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Compliance

The RPC is committed to meeting all federal and state requirements that guide metropolitan transportation planning in Louisiana. As the region’s MPO, we follow the “3C” process—continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive—to ensure our plans, programs, and investments are transparent, data-driven, and aligned with national and state standards. Through full compliance with FHWA, FTA, and Louisiana DOTD regulations, the RPC maintains eligibility for federal funding, advances equitable and accountable decision-making, and supports a safe, reliable, and resilient transportation system for Southeast Louisiana

Regulatory Requirements

Federal

RPC must follow federal regulations established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to ensure transportation planning is coordinated, data-driven, and accountable. These regulations require MPOs to develop long-range and short-range transportation plans, involve the public, use performance-based decision-making, and maintain transparent reporting. Compliance ensures the region remains eligible for federal transportation funding and that planning follows the national “3C” process—continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive.

Key compliance areas include:

  • Title VI / NEPA / ADA – Ensures nondiscrimination, environmental review, accessibility, and equitable public engagement.

  • Federal-Aid Highway Act  – Requires adherence to state processes for project development, funding authorization, and safety coordination.

  • CFR Title 23 – Aligns MPO planning with state requirements for STIP/TIP consistency, statewide performance targets, asset management, and safety reporting.

  • CFR Title 49 – Guides transit planning through state-implemented FTA rules, including TAM and PTASP requirements.

These regulations guide how MPOs plan, coordinate, and invest in transportation systems that are safe, equitable, resilient, and strategically aligned with national goals.

State

RPC, must comply with State of Louisiana transportation planning, funding, and administrative requirements established by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). These requirements ensure that regional planning aligns with statewide goals, supports coordinated project development, and maintains eligibility for state-managed federal funds.

Key state compliance elements include:

  • Coordination with the Statewide Transportation Plan (SWTP) to ensure regional priorities support statewide mobility, safety, and economic development goals.

  • Alignment with the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) so all federally funded projects appear in both the MPO TIP and the STIP.

  • Participation in statewide performance management, including targets for safety, pavement and bridge condition, and freight reliability.

  • Compliance with Louisiana’s public access laws, including open meetings, public records, accessibility, and language access requirements.

These state requirements support transparent, coordinated, and accountable regional planning that strengthens Louisiana’s transportation system

Non Discrimination Policy, Programs, and Procedures

The RPC maintains comprehensive non-discrimination policies, programs, and procedures to ensure that all planning activities, services, and decisions are free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or income status. Through Title VI compliance, ADA accessibility, DBE oversight, and inclusive public engagement practices, the RPC ensures fair treatment, equal access, and meaningful participation for every member of the Southeast Louisiana community.

Agency Title VI Program and Policy

In compliance with regulation and best practices, RPC has developed a series of programmatic structures that integrate and implement federal and state requirements across all agency activities. These structures ensure that decisions are data-driven, equitable, transparent, and fully aligned with Title VI, ADA, NEPA, and all applicable federal and state regulatory obligations.

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Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Policy Statement

“The New Orleans Regional Planning Commission assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. RPC further assures that every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs or activities, whether these programs and activities are federally funded or not.”

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Policy Statement

“In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, RPC ensures that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity on the basis of race, color, or national origin, and disability. We are committed to providing equal access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities.”

To  ensure fair treatment and access to all constituents represented in the agency’s program and planning efforts RPC maintains accessibility policies and implementation plans as a means of eliminating barriers to opportunities including the following:

  • Language and educational barriers when participating in planning processes.
  • Disability barriers when participating in planning processes and within planning efforts.
  • Mobility barriers within the transportation system and access to community opportunity.

National Environmental Policy Act (42 USC 4321)

Community Impact

Policy Statement

“In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (42 USC2000) and the National Environmental Policy Act (42 USC 4321); RPC as part of its mission aims to eliminate potential for Disparate Impact, by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health, environmental, economic and social impacts of its programs, policies, and planning activities on minority and low-income populations.”

Community Impact Analysis is required for all planning, projects, and/or studies to ensure proper considerations are taken in both planning and outreach. If any potential adverse effects are identified in the planning process a disparate impact assessment must be completed and mitigation and/or alternative study encouraged.

Disenfranchised Business Enterprise

Policy Statement

“RPC shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in
the award and performance of any DOT assisted contract or in the
administration of its DBE Program or the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26. The
recipient shall take all necessary and reasonable steps under 49 CFR Part 26
to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted
contracts. RPC’s DBE Program, as required by 49 CFR Part 26 and as
approved by DOT, is incorporated by reference in this agreement.

Implementation of this program is a legal obligation and failure to carry out its
terms shall be treated as a violation of this agreement. Upon notification to RPC
of its failure to carry out its approved program, the Department may impose
sanctions as provided for under Part 26 and may, in appropriate cases, refer the
matter for enforcement under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and/or the Program Fraud Civil
Remedies Act of 1986 (31 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.).”

Notice of Rights and Complaint Procedures

The RPC,  ensures that all programming, planning, and activities are conducted in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, and income status, and require fair treatment, equal access, and meaningful participation in all planning and decision-making processes.

Any individual who believes they have been discriminated against or denied meaningful access under Title VI, ADA, or NEPA may file a complaint. Complaints may be submitted in writing with complaint form to RPC, to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), or directly to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

All complaints are reviewed promptly and processed according to NORPC’s established non-discrimination complaint procedures.

How to File a Complaint

Any person who believes him/herself, or any specific class of persons, to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI may by him/herself, or by representative, file a written complaint  using forms provided or written letter.

Individuals or representatives of an individual or community,  may submit a complaint directly to the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission (RPC).

Complaints may also be filed with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Office of Civil Rights, or with the appropriate federal agency—the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

All complaints should be submitted in writing ONLY and will be reviewed promptly according to established procedures.

Complaints submitted without the Complaint Form must contain the complainant’s name, mailing address, and details regarding the alleged discrimination are included in writing.

The Complaint Form or written complaint may be:

Hand delivered to:

The Regional Planning Commission office, located at:
10 Veterans Boulevard
New Orleans., LA 70124

Mailed to:

Regional Planning Commission
Attn: Malissa Dietsch-Givhan
ADA/ Title VI Coordinator
10 Veterans Boulevard
New Orleans., LA 70124

Complaints can be submitted  directly to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development(DOTD) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

The complaint should be mailed to the Office of Civil Rights at either:

LADOTD – Office of Civil Rights
1201 Capitol Access Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Email: [email protected]

Federal Highway Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attn: ADA Program Coordinator
8th Floor E81-105
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attn: ADA Program Coordinator
ADA/ Title VI Coordinator
East Building, 5thFloor-TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

Non-Discrimination Complaint Procedure and Form
Procedimiento de Queja sin discriminación
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