Cities and transit agencies are tasked with providing a safe, effective, and welcoming public realm for everyone. But traditional police enforcement efforts to make streets safer, transit more effective, and public spaces more welcoming, are often counterproductive. In the U.S., police disproportionately issue citations and arrest people of color for walking, biking, driving, and using transit.
In this session, hear how TriMet, Washington DC, and Seattle are tackling this undeniable truth head-on. This small table format will explore programs in each city, from decriminalizing fare evasion to a comprehensive analysis of how to activate public spaces without causing displacement. This is a forum to learn from and speak with panelists as you deep dive into specific challenges, opportunities, and next steps to move beyond inequitable enforcement practices.
Session Format: Panel intro & Small group discussions