SMCTA Community-Based Organization Bench Pilot Program

SMCTA is establishing a Community-Based Organization (CBO) Bench to expand their ability to equitably implement transportation-related projects across San Mateo County by matching local jurisdictions with a pre-established CBO bench. The goal of the bench pilot is to establish a replicable framework to engage CBOs in future San Mateo County programs and projects led by SMCTA or other jurisdictions.

The Winter team is planning and implementing the pilot over one year, including identifying and compensating CBOs for their participation. The pilot began with desktop research, literature reviews, and agency staff interviews, to identify best practices for CBO-agency collaboration. The program team then solicited applications from a shortlist of CBOs and approved seven CBOs to sit on the bench.

Implementation of CBO Bench Program includes a matching process where local transportation agencies can request CBO project support through SMCTA’s technical assistance program. Winter is developing the process, supporting CBOs and agencies in project matching, and compensating CBOs for project work. The Bench Program also includes regular meetings with CBO bench members to provide updates, build community, build capacity for project work, and gather feedback for program improvements. At the end of the pilot program, Winter will develop a summary report documenting outcomes, lessons, and recommendations for scaling and integrating the CBO Bench into SMCTA’s permanent programming.