Metcalf Shawnee Mission Parkway Bus Corridors Transit Improvements Public Information Plan Prepared by 1
Plan Purpose The public information plan for the Metcalf Avenue/Shawnee Mission Parkway Bus Corridor Transit Improvements project has a dual purpose to broaden the awareness of transit improvements in the area and to further solidify relationships with stakeholders. We will accomplish these two goals through a program that recognizes the unique circumstances of the project and ensures that stakeholders concerns receive up-to-date and accurate information. The public information plan will employ a mixture of communication methods to reach stakeholders and will be coordinated appropriately with ongoing technical activities. The desired outcome from the plan is for stakeholders to learn more and have a sense of pride and ownership in the project. This document includes: an overview of the project the objectives for communication the strategic communication approach key messages the project identity stakeholder identification methods of communications for the public, stakeholders and media communications schedule Overview of the Metcalf/SMP The Metcalf Avenue and Shawnee Mission Parkway Transit Planning Study served as the first step toward implementing what was previously only envisioned. To support future demands, transit investments are outlined in the plans for Vision Metcalf, the West Gateway, and the East Gateway. Such improvements will allow Metcalf Avenue and Shawnee Mission Parkway to become an efficient transit corridor for the region. After analyzing alternatives and determining the feasibility of implementing corridor length bus rapid transit and extended service, a project development plan was created to determine specific alignments, costs, and identify funding requirements. Some of these improvements are being funded through a federal TIGER Grant. Included in the project are 18 transit stations, two park and ride facilities, completing a multi-use trail on the east side of Metcalf Avenue from 87th to College Boulevard, pedestrian access improvements on Broadmoor from Johnson Drive to 61st Street, transit signal priority, and the Mission Transit Center. 2
The infrastructure improvements will make transit service more attractive to customers who currently use the bus and attract people who do not yet use transit, enhancing Johnson County by connecting transit to where people work and shop. Objectives for Communication and Stakeholder Involvement The objectives for communication and stakeholder involvement are to: Inform the public by providing balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the issues. Develop an informed group of stakeholders. Build partnerships with other agencies and stakeholders. Strategic Approach for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement The key to successful public education and outreach is regular communication that actively connects stakeholders with facts, using multiple methods and providing multiple opportunities for participation. Messages must be crafted to educate and inform the public, be delivered in a targeted way that will most effectively reach the targeted audiences and include opportunities for feedback. Feedback will be used to evaluate and enhance the public participation plan. Specific strategic approaches for targeted audiences and the methods that will be used to engage stakeholders are outlined below: Elected Officials Brief elected officials at the City and County level on a regular basis so they can be informed about the process and speak with their constituents about it. General Public Inform the public using a variety of tools. Understand the interests of stakeholders through interaction at public forums. Notify the public in advance of opportunities for input. Media Build a partnership with the media so they can help educate and involve the public. 3
Methods Generate basic information about the program in a number of formats using a consistent identity and key messages. Tailor the messages and methods for each audience. Distribute materials and make contacts in a targeted way. Provide participants with the information that they need to participate in a meaningful way. Respect diversity among participants. Give participants feedback; let people know what was done with their information. Demonstrate and celebrate successes and progress. Key Messages A primary component of our approach is to craft consistent messages to educate and inform the public throughout the course of the project. The following are the key messages developed for the Metcalf/SMP Bus Corridors Transit Improvements. 1. Through funding of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and investments from local partners, the Bus Corridor Transit Improvement project is a collective effort coordinated by the Mid-America Regional Council, Johnson County Transit, and the cities of Mission, Overland Park, and Roeland Park. 2. The Metcalf Shawnee Mission Parkway establish better connections between our communities. 3. By creating mobility options that are faster, more convenient and higher quality service, more residents can have access to transportation where and when they need it. 4. There is a direct relationship between providing transit service infrastructure and supporting economic development and redevelopment in our region. 5. This project is a wise investment in our transportation system because it will maximize capacity, reduce travel delays, and ease congestion. 6. The project plays a vital role in the redevelopment and revitalization along Metcalf Avenue and Shawnee Mission Parkway. The project will serve local employers, shopping, schools and hospitals. 7. Improved transit services help facilitate healthy lifestyles for residents, through conservation of natural resources, reduced pollution, and accommodations for pedestrians and bicycle riders. 4
8. Alternative travel choices offer more opportunities for all residents to participate in their communities. Project Identity To identify all of the project partners, the graphics used on the Olsson Associates willl be used on project communication. The TIGER grant symbol must appear and the City partners appear in alphabetical order Roles and Responsibilities To efficiently and effectively execute the Public Participation Plan, the following roles and responsibilities of the project team have been identified. Frames the issues; Identifies potential alternatives; Evaluates potential solutions; Collaborates with stakeholders; Develops final recommendations; and Implements the public participation plan. Stakeholders The project team has initially identified the primary stakeholders as the municipal agencies along the corridor and property owners directly affected by the project. The stakeholder list is expected to grow as the project moves through the design phase to construction. 5
Methods of Communication A variety of methods will be used to communicate our messages to the targeted audiences. Public Outreach Public meetings: Three public meetings will be conducted to solicit public input and inform the public on decisions made. Direct contact: Through email or direct mail, stakeholders will be informed of opportunities for public comment. Design Charrettes The project team will conduct three design charrettes with the steering committee. While these will not include the public, the information gathered from City staff and transit officials will provide direction for conceptual design and help polish the information shared with the general public. Fact Sheets/Newsletters A fact sheet or newsletter will be created for public information forums and governing body briefings. These materials will focus on this project, while promoting transit with a goal of encouraging additional support and ridership. Press Releases Three press releases announcing public meetings will be developed and distributed. The press releases may contain photos or graphics to provide local newspapers with support visuals. A fourth press release will be developed for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Websites and Social Media While a project specific site will not be developed, information will be shared through partners existing sites to help publicize the project and announce public information forums. More and more, citizens receive their information by way of the internet. Younger generations in particular respond only to information they learn through Social Media site. Posts that will be suitable for Facebook and Twitter will be available for partners who use those outlets. Governing Body Briefings To keep the governing bodies of the project partners informed, briefings will be prepared at key project intervals. We suggest briefings at the outset of the project; between the first and second public forums; between the second and third public forums; and upon completion of the conceptual design. 6
Communications Schedule The following schedule is designed to achieve the goals of the public participation plan. During the course of the project, if unforeseen issues arise, the plan can be modified to address additional public information needs. November Establish project team. Conduct initial project meetings. Draft and finalize Public Information Plan and Schedule. Develop fact sheet (to also be posted on project partners web sites.). Conduct 1st Design Charrette. December Develop comprehensive stakeholder list. Brief governing bodies if desired. Develop and finalize media strategies including key messages and talking points. Develop invitation, handouts, exhibits and press release for January 12th and 13th public forums. Promote first forums. January 2011 Conduct Public Forum No. 1. - conducted in an open-house format for a 2-3 hours, the community can review preliminary project information and provide feedback. Conduct a Mission Transit Center public forum, similar to public forum No.1 Brief governing bodies. Conduct 2 nd Design Charrette. February 2011 Provide briefing materials for governing bodies. March/April 2011 Tentative Public information meeting Tentative design workshop/charrette October 2011 Revise project fact sheet prior to construction. Construction Kick Off Ceremony May 2012 Revise project fact sheet November 2012 Final fact sheet. Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony 7