Consultants outline plan to engage 21 tribes for freight funding opportunities

Consultants from Verma/Burke presented a tribal outreach and engagement plan to the board on April 10, proposing focused contact with 21 tribes located within roughly three miles of strategic freight corridors to expand tribal awareness of funding opportunities and to encourage either direct tribal applications or partnerships with local jurisdictions.

Brian Murphy outlined the scope: develop formal outreach letters, research tribal governance and communications preferences, and follow up with meetings and listening sessions. Project manager Julia (last name not recorded in the transcript) described practical steps: customize letters, ask for meetings with tribal leadership or staff, and prepare board or staff participation when tribes request it. The outreach includes tribal listening sessions, webinars and an online mapping tool to collect input on truck parking, at‑grade crossing issues and other freight impacts.

Board members raised questions about which tribes and sites are included and suggested local relationships and RTPOs (regional transportation planning organizations) as partners. Consultants said the effort is intended to be ongoing and sustainable; it is not limited to a single funding cycle. The board provided constructive feedback and offered to share tribal contacts.

The presentation did not request formal action; staff will proceed with outreach planning and report back.