Espousal Strategies, LLC

The Espousal Strategies, LLC team recently had the opportunity to join leaders from Sound Transit, Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, and Washington State Department of Transportation as they signed the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) pledge. The EIP pledge is a commitment to improving diversity in public contracting by creating opportunities for historically underutilized businesses to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture and equity contracting opportunities for these firms. Agencies and companies that sign the pledge commit to going above and beyond existing requirements and practices. Espousal Strategies supports local, regional, and state agencies in their efforts to help small businesses grow and connect people with careers in infrastructure, including outreach and technical assistance for minority-owned firms as well as planning, policy and outreach to increase workforce diversity. Many of our clients and partners have signed the EIP pledge, including Oregon Department of Transportation, Washington State Department of Transportation, City of Seattle, WSP, and COMTO National Office. We are inspired and encouraged to see these commitments grow into a national movement that is removing barriers and expanding opportunities for historically underutilized businesses and communities across the country. 

We're #hiring a new Small Business Outreach Manager in Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new Community Engagement Lead in Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Colleagues, Help us find the next Community Engagement lead for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program! https://lnkd.in/gQfsbsdp

We're #hiring a new Civil Rights and Workforce Manager in Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We are working to reconnect communities and build a more just future.  Metro Council voted unanimously this week to approve the use of a federal grant to complete design and initiate construction of a cover over I-5 in Portland’s Rose Quarter. The highway cover is essential to restoring the historic Albina neighborhood street network and creating new buildable space for future community development.  The $450 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program will allow ODOT to complete the design and construct the central segment of the cover around Broadway-Weidler. Espousal Strategies, LLC is helping to lead the project’s government relations and community engagement efforts including facilitating the Community Oversight Advisory Committee (COAC). Our Director of Government Relations Aaron Deas has been working with the Rose Quarter Improvement Project team as they continue to secure critical funding and build support for this transformative effort among public and community partners. 

We're #hiring a new Director of Equity, People, & Culture in Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program continues to build momentum with a $1.4+ billion grant from the Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Investment Program. The grant underscores the federal government’s deep support for replacing the Interstate Bridge to provide multimodal transportation choices and economic opportunities for people across the region.  The Espousal Strategies, LLC team is proud to be part of this historic effort, supporting conversations with elected officials and community leaders about the need for an earthquake resilient crossing that reflects our community values.  

COMTO Announces 2024-2026 Board of Directors Washington, DC — The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is pleased to announce the newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. This distinguished group of leaders will guide COMTO's efforts in advancing the transportation industry through innovation, equity, and sustainability. 2024-2026 COMTO Board of Directors: Board Chair: Tanya Adams, Sr. Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, WSP, USA 1st Vice Chair: Lester Woods, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, Missouri DOT 2nd Vice Chair: Gwendolen Gray, Vice President, Program Management, HNTB Treasurer/Secretary: Yetunde Olumide, Chief Financial Officer, WMATA Member at Large: Kimberly Slaughter, Executive Consultant, Olivier Inc Member at Large: Debra A. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Denver RTD Member at Large: Sharon Jean-Baptiste, Vice President, JACOBS Member at Large: Dave Wong, Vice President/Transportation Client Development Director, HDR Member at Large: Johnell Bell, Chief Executive Officer, Espousal Strategies Council of Presidents Representative: Steven Granson, Associate Vice President, Transit & Rail, HNTB Council of Presidents Representative: Rich Watson, Senior Director, Labor and Employee Relations, MTA Council of Presidents Representative Alternate: Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, LA METRO https://lnkd.in/eW8c5Z3r #COMTO #Equity #Transportation #Leadership #BOD

Thank you Espousal Strategies, LLC Strategies for being a sponsor of our summer special  🌟 Espousal Strategies, LLC Strategies is a public affairs firm that solves their community’s issues with innovative solutions rooted in equity and collaboration. With the support of our sponsors, we are able to provide more sustainable transportation options and fresh, locally-sourced produce to those who need it most. We are currently in the middle of our first crowdfunding campaign. If you would like to help us achieve our fundraising goal for our summer special, please visit mysuma.org/donate.