The West Broadway Transit Study, led by Metro Transit, investigated potential streetcar and arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) improvements along Washington Avenue and West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis and Robbinsdale. SRF was awarded the project due, in large part, to our BRT expertise and innovative public engagement strategy. SRF’s approach to public engagement showcases our commitment to helping our clients develop long-term relationships with diverse communities and partnering with established grassroots organizations. By implementing a multi-faceted outreach approach, SRF created a two-way dialogue that enabled Metro Transit and their partners to develop long-term relationships with community members, elicit feedback, and incorporate that feedback into each phase of the decision-making process.
SRF proposed a meet-people-where-they-are approach to community engagement along West Broadway – engaging people at bus stops, the Farmers’ Market, Open Streets, National Night Out, Carifest and community festivals. Project-specific meetings at critical junctures and regular Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings complemented these efforts and ensured representation from the diverse communities and interests in the corridor while providing a more formalized opportunity for participation in the project.
SRF also facilitated a Policy Advisory Committee, which included representatives from the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, and the Cities of Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, and Golden Valley, and served as the primary study decision-maker.
Two alternatives were selected for detailed study: streetcar from downtown Minneapolis to North Memorial Hospital and arterial BRT from downtown Minneapolis to the Robbinsdale Transit Station in downtown Robbinsdale. SRF prepared technical information to facilitate the decision-making process, which included assessments of potential community, environmental, transit service, and traffic impacts; ridership forecasts; and cost estimates. The study concluded with a preferred alternative of streetcar for this busy urban corridor.
