More than 2 million people live, work, have fun, or do business in the OKI eight-county region and are impacted by the region’s transportation decisions.
Part of OKI’s job is to inform and involve those people in transportation planning. To do this, OKI works with local governments and agencies, civic associations, wide-ranging partner organizations, transit leaders and users, the general public and more.
OKI promotes public participation through:
- The work of over 200 volunteers who serve on the agency’s committees
- Active electronic outreach
- Maintaining relationships with the media
- Attending and holding community events and meetings
Robust public engagement helps ensure comprehensively planned projects that address community needs, differences and preferences.
OKI exceeds federal requirements on environmental justice (EJ), which are group designations to help ensure equal access to decision-making and protect people’s health. OKI defines five EJ population groups: low Income, minority, persons with disabilities, zero-car households, and the elderly.
For the record, the elderly are not a legally required EJ group. OKI is a pioneer with its EJ Advisory Committee, which awards points for proposed projects in the transportation funding process. OKI also partners with the Tristate Transportation Equitable Opportunity Team, a group of 60 volunteers specializing in the mobility needs of the elderly and people with disabilities.
In 2024, OKI representatives attended council meetings in more than 20 EJ communities, public transit hearings, Cincinnati Accessibility Board meetings and more. OKI staffed information booths at the Su Casa Hispanic Center; the METRO diversity expo; and at the Tour de CROWN, a trails event. OKI staff regularly attend events by the Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati, Hispanic, and the African American chambers of commerce.
News about transportation funding and traffic changes due to the I-471 bridge closure traffic changes was featured on radio and TV and in newspapers due to OKI outreach. In 2024, OKI’s three social media streams reached 251,000 people, and the OKI website had 96,500 page views. The website offers translation in ten languages for Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations.
The 2024 Annual Report details OKI’s efforts in surveying 5,600 transit riders, collaborating with 70 communities on carbon reduction, and working with leaders and the public on ports, rail, housing, congestion management, traffic forecasts, and much more.
