The Role of Public Information & Community Outreach i I f P j
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The Role of Public Information & Community Outreach i Infrastructure in I f P Projects j Julie Hussey Le Alston Leon Al t July 9, 2009 Julie Hussey H ss y Started Civic Communications in 1996 to address special needs of public projects. Focuses on translating clients message to community. Thinks strategically. strategically Leon Alston A st Joined Civic Communications in 2002 with the Cooper River Bridge Project. Good listener Able to relax C Connector t Focuses on helping community connect with ith clients li t and d vice i versa. Public Expectations Changes through the y years Varying views about government’s role g Differences between private and p p public High public expectation p for communication Public Information and Community Outreach shouldn’t be Another thing on your to do list S Someone else’s l ’ job j b Political A mandate Public Information and Community Outreach Can Be….. A way of thinking A commitment Personal Educational Engaging Partneringg – Thinkingg As A Team Construction Team G General l Community C i Local, State and Federal elected officials Permitting and resource agencies Design Organizations Historic preservationist Neighborhood and community representatives Local business Neighbors C Commuters t People who love construction Community organizations Project Central – Open for the Public SCDOT Bridge Office •Located within the project area. •Committed to providing a high level of quality customer service. •Community Relations Manager onsite •Headed by the Director of Engineering for Special Projects •Full F ll authority th it ffor administrative, d i i t ti engineering and financial decisions within the local office •Single Si l point i t off contact t t ffor th the public, media and local officials Making The Connection What do you need to communicate? Who is your audience? How will you communicate your message? How will you respond to the public’s message? What Do You Want To Communicate A specific notice A problem to be solved A government in action update A sense off community it What is your message? Communicating the Economic Impact of Your Projects Who is Your Audience? Tax payers Users B i Businesses Region Interest Groups Entire Country Property Owners Residents Indentifying your audience – Main Span Everyone’s Watching: Build Comfort with Design g and Stay y Safe Community Design Survey Project Logo Website Media Relations Partnering Meetings Safety Meetings Spokespeople P Presentations i Public Meetings Bridge Opening Activities Who’s the Audience – Mount Pleasant Keep Traffic Moving, Understanding Economic Impact Commuters Educated Busy Connected Traffic Notices Maps Press Conferences Radio Who’s The Audience - Charleston In Your Backyard Disenfranchised Lower Income Elderly Minority Active Political Leaders Leade Charleston – Cooper River Bridge In Your Backyard Community Bridge Office Face to Face – Community Liaison Flyers Progress Meetings Community y Survey y Community Fair Community Hardship Committee DBE and WBE Hiring Policies Pre-Employment Pre Employment Training On the Job Training “Have You Met” Infrastructure Improvements Housing Rehab Community Donations Programs For Area Youth Communicating Your Message Expect to educate Build story R l off T Role Traditional diti l Media M di Role of New Media Don’t worry if you cannot define your message i a few in f words, d someone else l will ill do d it for f you. Communicating Your Message Tools Leadership Updates Flyers y Websites Media Releases Media Updates/Conferences Presentations F Face to F Face Actions Tools – Project Presentations Use staff Example: The Cooper River B Ri Bridge id presentation t ti was given to more than 12,000 people. Job Training Cooper River Bridge PreEmployment p y Training g The training program included 40 hours of in-class training on job readiness, job safety & skills kill assessment. t Participants were paid for their time in the program. A full time program coordinator provided recruitment, training, and follow-up. 80 previously unemployed or under-employed workers were trained by the pree lo e t ttraining employment ai i g program. og a Helping People Envision the Improvements Meeting Street Underground Utilities Improved Street lighting New Sidewalks Bus Pullouts and Shelters Improved Storm Water Drainage System Completed early 2005 Youth Programs Some Examples Job Training Camp - Summer Transportation Institute Donation of $7040 and eight computers to area elementary schools College Scholarship Program Fraser Elementary School Basketball Court CARE p program g at the Burke Summer Camp p Project Tours Listening to the Public’s Message Establishing A Liaison US 17 Community Center I-26 Widening Sheet Piles US 17/Hungryneck Cemetery Opportunities for Feedback Recording Comments Public feedback influences project design and development Cooper River Bridge Pedestrian/Bicycle Lane Diamond Tower Design g Morrison Drive Ramps Wingo Way on -ramp Lighting of the cables Meeting Street Improvements Lessons Learned Think partnerships - Do not just talk about engagement/outreach do it Be willing to listen – just being kind can go a long way Be proactive – ask what people need Expect detractors but keep focused on the positive Acknowledge g Different Audiences Build Story Have a clear message for public Your Turn What do you need to communicate? Who is your audience? How will you communicate your message? How will you respond to the public’s message?? Civic Communications PO Box 871 Charleston, SC 29402 843-224-1096 843 224 1096 – Julie 843-460-7776 – Leon www.CivicCommunications.com
