Consensus Inc. has been instrumental in broadening the dialogue about transportation in LA County to include the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension. They have helped us get our messages out - resulting in front-page news stories, positive editorials, and accurate blog postings.
Habib Balian, CEO, Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority
CASE STUDY
Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority: Integrated Media Relations
ISSUE|;SUCCESS
Public Awareness and Social Media Campaign for the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension
The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority is charged with building a 24-mile light rail line from the Gold Line’s current terminus in Pasadena across the fastest-growing part of Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley. Having already secured the environmental approvals to build the first 11 miles of extension, the Construction Authority now needs funding to start construction. However, the agency with jurisdiction over funding expenditures, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was refusing to commit funding to the project despite the transportation and environmental benefits it would bring to county’s fastest-growing region.
The Construction Authority hired Consensus Inc. to develop an online and traditional media campaign, as well as a community outreach program about the importance of funding the Foothill Extension for Pasadena to Montclair. Consensus Inc. was tasked with increasing awareness of the line and mobilizing stakeholders to make their voices heard by the Metro Board decision-makers with looming deadlines to submit for a federal grant, so the money could be appropriated to Los Angeles County instead of another part of the United States.
The campaign included a strategically coordinated effort that conducted traditional outreach at activity centers, engaged local news outlets, and increased media coverage to elevate the need for the Gold Line Foothill Extension in the decision-making forum.
UPDATES
Gold Line Foothill Extension Phase 2B: Supplemental EIS/EIR. As final design and construction nears reality for Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension of Phase 2A (Pasadena to Azusa), Phase 2B (Glendora to Montclair) begins the final step in the planning process—environmental review. Consensus Inc. is currently implementing a public involvement program to assist the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority in the environmental process, which will be completed in accordance with state and federal guidelines. The process will take approximately 18 months to complete and will result in the environmental clearance of Phase 2B, positioning the project for future construction funding opportunities.
Gold Line Phase 2C Extension to Ontario Airport: Alternatives Analysis. Consensus Inc. has won the work to perform public outreach for the Phase 2C Extension Alternatives Analysis