Location
New York, NY
Client
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Services
Community Engagement
Strategic Communication
Second Avenue Subway Community Engagement Program
As part of one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, Sam Schwartz (in collaboration with Joint Venture partner Spectrum Personal Communications), is implementing a robust community engagement program for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway construction.
As part of the 5-year contract, the team developed a communications and engagement plan with goals to build project support, develop stakeholder relationships, and turn the construction project into a “learning laboratory” for the students of East Harlem through a Student Ambassador program.
The team operates a Community Information Center in East Harlem that serves three functions: an office space staffed by the outreach team; an exhibit space featuring educational exhibits about the Second Avenue Subway; and community space that hosts visits from school groups, evening programming in the form of “Transit Talks”, and project and community meetings.
In addition to producing standard outreach materials such as newsletters and construction notices, the team implements creative communication and engagement strategies such as producing narrative videography; delivering interactive experiences at community street fairs; and developing special programs to facilitate youth engagement.
As community liaisons, the team answers questions from community members, coordinates with the construction management team, and liaises with city agencies to resolve issues daily.
