The 5.4-mile extension of the SFMTA light rail system included 18 new stations and crossed through densely populated neighborhoods in the Third Street Corridor, which represented a diversity of both community members and issues (e.g., disruptions to businesses, noise, dust, and environmental hazards in an area that once housed Navy shipyards). SFMTA placed a strong focus on ensuring that the community had a voice in the project as well as on optimizing economic opportunities for local residents and businesses.

Services Provided: The Allen Group provided a full range of community relations support activities from the project’s developmental stages through the launch of service in 2007, including implementation of a public participation plan, proactive community outreach during construction, and conducting educational outreach on how to use and be safe around the new operating system. To help mitigate the impact to local merchants and institutions, The Allen Group staff created marketing and advertising materials designed to promote ongoing accessibility of businesses during construction, and to attract new patronage into the community once service commenced.