Public Information Services
Regnier & Associates offers unparalleled expertise in Public Information Management. With experience managing over 28 major highway, bridge, urban and rural, design-build, airport, and transit transportation projects totaling well over $1 billion, few can compete. We understand the technical and logistical challenges of construction projects and successfully manage the overarching demands of the media, the politically charged, and the public at large. Some of the practices we enlist and services we provide include:
Project History and knowledge:
Before construction begins, we research environmental documentation and historical media coverage, review design plans, and gather information about area businesses and neighborhoods. We work with the project team to identify and understand potential construction impacts, project phasing, challenges, and means and methods.
Partnering:
This successful tool is highly regarded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and required by many Departments of Transportation. First, with our client and the project team we identify potential partners and affected agencies to participate in a project partnering session. Conducted in a half to a full day session, depending on the size and breadth of the project, partnering encourages cooperation, identifies issues and common goals, defines rolls and responsibilities, and establishes a chain of command and information. The session concludes with the drafting of a ‘Charter of Agreement,’ signed by all. This ultimately time-saving method allows relationships which normally take months or even years to establish, to be built in a single day.
One-Source Information:
When a concerned citizen calls for information, they expect to get it. We provide a one stop information outlet for the public and the media where they can get accurate, timely and useful information. This approach builds public trust, allows the construction team to focus on their work, and enables the dissemination of accurate and consistent information.
Crisis and Incident Management Communications Plans:
As part of our overall process, we create a crisis management plan to handle unforeseen conditions, crises, and incidents. The plan consists of a contact/communication team matrix that outlines a chain of command and communication, a media strategy to limit negative press coverage and a process through which accurate information can be disseminated.
Media Management:
(As directed by the lead agency) We provide press releases as necessary, information coordination for possible articles and stories, media training, outreach and press kits.
Coordination Efforts:
We maintain open communication with agency partners and emergency service providers to address concerns quickly. Additionally, we track special events, community gatherings, and activities of other projects in the area to ensure proper maintenance of traffic.
Project reporting:
We provide regular public information reports, accident reports, damage reports, and track project issues and resolutions.
Outreach:
We establish speakers bureaus, design and maintain project websites; create flyers, displays and exhibits; maintain personal contact with impacted business owners and residents; develop and make presentations to civic organizations; and organize and conduct public update meetings.
Customer Relations:
We identify potential issues, respond to concerns and complaints, facilitate resolutions, and use honest, accurate and proactive communication techniques to create good customer relations.