City of Virginia Beach
Our task for this politically charged project was to help build consensus. The challenge was that there was another corridor option that citizens voted for and demanded. They were angered that the city council chose to pursue the Sandbridge option. A Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed. Much controversy was generated in the membership selection for the CAC. After negotiation and offering stakeholder interviews to those not selected, the committee was ready to begin its mission. Public meetings were conducted, promoted and facilitated by The Miles Agency. This was a very high profile project. The media was very involved in this effort. Much of the press was positive and the media endorsed the Sandbridge corridor option. Sandbridge Road is a narrow two-lane road that leads to private beaches and cottages. There were plenty of safety concerns. There were ditches on either side along the entire six miles. Most importantly, the road is the only means of egress and ingress to the Sandbridge resort community. To keep citizens accurately informed, a Fact Sheet and several public meetings were executed. Several stakeholder interviews revealed some very emotionally charged concerns. Citizens felt they were treated fairly during this project and had every opportunity to voice their concerns. An interactive web site allowed them to e-mail questions or concerns. Responses were sent within 48 hours. After a local election, the primary Sandbridge Road political champion was defeated. The new representative who won partly due to the alternative option that citizens wanted moved the local governing body to revisit the alternative and effectively abandon the Sandbridge Road Improvement Project.

Hampton Roads Transit
This project was done in phases for both localities. Stakeholder interviews, Steering Committees, Advisory Committees, public meetings, community outreach meeting were all used to increase awareness, understanding and support for this rail project. The communities were split. Chesapeake was not financially or politically prepared to support the project. Norfolk had several political champions and was ready to move forward. There was much consensus among the various Norfolk constituents, i.e. business, elected officials, multicultural community, environmentalists and the media.

City of Norfolk Planning
The city of Norfolk has a unique history with communities that have distinct personalities and loyalties. Five Points is a historic and strategic area – near the airport, mixed residential, industrial and commercial properties. There is much need for redevelopment with its aging buildings, limited business mix and lack of recreational amenities. There is much pride among the residents and property owners. They have accomplished much on their own and are very welcoming regarding this project. Stakeholder interviews and focus groups reveal a very positive attitude about prospective plans. There is buy-in from the elected officials, business and civic leaders. The project is moving forward and a final plan is being developed to present to the city that will indicate the collaborative process involved.

Tidewater Regional Transit (TRT)/Peninsula Transportation District
Commission (Pentran)
These two Hampton Roads public transportation systems contracted The Miles Agency as a niche marketing consultant to assist in community outreach efforts for the light rail project.

URS Engineering & Planning
Provided public relations plan, community relations and outreach strategies for the local light rail study project.