RMA Secures Grant to Assist Pixley Community in Identifying Community Needs
This year, the RMA secured a spot for Pixley in the National Capacity Builder, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)'s grant initiative to provide essential technical assistance to communities. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Thriving Communities Program. The grant will provide technical assistance to help identify the needs of the Pixley community.
The scope of this assistance will cover needed infrastructure, transportation, housing, and more. This grant will impact the community greatly, as Pixley is home to a population mostly composed of migrant farmworkers who have historically been underrepresented in policymaking. Although an exact monetary amount for Pixley is not yet known, COMTO was awarded $4,250,000 to support 16 communities in the Networked Communities Community of Practice. Pixley was one of these communities.
The work that will be done in the next three years will be in partnership with Self-Help Enterprises (SHE). The support from the Thriving Communities Program (TCP) will also help the RMA assess the transportation and economic development needs of the Pixley community, enabling them to prioritize key projects for future planning. Additionally, there will be data collection efforts, opportunities for community feedback, and engagement with stakeholders involved in transportation-related projects. This will ensure that projects reflect the needs of the residents and are aligned with the broader goals of community engagement.
Currently, Pixley lacks accessible and accurate data, which is critical for informed decision-making and successful project planning. The technical assistance provided will help establish an efficient data collection strategy, reducing the burden on residents while leveraging local institutions to reach community members more effectively.
A key focus of this grant will be helping local community members and organizations access funding opportunities and navigate complex grant processes. Tools will also be developed to streamline future grant applications, positioning Pixley to secure federal and state funding opportunities. Additionally, a public affairs strategy will be developed, focused on telling the story of the RMA, its community partners, and the residents they serve. This strategy will encourage greater community participation and help attract funding and resources for future projects.