Effective and equitable transportation decision-making depends on understanding and properly addressing the unique needs of different socio-economic groups. Lane County is committed to nondiscrimination and ensuring that transportation projects consider the human environment and vulnerable populations. Federally recognized populations (protected from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, minority, or low-income) are a special focus in transportation planning and project development. Federal regulations are intended to make participation more inclusive of diverse communities in planning and project areas, as well as to make the analysis conducted more inclusive of the needs of the groups and individuals that live in these communities. Lane County's policy statement directs staff to ensure non-discrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not.