By Sophia Fox, HDR, Strategic Communications Coordinator

Every project is stronger when the people and communities most affected are at the center of the process. Transportation projects are more than engineering and construction; they shape how people move and experience their communities.

Public engagement isn’t just a “box to check,” it’s a vital component that makes projects stronger and allows the technical team to do their job better.

When I graduated with a degree in journalism, I imagined myself at a big public relations firm, creating campaigns for big brands. Instead, I found myself supporting transportation clients in reaching their engagement goals. That’s when I realized branding, campaign development, and messaging, the reasons I was drawn to PR, are also essential to the public outreach process. 

I joined HDR's Strategic Communications team in 2024 to help clients connect with the communities their projects affect. From designing a new light rail line to rehabilitating a bridge, proactive and thoughtful engagement helps anticipate concerns, build understanding, and foster collaboration.

What sets us apart is the scale and depth of our Strategic Communications group, which includes over 200 professionals who bring creativity, strategy, and experience to every project. We excel at translating complex technical ideas into clear messages and actively listening and responding to public feedback. We firmly believe that amazing results are achieved when communication is community centered.

Why Engagement Matters

Engaging early and often throughout a project helps prevent surprises and builds community buy-in. A strong engagement process allows project teams to:
     •    Gather local knowledge from residents who often have insights that the project team might overlook.
     •    Ensure projects serve everyone and create equitable outcomes. 
     •    Listen, respond, and understand issues upfront to prevent escalation.

Meaningful Public Engagement

When approaching engagement on your next transportation project, consider the following:
     •    Engage audiences where they are most likely to participate.
     •    Use clear, accessible language to explain technical concepts.
     •    Provide multiple participation avenues such as meetings, surveys, websites, email, and one-on-one conversations with the project team.
When the community is at the heart of the process, transportation projects succeed and projects move people and communities forward.