All Aboard Together: Proactive Public Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement in Launching New Passenger Rail Service
Chicago to Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail Program
Overview:
In 2021, Governor JB Pritzker announced the allocation of $275 million in funding to re-establish passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford, with stops planned in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere. Before passengers start boarding trains on this corridor for the first time in more than 40 years, several infrastructure improvements must be completed to ensure safe and efficient service.
Strategy:
Morreale Communications was brought on to the project team to lead the project’s public communications which included the development and implementation of a strategic communications and public engagement plan to help build support for the rail service among local communities and other key stakeholders. Working alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation and engineering partners, Morreale Communications began by developing a unique brand identity for the program, including a logo, website and newsletter template and developed a public outreach plan to engage with local stakeholders along the corridor.
Highlights
Developed a unique brand identity for the program, including a logo and designed templates.
Manages stakeholder and public engagement activities including, periodic e-newsletters and targeted stakeholder group meetings where project information and updates are presented.
Maintains an interactive project website that was created at the onset of the project as a central hub for all timely project information.
Oversees a robust public involvement plan aimed at sharing project updates and information and gathering feedback from key stakeholders and the public. Public involvement activities to date have included two series of public information meetings in 2023 and 2024. Each series includes one public meeting in each station community every year.
Provides proactive media support, as needed. In 2023 Morreale Communications supported a press conference during which the operator of service announcement was made by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Metra leadership and several other local leaders.
Results:
Morreale Communications will continue to manage communications for this project through the end of the project. Public engagement activities have been well received and well attended. The project's newsletter boasts a subscription base of over 1,000 people. The firm is currently planning for future public engagement activities in the fall of 2025.
