KCATA Prospect MAX BRT Groundbreaking

Target Audience: The target audience was key community partners and stakeholders involved with Prospect MAX ' at the local level, state and national levels. In addition, the local media were heavily targeted because of the presence of Federal Transit Administration representatives at the event.

Strategy Objective:KCATA coordinated the ceremonial groundbreaking event with a visit from FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams, arranging media interviews and getting the public as well as stakeholders engaged and excited for the Prospect MAX project.

Situation Challenge: Planning and development for the Prospect MAX project began in 2013. The $55.8 million project has transitioned from planning to design and now to construction, and has gained much attention locally and nationally. With the FTA contributing nearly $30 million for the project, it was important to have an event to thank partners and build excitement around the year-long construction phase to come.

Results Impact: The ceremonial groundbreaking created a space for key partners and stakeholders to hear about the importance of Prospect MAX and how federal funding is supporting local transit initiatives. Many local media outlets covered the event, and there was excitement throughout social media platforms. Following the event, the FTA produced a video highlighting Prospect MAX and featured it prominently on its website, transit.dot.gov.

Why Submit: This entry was submitted and should win an AdWheel Award because of its ability to highlight the need for federal transit funding at the local level. The ceremonial groundbreaking and coverage of the event reignited excitement in the Prospect MAX project and reminded partners and the public that years of planning and development soon will pay off for the community as a whole.