As my term on the Interagency Equity Advisory Committee (EAC) comes to a close, I look back on this past year with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Serving in this role has been deeply meaningful, and I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together. As chair, I sought to ensure that our recommendations were firmly rooted in the lived experiences of our diverse communities, empowering those voices to shape the future of California. We achieved this through key milestones like establishing the EAC’s Vision, Mission, and Foundational Principles for Transportation Equity, providing critical advisory opportunities on policies, and integrating an equity lens into the grant review process. I leave feeling happy and accomplished, knowing we have set a strong foundation for the future. 

As the EAC continues to make bold recommendations, two priorities must remain. First, safety is equity. We must ensure all Californians, from an eight-year-old on a scooter to an eighty-year-old passenger, have equitable and safe access to our thoroughfares. If any segment of our population is excluded in transportation planning or unsafe when they travel, regardless of mode, transportation equity is out of reach. Second, we must treat climate sustainability as an urgent matter of infrastructure integrity. We must dedicate funding pools to support the constant and evolving climate impacts on transportation infrastructure and safety. This includes preparing for and mitigating risks from wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, sea level rise, and land reformation. We must continue to be a soundboard for this crucial intersection of climate and mobility.

Lastly, succession is vital, and my hope is that my role has helped someone in our communities see that they, too, have a voice and can help shape this state. I’ve worked to empower every EAC member to share their rich perspectives and expertise, building a vision of shared leadership. I’ve strived to continuously share the microphone with Vice Chair, Ana Gonzalez, and the committee as a whole.

This spirit of collaboration is the legacy I hope to leave: one that honors the voices of our communities and encourages future members to take on leadership roles. Thank you for this journey; I have no doubt that the Equity Advisory Committee will continue its vital work of uplifting communities.

Pictured: EAC Chair, Martha Armas-Kelly addressing the room during the EAC meeting on October 15, 2025, in Merced, CA. 



Martha Armas-Kelly 

Chair, Interagency Equity Advisory Committee 

This year marked significant growth for the Director’s Office of Equity & Tribal Affairs (ETA). We added six staff to our office, and ETA now includes four teams – the Tribal Affairs Office, Transportation Equity Office, Advancing Community Engagement Office, and the Strategy Unit. Our teams support the work of staff across Caltrans and coordinate two important state level advisory committees the Equity Advisory Committee (EAC) and the Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC).

Pictured: ETA staff photo in November 2025.  

Tribal Affairs Office 

The Tribal Affairs Office (TAO) celebrated the formation of the Executive Tribal Advisory Committee (ETAC) to elevate tribal affairs matters within Caltrans and work across functions to resolve challenges, enhance organizational efficiency and promote best practices. TAO reactivated the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) working group, developed several key tools for tribal engagement and education. TAO continued its collaboration with the Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) and District Native American Liaisons (DNALs), helping to ensure that tribal voices remain central in statewide transportation planning. These highlights reflect TAO’s ongoing commitment to partnership and meaningful tribal collaboration. 

Pictured: Caltrans’ booth at California Native American Day in 2024.

Transportation Equity Office 

The Transportation Equity Office (TEO) provides policy guidance and advisory support to eliminate barriers, reduce burdens, and provide more equitable transportation for all Californians. TEO staffs and supports the Interagency Equity Advisory Committee (EAC), which developed and adopted its Vision, Mission, and Foundational Principles for Transportation Equity this year. This year the EAC also established three ad-hoc subcommittees which TEO staff supported. TEO also advanced the use and integration of the Transportation Equity Index (EQI) tool into Caltrans processes to advance data-driven, equitable decision-making. The EQI is now integrated into transportation planning and project scoping processes to identity underserved communities, strengthen early engagement, and ensure equitable distribution of project benefits.   

Pictured: EAC Chair, Martha Armas-Kelly, and EAC Member, Keri Akemi-Hernandez, receiving a certificate of recognition at the October 2025 California Transportation Council meeting in Merced, CA.

Advancing Community Engagement Office 

The Advancing Community Engagement Office (ACE) develops guidance, tools, and training for conducting equitable engagement for Caltrans plans and projects. This year, ACE completed the Caltrans Engagement Portal (Portal) pilot, which included 25 plans and projects and 130 Caltrans users. In July 2025, ACE began the soft launch of the Portal, expanding the number of projects, plans, and trained users. The office also relaunched its internal webpage for the Equitable Engagement Toolbox – an internal online hub for staff with templates, resources, and tools that support meaningful engagement practices. ACE also provided the Community Engagement Coordinators in each Caltrans District with a 40-hour training program and certificate from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) to support the work they do strategizing engagement with District staff for plans and projects.   



Pictured: A screenshot of the internal Equitable Engagement Toolbox for Caltrans staff to access resources and tools that support meaningful engagement practices.

Strategy Unit 

The Strategy Unit provides guidance and support to all divisions, districts, and programs related to advancing the Caltrans equity statement. This year the Strategy Unit facilitated bi-monthly virtual meetings with equity leads from across Caltrans to promote knowledge sharing, co-learning, and collaboration. As the year comes to an end, this team is closing out the development of a forthcoming Progress Report for the 2022-2024 Race & Equity Action Plan (REAP). While not exhaustive, the Progress Report will uplift notable strides Caltrans made between 2022-2024. Additionally, the Strategy Unit is coordinating the development of the 2025-2028 People & Community First Action Plan (PC1AP), the next iteration of the Caltrans Race & Equity Action Plan, which is also forthcoming.   

Pictured: Participants at Caltrans’ Sit With US: Strengthening Community Engagement in Sacramento on February 04, 2025.

Thank you for riding with us this year! As we merge into 2026, we continue our work toward a shared vision of equity here at Caltrans. This alignment is how we truly transform the way we do our work, make decisions, and serve the people of California. We look forward to what’s ahead. Happiest holidays from our team!