Transportation ranks number one as a Northwest problem. We are proud to be tackling every mode – highways and bridges, transit, ferries, rail, trip reduction, bikes, and pedestrian facilities. The issues are similar, from slowing climate change and air pollution and enhancing natural resources to mitigating facility impacts on residents, businesses, and users. We work hard every day to engage communities, build consensus, communicate clearly, and help keep the Northwest moving.
Moving People Through Downtown Seattle Safely

With over 100,000 Seattle residents, commuters and businesses relying on the Alaskan Way Viaduct each day, the importance of transmitting clear and timely information throughout the replacement project is vital. In order to inform and engage the community, EnviroIssues assists the Washington State Department of Transportation, the City of Seattle, and the Federal Highway Administration through facilitation, public involvement, and communications support to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement project team. We identify key community issues for resolution, facilitate effective dialogue with affected interests, and create strategic outreach activities, such as newsletters, project hotline, speakers’ bureau, display advertisements, posters, Web site, open houses, public workshops, and community design workshops.

 
Building for Transit in South Tacoma

Building a commuter rail station in an existing neighborhood requires collaboration and communication from the very beginning of project design. EnviroIssues planned and implemented outreach to gain community support for the design and construction of Sound Transit’s South Tacoma Commuter Rail Station. We drafted and coordinated the production of mailers to inform the community of the design process and built relationships with local businesses through interviews to determine specific issues, concerns and interests, and to provide project information.

 
Major Roadway Expands

Traffic continues to be a growing issue in our region as more and more people make the Puget Sound area their home. EnviroIssues is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation to design a freeway extension connecting the Green River Valley to the Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue metropolitan area. The SR 167 extension is designed to provide freight and commuters better options and help return Hylebos Creek to a more natural, fish-friendly meander. EnviroIssues is developing and managing communication activities associated with this highly visible project. We identify and implement strategic activities, as well as plan and facilitate meetings with local jurisdictions, elected officials, industrial interests, regional and county representatives, and others to identify goals, expectations, opportunities, and concerns for the project.

 
Building a Bridge Between States

The Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation are working together to improve the ability of people, cars, trucks and transit to travel over the Columbia River on I-5 between Vancouver and north Portland. EnviroIssues is working to engage and inform the public regarding this large scale project. We develop targeted and user-friendly project information materials, facilitate a project task force, engage low-income and minority communities in project decision making, keep the media in the loop, and respond to a world of tough questions. Innovative use of Web-based tools, creative graphics, and active engagement with partner agencies all help make the Columbia River Crossing Project a success.