Outreach Standards
Outreach Standards
TABLE OF CONTENTS
POETS.............................................................................................................................. 1
Agency Goals................................................................................................................... 1
Multichannel Updates...................................................................................................... 4
Public Meetings................................................................................................................ 6
SUMMARY........................................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX............................................................................................................................ 13
Examples of Outreach...................................................................................................... 13
Public Outreach Notification Standards 1
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
Simply defined, public outreach is the effort of conducting awareness activities through
targeted community interactions. Public outreach activities are those efforts that can directly
impact the opinions of the public as it relates to the completion of SFMTA projects.
Public Outreach and Engagement Team Strategy (POETS) initiative is the Agency’s response
to declaring a meaningful commitment to public outreach and engagement on all SFMTA
projects that affect our customers and the community in which we serve.
The Agency goals for public outreach and engagement are the following:
− Build trust and relationships by better managing public and stakeholder expectations
− Create a consistent model for public outreach and engagement that can be leveraged
across all divisions
− Identify and delivery useful tools and resources to support public outreach and engagement
Community outreach and engagement activities will become an integral element of
planning for any SFMTA project. As such, the PM/PL will be expected to develop and
implement a communications and outreach plan that is right for the project size and
duration, supports the Agency goals and ensures outreach is synchronized with key project
milestones. Every project, regardless of the level of impact on customers and community,
will feature a relevant communications plan.
The POETS mission is to enable the PM/PL to develop and implement an effective
communications and outreach plan by providing the necessary guidance, tools and
resources.
Required standards for outreach and engagement will ensure the appropriate level of
resources are identified up front before projects are derailed by poor outreach efforts. The
following strategies will be required for every SFMTA project.
PUBLIC
OUTREACH
STANDARDS
STAKEHOLDER BRIEFINGS
The SFMTA POETS program ensures that key stakeholders are engaged in a dialogue to
gather input, and improve decision-making and accountability for all projects the SFMTA
undertakes.
Stakeholder briefings are the process by which a PM/PL involves key stakeholders who
may be affected by or influence a project. This process allows the gathering of feedback
and input and is an important step in engaging key audiences in a dialogue about a project.
Various audiences could be obstacles in the forward movement of a project, and this
process will assist in mitigating some of the difficulties, as well as identifying key pain points
that need to be addressed.
Briefings should also be used to obtain feedback and confirm that the project team is
engaging with the appropriate stakeholders. Involving stakeholders in the decision-making
processes is a tool utilized to increase project understanding, assist in moving a project
toward completion, and develop lasting relationships throughout the community for SFMTA.
Stakeholder briefings can include communicating with various audiences, such as members
of the Board of Supervisors whose districts will be impacted by the project.
It is important to consider the full range of potential stakeholders who could be affected by
the project. This means looking beyond the minimum legally required distance for project
notifications and outreach. As a general rule, it is strongly advisable to expand rather than
limit the scope of project outreach and updates, and to consider non-geographically defined
communities that might also have an interest in the project.
Public Outreach Notification Standards 4
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
MULTICHANNEL UPDATES
A variety of tactics can be utilized to regularly inform stakeholders and the public using
an assortment of communication channels. Varying audiences can require varying types
of communication tactics, including providing outreach materials in languages other than
English. As a public agency that receives federal funding, SFMTA is required to comply with
both federal and local language assistance requirements, depending on the type of project
and the needs of the involved community. During the audience analysis, the PM/PL will
identify the best way to communicate with key stakeholders, thereby determining which
communications tactics are needed to engage audiences about a project.
Notifications can take a variety of forms, such as direct mailings, email updates, SFMTA
alerts, partner lists, advertising, newsletters and earned media. Multiple channels can
and should be used to extend the reach of project communications in an effort to keep all
key stakeholders informed. Recall the advice above that notification, outreach and updates
should extend beyond the minimum required distance to reach those who will actually be
affected by and/or interested in the project. When applicable, a project should include a
project web page on sfmta.com, project fact sheets and FAQs. As a general rule, all
project collateral and communications should adhere to the SFMTA or Muni
brand standards.
SUGGESTED TACTICS
Below is a list of a variety of outreach tactics to utilize when communicating with
stakeholders about a project:
General
− Project brief
− FAQs
− Media alerts and news releases
− Press conferences
− Before and after photography
Web, Social
− SFMTA.com – project pages, calendar notices, and a homepage click-through banner
− E-mail blasts
− Social media updates: Twitter and Facebook posts
− Blogs
Location Specific
− Muni alerts
− Vehicle ads
− Bus stop signs
− Station signs
− Shelter/street signs
− Parking garages
− Bike share locations
Targeted
− Letters
− Alerts
− Information ambassadors
− Table events (festivals, civic events, in station)
− Fliers: Residential, transit riders, pedestrians, merchants/businesses
− Project evaluation surveys
− Public meetings
− One on one meetings: influencers, partners, merchants/businesses
− Phone calls
− Paid or earned advertisements
Internal
− Inside SFMTA internal newsletter or intranet article
− E-mail blasts
Public Outreach Notification Standards 6
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Public meetings are open to stakeholders and the public where the Agency, or the PM/PL,
makes a formal presentation on a project and the public is given the opportunity to react with
questions and comments. Public meetings allow for a level of public participation in the
process and can often include legislative meetings, informal meetings, and participation in
external community meetings. As a general rule, language assistance (on-site interpretation)
must be provided if requested 48 hours prior to a meeting. Interpretation services may be
provided by SFMTA staff, through a vendor or with the assistance of a Community-Based
Organization (CBO).
Criteria for
Categorization Small Medium Large Extra Large
Meetings that allow for public participation are a key component to many SFMTA
projects, and should occur throughout the project planning, design and implementation
processes to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
Successful public meetings first and foremost require planning. Meetings not well planned
often leave participants feeling frustrated. However, the Needs Assessment, stakeholder
assessment, and Communications Plan, should assist the PM/PL in laying the foundation and
executing public meetings successfully. Examples of public meetings for SFMTA projects
could include a community meeting hosted by SFMTA, attending a community meeting
hosted by a key stakeholder group, a formal public hearing, an MTAB meeting, etc.
Public Outreach Notification Standards 7
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
Below are some ideas for how to prepare for a successful public meeting:
Determine the purpose of the meeting: Is the purpose of the meeting to inform, consult, or
involve the public? Most importantly, also consider whether the purpose is best achieved
through a public meeting. If it’s determined that a public meeting should be held, then the
reasons for the meeting must be articulated to the public.
Public Provide public with To obtain feedback on Work directly with the
Participation balanced information; analysis, alternatives public throughout the
assist them in decisions process to ensure public
Goal
understanding the concerns are consistently
problem, alternatives, understood and
opportunities, and considered
solutions
Promise to We will keep you We will keep you We will work with you
the Public informed informed, listen, to ensure that your
acknowledge concerns, concerns and aspirations
provide feedback on are directly reflected
how to input influenced in the alternatives
decisions developed and provide
feedback on how public
input influence the
decision
Build relationships with participants in advance: A successful public meeting will include
a diverse group of key stakeholders, who have a substantial interest in the outcome of the
project. Diverse participation ensures that relevant information about the project is not
overlooked, and can also assist in legitimizing the final decisions or actions for the larger
public.
Assess language needs: The language needs of a particular community should be assessed
in advance of the meeting and appropriate arrangements made for on-site interpretation,
translated materials, etc.
Provide an agenda: A public meeting agenda should be presented to the participants prior
to the meeting or at the start of the meeting. This document will serve as a guide to keep
the group moving forward in the discussion. The agenda should include the issues to be
discussed, and the process for how the issues will be addressed.
Create a follow-up plan: Develop a strategy for following-up once the meeting is completed.
Reconnecting with participants assists in preventing future obstacles and will provide
another touch point to engage with key stakeholders.
Public Outreach Notification Standards 8
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
Prior to beginning any community outreach activities, a PNA will be completed by the PM/PL
to determine the project’s impacts on the public.
The PNA template included in the resources section of this document will guide the PM/PL
with a clear view of their Project’s impacts and guide them with defining and assessing the
project by answering questions related to the following:
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
In execution, the Communications Plan serves as a guide to the communications tactics
throughout the duration of the project. It is a living document that should be updated
periodically as audience and project needs change.
The Communications Plan is scalable and will not be the same for every project. The plan
for a very large project may be quite complex, whereas a smaller project may require less
outreach and engagement. More stakeholders will require additional information, which
could necessitate supplementary delivery mechanisms.
Highly visible projects may require separate public information or communications expertise.
For example, a bus rapid transit project would require a much more robust communications
plan and resource deployment than completing a bulb out project (See Table 1, page 5).
However, most projects will require some form of external communication on a regular basis
to sustain momentum on the project and to fulfill SFMTA’s standards of public engagement.
PMs/PLs will be responsible for determining the level of engagement and tactics to include in
the Communications Plan. The SFMTA Communications Team, and a Public Outreach and
Engagement Manager (POEM), will act as a resource assisting Project Managers and Project
Leads throughout the process, including finalizing a communications plan and developing
appropriate tactics.
A Communications Plan is imperative to the success of realizing the Agency outreach and
engagement goals. It is the responsibility of the PM/PL to prepare a comprehensive plan
customized to each project, to oversee implementation and to evaluate its effectiveness.
Public Outreach Notification Standards 10
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
POETS provides a step-by-step planning tool for completing a Project Communications Plan.
It guides the PM/PL on preparing the fundamental elements of the plan.
1. Preparing a project brief. A project brief concisely describes the scope of the Project
and enables quick understanding. The PM/PL will be directed on how to prepare a
project brief – summarizing its goals, benefits, start and end dates, areas of impact
and potential risks.
4. Identifying the audience. The planning template will provide tables that will enable
the PM/PL to build an organized target list of the primary, secondary audiences as
well as potential partners in building awareness and support. It will also guide the PM/
PL on assessing the audience awareness, support, misperceptions, required behavior
changes, language requirements, the project’s compelling benefits, safety issues.
Frequently the best way to answer these questions is to utilize past SFMTA project
information on similar key stakeholders, or ask them directly, which can often be the
first step in building a successful relationship with members of the community who
have an interest in the project. Remember that they might not live or work in the
immediate vicinity of the project.
5. Crafting key messages. After completing the audience section, the template will
provide instructions for preparing the relevant messages for each type of audience.
To acknowledge outstanding effort and results, POETS also features a recognition program
in which public outreach and engagement staff can apply for three progressively higher
levels of achievement, all of which come with specific rewards and benefits. The highest
level – POETS Master – is reserved for those who have demonstrated positive outcomes
for the agency and the community through use of best practices on a project. Each time
someone becomes a POETS Master, their project will be documented as a case study to
showcase effective planning and implementation. As we continue to add case studies to
our resource library, our staff can learn from experience within the agency to better inform
current and future projects. You can read the requirements for every level of recognition
and submit an application form on the POETS website.
Public Outreach Notification Standards 12
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
SUMMARY
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is committed to ensuring that key
stakeholders remain engaged and informed about the planning and implementation of key
Agency projects, ensuring the SFMTA is more efficient and effective at delivering projects.
The Agency goals for public outreach and engagement are the following:
− Build trust and relationships by better managing public and stakeholder expectations
− Create a consistent model for public outreach and engagement that can be leveraged
across all divisions
− Identify and deliver useful tools and resources to support public outreach and engagement
Public Outreach and Engagement Team Strategy (POETS) will be the new standard
for public engagement throughout San Francisco for the SFMTA
− All Project Managers and Project Leads will provide a Project Needs Assessment
and Communications Plan for all SFMTA Projects
− The minimum level of outreach and engagement for any SFMTA project will include,
but will not be limited to, Stakeholder Briefings, Multi-Channel Notification and
*Public Meetings (when applicable).
Stakeholder Briefings
Project Needs Assessment
Project Manager Multi Channel Communications
Communications Plan
Public Meeting
Public Outreach Notification Standards 13
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
PHASE I - PLANNING
−− Elected officials are notified of project, activities and impacts (input is invited)
−− Information is shared with internal SFMTA stakeholders
−− Residents, merchants and community organizations are identified and notified of project
through a direct mail letter or briefing as needed, in the appropriate languages
−− Updates are shared via social media channels
−− Create graphic timeline and update as needed
−− Develop and create project collateral if needed
−− Webpage is created if needed
Public Outreach Notification Standards 14
Public Outreach & Engagement Team Strategy (POETS)
PHASE II - DESIGN
PHASE I - PLANNING
The purpose of this phase is to determine the level of public and stakeholders’
involvement and utilize this information to develop an outreach and communications
plan to implement throughout the course of the project. Language needs should be
assessed and incorporated in the items below as required.
The primary purpose of outreach and engagement during this phase is to consult with
the public and key stakeholders on preliminary designs and gather input.
The purpose of outreach and engagement during this phase is to inform the public
and stakeholders about impending construction timing and impacts.
PHASE IV - CONSTRUCTION
The purpose of outreach and engagement during this phase is to inform the public
and stakeholders about the construction progress.
−− Update SFMTA Board of Directors, elected officials and other City agencies on
construction updates and impacts
−− Post construction information and updates on the SFMTA website
−− SFMTA Alerts should be used on a regular basis to update project stakeholders on a
quarterly basis at a minimum or more frequently, as needed
−− Share progress updates with internal SFMTA stakeholders and notable external
stakeholders such as advisory councils, interest groups and key community organizations
−− Inform residents and merchants in the immediate area of impacts, and when applicable
through a public hearing notice letter and public hearing notices posted in the vicinity, in
the appropriate languages
−− Field and respond to constituent complaints and perform site visit, if necessary
−− Host informal meetings or participate in community meetings upon request
−− Draft a media release with construction details and distribute it prior to construction
(requires approval by Media Relations)
−− Translate and submit media release to appropriate ethnic publications within the project area
−− In the case of route changes and where appropriate, post signs in transit shelters and
facilities to inform customers about changes that may affect their travel routines that may
be required to facilitate the efficient, safe movement of people and traffic
−− Share ongoing updates via social media and SFMTA Alerts
PHASE V - POST-CONSTRUCTION/EVALUATION
The purpose of outreach and engagement during this phase is to celebrate project
completion, communicate project benefits and evaluate stakeholder satisfaction.
−− Draft media release announcing project completion (requires approval by SFMTA Media
Relations)
−− Field post-construction evaluation survey with key stakeholders
−− Prepare a Public Outreach and Engagement report comparing pre and post project
findings; develop a case study if appropriate
−− Maintain connections with community and stakeholders
−− Utilize SFMTA Alerts to continue updating stakeholders on project improvement
−− Perform Project Evaluation
SFMTA.COM