.

Tracey Deckard
Office Manager/Title VI Coordinator
515-334-0075
tdeckard@dmampo.org