In 2002, the citizens of Miami-Dade County voted in a one-half percent sales tax increase to be dedicated to transportation improvements. Initial projects in the People’s Transportation Plan Program included: extension of the heavy rail Metrorail system to the Miami International Airport; development of a new intermodal transit center adjacent to the airport; addition of 586 new hybrid buses to the fleet, and development of a new bus rapid transit corridor; introduction of a new Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS); and transit-oriented development. In addition to garnering sustained support for the program, MDT wished to give local citizens a voice in the facilities that would become part of their communities and daily lives as well as keep them informed of the social and economic opportunities arising from the projects.

Services Provided: The Allen Group staff provided a variety of program management services to support community outreach and public participation, including developing and implementing a comprehensive program-wide community relations and public participation management plan; coordinating community meetings, charrettes, and other informational events; and developing outreach and informational materials (e.g., website content, newsletters, brochures, public service announcements, notifications, media kits, etc.).  The team also developed a Customer Service Business Plan to help MDT staff implement and manage the new system, as well as a “roll-out” program to educate patrons, the public, local businesses, and civic groups on the benefits of the system and its use.