Equity has been one of Caltrans' Core Four Principles since 2020. In our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and upcoming Race and Equity Action Plan, we outline how Caltrans will prioritize equity in all aspects of our work. Simply put, our goal is to increase access and connectivity so that people can get to where they live, work, and play efficiently and safely.

As we move forward, we are committed to the belief that equity and transparency go hand in hand. That is why, on this National Rosa Parks Day, in honor of Ms. Parks' legacy in the civil rights movement and the fight for transit equity, the Director's Office of Equity & Tribal Affairs is proud to launch this monthly newsletter.

This newsletter is a platform to engage with you while highlighting the ongoing efforts at Caltrans to build a more equitable transportation system. Each month, we will showcase programs, events, and equity efforts throughout Caltrans district offices and in our Headquarters office. We will also spotlight our advisory committee members, who advocate for their regions to ensure all voices are heard on the road toward transportation equity.

On a more personal note, I’ve had the privilege of spending the last 17 years advocating for transportation equity across the country. One thing I’ve learned is that most people are on a journey—whether figuratively or literally. My hope is that over time, you see this department and this office as allies in that journey. Together, we can create a transportation system that truly serves everyone.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to equity. I look forward to the conversations and progress we will share through this newsletter.

Nailah Pope-Harden 

Deputy Director, Director’s Office of Equity & Tribal Affairs 

District 4: Health Empowerment Through Collaboration

Last year, the District 4 Office of Equity Programs hosted the first Equity & Economic Empowerment Health Expo in Oakland. The event featured ten equity-focused presentations and panel discussions, free health services such as wellness assessments, and resource stations from over 30 organizations on health equity, financial literacy, and economic empowerment. District 4 will continue to learn from this event to embed equity into its operations. The next District 4 Equity & Empowerment Expo will be this year on March 25.

District 12: Equity Through Engagement

District 12 in Orange County has shaped its transportation planning, policies, design, and construction to better address the needs of historically marginalized communities by actively seeking their input. For the I-5 Managed Lanes Project, District 12 produced an Equity Study to explore best practices, lived experiences of the community, intentional and unintentional outcomes, and direct benefits to equity communities. The pursuit of this unique study, especially since it is not required by the National Environmental Protection Act or California Environmental Quality Act, is a reflection of District 12’s commitment to advancing equity in transportation.

Gloria Huerta

Chief Operating Officer Míocar

📍Caltrans District 3

Gloria’s commitment to transportation equity work began in 2019 when she was involved in launching a new equity-focused electric vehicle carshare program deployed in rural areas of Tulare and Kern County. She worked with local community organizations to create meetings where residents could provide input on their transportation needs and feedback on pricing, where they would like to see electric carshare vehicles located, and even the name - Míocar. It was transformative for Gloria to work with the community to design and implement Míocar. As someone who grew up in Orosi, an unincorporated community where Míocar initially launched, she has seen the impact that a mobility program like Míocar has had in her community. In the past 6 years, she has worked to expand Míocar to Richmond, Stockton, Escalon, Tracy, and Watsonville. Gloria likes to travel and nerd out on the different Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment deployed in other states and countries when she is not working.

Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC)

Robert H. Smith

Chairman

Pala Band of Mission Indians

📍Caltrans District 11

Since 1990, Robert H. Smith has diligently advocated for tribal communities. As chairman, Smith’s leadership has fostered sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and improved access to essential services for the Pala Band. His vision emphasizes equitable transportation as a pathway to opportunity for tribal nations and underserved communities. As a member of the Native American Advisory Committee, he champions policies that address infrastructure gaps, geographic isolation, and underinvestment in rural areas. His work has advanced transportation equity by ensuring that tribal voices are heard at every project stage.