Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Outreach Trp topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RCTC approves $750,000 public outreach contract for Traffic Relief Plan; term corrected to 12 months
Summary
The committee approved a not-to-exceed $750,000 agreement with Southwest Strategies Group for a traffic relief plan public information campaign, clarified the contract term as 12 months (staff report misstated 16 months), and requested staff follow-up workshops and measurement of awareness goals.
Riverside County Transportation Commission on Aug. 25 approved an agreement with Southwest Strategies Group for public information and awareness services supporting the commission's Traffic Relief Plan (TRP), with a not-to-exceed amount of $750,000 and a corrected contract term of 12 months.
Jeanette Flores, RCTC external affairs director, said the outreach program is designed “to educate Riverside County residents about the projects and the traffic relief plan and receive any feedback.” Flores described measurable goals including a targeted 15% increase in TRP awareness by 2026, engaging 7% of adult residents, delivering TRP materials to at least 50% of adults, holding or participating in at least 50 community events, and recruiting 30 community representatives. Flores said all materials will be translated into English and Spanish.
Jeanette and David Knudson, a staff participant in the presentation, explained the contract uses a service-based approach with performance tracking and baseline and follow-up public-opinion surveys. Knudson said, “This 15% increase in awareness of the TRPs is a significant goal change for us and it changes the strategy for how we're actually going to outreach.”
During public and commissioner discussion, Commissioner Stewart asked whether outreach would make clear that many of the TRP projects require funding—potentially including a local sales-tax measure—to proceed. Flores replied the outreach is intended to inform the public about the plan and projects so the community has a basis for input should the commission later pursue a ballot measure; staff said prior outreach included telling the public that some projects require a public vote or other funding sources. Commissioners also requested a staff workshop with the consultant so commissioners can review strategy and help guide outreach.
The committee approved the recommendation and clarified the contract term on the record to 12 months (the staff report language that said “16-month term” was identified as an error). Staff noted any increase in funds would require future commission approval.
