Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley Community Transportation Needs Assessment

Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley Community Transportation Needs Assessment

Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program
Community Transportation Needs Assessment

Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley | Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley Community Transportation Needs Assessment

Big Pine logo

Project Details

The Big Pine Paiute Tribe’s needs assessment’s grant term ran from February 2021 to November 2021. The needs assessment used a variety of data collection techniques, such as one-on-one and group phone interviews, paper surveys, and a phone-in hotline to engage community groups and members. The Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley worked with its Air Program Coordinator to conduct workshops, an open house, and focus groups. One of the workshops included a demonstration event where community members learned about electric vehicles and e-bikes. The project included maps, landscape photo boards, and 3-D models to help community members and the Tribal Council envision new transportation options and make effective, informed planning decisions.

Big Pine Road Intersection which has a stop sign and mountains in the distance Big Pine ground surveyor

Outdoor workshop with easy up tent, tables, and participants Outdoor demonstration event of EV bikes. EV Bikes leaning up against a true.

Project Outcomes

Final Report

Funding Details

Voucher Total: $50,000

Community Engagement Activities

1-2 Demonstration events
2-3 Community workshops
1-2 Focus groups
4-5 Group phone discussions and in-person interviews

Community Details

The project focused on the Big Pine Paiute Reservation, where racial and economic factors have influenced the marginalization of this community. The Reservation is bisected by a federal highway (US 395) which is also the main street through the town of Big Pine. The only school (elementary through high school) is located off Main St. and catty-corner from the Reservation boundary. In the Reservation, the median household income (MHI) is $39,000, and the majority of households consist of 3-8 people, with at least two generations living under the same roof. The project focused on working families, school children, residents without a vehicle or driver's license, low-income residents, elders, and multi-generational households. For the Big Pine Paiute, cultural traditions run deep through all generations and impact travel habits. Some Big Pine Paiute families speak their native language and pass on the stories of their ancestors.

Partners