FIRST COAST COMMUTER RAIL TOD STUDY | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
FIRST COAST COMMUTER RAIL TOD STUDY | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW
PROJECT WEBSITE Creating an identity for the project through branding standards, including a project logo, helps the public to easily identify project-related information. A project logo depicting images of the connection between the two cities was developed. A project website, www.jtafcrtod. com, as shown in Figure 2-2, was also established to share project information and updates.
Early identification of key stakeholders, the formation of a Stakeholder Advisory Group, designing an online survey, and establishing a plan for conducting multiple community workshops, both virtual and in-person, were key components of the public outreach plan implemented for the TOD Study. Following a review of the tools and techniques used to implement the public engagement component of the project, the results of the specific outreach activities are reviewed and summarized in this chapter.
Creating opportunities for community leaders and the public to be involved in transportation investment planning, development, and decision-making processes is critical to project success. Recognizing the importance of stakeholder interaction, the JTA implemented multiple community engagement activities to reach broad and diverse audiences along the 38-mile project corridor, from the City of St. Augustine, north to Downtown Jacksonville. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN At the outset of the TOD Study, a Public Involvement Plan was developed to document strategies to engage, educate, and empower stakeholders and the public in the planning process. It is critical that citizens understand the WHAT, WHY, and HOW of the project in order to provide informed feedback to the project team and agency leaders. The community engagement goals are presented in Figure 2-1. An initial step in the development of the Public Involvement Plan was the identification of target audiences, such as residential communities, major
businesses, civic organizations, and educational institutions, along the project corridor, as well as local and state government agencies having jurisdiction within or adjacent to the project corridor. Representatives of these organizations are included in a comprehensive Stakeholder List, updated throughout the project, and then used for public notification of project activities.
Establish strong relationships with stakeholders through open and responsive communication
Proactively provide updates and information through a variety of methods to increase reach
Educate stakeholders and the public about the FCCR project
Offer convenient opportunities to provide input through both virtual and in- person means (if possible)
Reach disadvantaged stakeholder groups through accessible content and community leaders
Figure 2-1: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT GOALS
Figure 2-2: IMAGE OF PROJECT WEBSITE: WWW.JTAFCRTOD.COM
FCCR TOD
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