Public Participation Plan

AMBAG incorporates public participation into all of its planning processes. The Public Participation Plan provides guidance in the structuring of regional transportation planning processes to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, inter-agency consultation and public participation are an integral and continuing part of the regional transportation decision making process. The participation policies and procedures described in the plan are structured to comply with all applicable federal and state legislation, rules, and express the genuine regional value and interest for all residents to participate in the shaping and implementation of regional policies and decisions regarding the transportation system.

AMBAG serves as the regional forum for the study and discussion of regionally significant issues, including housing, transportation, energy, water, and environmental quality. Elected officials from the eighteen cities and the three counties form the AMBAG’s Board of Directors. AMBAG’s mission states: “AMBAG provides strategic leadership and services to analyze, plan and implement regional policies for the benefit of the Counties and Cities of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz, balancing local control with regional collaboration.” In pursuing its mission, AMBAG strives to inform and involve its jurisdictions and the general public throughout its various programs, projects, and work activities conducted by the agency.

AMBAG and its regional planning partners seek the participation of a diverse set of communities with an interest in regional planning efforts, including lower income households, minority populations, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations, persons with disabilities, representatives from community and service organizations, tribal organizations, and other public agencies.

2023 Public Participation Plan

AMBAG invites residents to shape strategy for expanding public involvement.

Your input is very valuable. How can AMBAG involve more people in transportation policies and investment choices? What are the best ways to encourage residents to participate in planning for the region’s future? AMBAG has released an online survey to hear your input as we prepare the 2023 Public Participation Plan. The survey is available through Friday, April 28, 2023. Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/95YGRLT.

AMBAG updates its Public Participation Plan (PPP) approximately every four years. Federal and state laws require AMBAG to adopt participation plans to give more people opportunities to be involved in the transportation planning process. AMBAG’s current PPP was adopted in 2019 and informs interested community members about how to engage in AMBAG’s wide range of planning and funding activities. 

The Draft 2023 PPP will be released summer 2023 and will highlight planning milestones, along with public engagement opportunities, for the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy—the region’s long-range plan. AMBAG is expected to adopt the 2023 PPP in late fall 2023.