Prior to construction of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension from Union Station to the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC), KC Water tackled improvements to the aging water and sewer infrastructure along Main Street from Pershing Road to 51st Street. These “Upgrades on Main” replaced outdated infrastructure and paved the way for future development and the streetcar extension on Main Street. Parson + Associate’s (P+A) main role during this critical work was to ensure that the public and key stakeholders understood its necessity and remained informed throughout the process.

Preparing for Impact

Before and during construction, P+A developed public engagement plans designed to keep the project team connected to the community. To foster strong relationships and create project ambassadors, P+A held meetings with elected officials, community groups, and over 200 adjacent stakeholders. In addition to these meetings, we created the brand for this initial phase – Upgrades on Main – so the work would be recognizable throughout the project.

Keeping Up with the Community

P+A managed KC Water’s project hotline and email address, allowing the public to access the project team directly, share feedback, and receive timely answers. We also created and distributed the Weekly Construction Update email newsletter, which provided clear updates on project progress, construction, and timelines, in addition to highlighting detour maps and graphics designed by our team.

Engaging Directly With the Public

As the project progressed, P+A coordinated numerous opportunities for the community to connect directly with the project team and those working on the corridor. These included community kickoffs, public meetings, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a virtual groundbreaking event. For these engagements, we produced creative materials such as presentations, fact sheets, informational boards, digital graphics, postcard mailers, and update videos. P+A also managed media inquiries, coordinating interviews and coverage to ensure accurate and positive reporting for earned media opportunities.

Creating an Extra Seat at the Table

Early on in the project, P+A worked hard to ensure communications had a seat at the table. Because this project involved over 16 private utilities relocating infrastructure, there were many moving parts and factors to ensure work was coordinated efficiently. P+A team members were sitting in every weekly utility coordination meeting, ensuring communications were at the forefront of all decisions.

Building Back Better

Upgrades on Main was a critical infrastructure project that directly prepared Kansas City for further development. P+A was proud to lead community engagement and communications efforts, ensuring the public understood the critical need of this project for the city’s growth and future.