CSM Services

Our team of experts specializes in the following services:

Communications Services

1. Strategic Communications: Leveraging experience to engage and educate stakeholders through effective communication channels.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with communities, elected officials, and government staff to build consensus and reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
3. Media Relations: Communicating messages through traditional and online channels, building reputation and media relations.
4. Crisis Management and Communications: Handling crisis situations promptly to maintain organization integrity and trust with stakeholders.
5. Spanish Language Outreach and Inclusivity: Fostering inclusivity and ensuring diverse populations are informed and represented in transportation initiatives.
6. Equity-Focused Planning and Communications: Rigorous studies, inclusive planning, and communication efforts, exemplified by work on Investment Plans and NextGen Bus Planning catering to Los Angeles County’s diverse needs.
7. Community Outreach and Public Engagement: Engaging citizens and harnessing community feedback through Countywide Communications and Public Engagement Programs.

Project Management Services

1. Project Management and Oversight: Orchestrating project timelines and resources, ensuring precision from inception to completion.
2. Environmental Planning and Clearance: Performing thorough environmental reviews and community outreach for sustainable project development.
3. Long-Range Planning and Feasibility Studies: Shaping long-range regional transportation plans with extensive stakeholder input for feasible, future-ready solutions.
4. Interdepartmental Collaboration and Budget Efficiency: Creating interdepartmental budgets focused on resource optimization and synergistic work towards common goals.
5. Transportation Planning: Tackling short-term and long-term needs, focusing on mobility and accessibility through multi-modal strategies.
6. Economic Development: Assisting in planning by providing research, benchmarking, contract negotiations, and funding strategy.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating regulatory requirements for compliance with guidelines.
8. Budget Planning and Management: Developing and managing budgets, focusing on maximizing resources.
9. Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborating with stakeholders for integrated work plans, improving process efficiency and communication.

CSM Case Studies

“Steering into the Future: Shaping Los Angeles County’s Transportation Destiny Through the 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan”

Opportunity:
The Metro Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) in Los Angeles, CA, represents a cornerstone effort in shaping the future of transportation in one of the nation’s most populous counties. Recognizing the critical need for comprehensive and forward-thinking transportation planning, there was a significant opportunity to involve diverse stakeholders in the development of the 2020 LRTP. This plan aimed to address emerging transportation needs, accommodate growth, and secure stakeholder buy-in across the county by fostering an inclusive and participatory planning process.

Approach:
To capitalize on this opportunity, efforts were focused on crafting and implementing a countywide stakeholder engagement plan that was inclusive of all levels of government, local jurisdictions, businesses, and community members. Collaboration was fundamental to this approach, facilitating a two-way dialogue that allowed for the assessment of wide-ranging needs and the presentation of plan information for feedback. By consulting directly with stakeholders and ensuring their perspectives were integrated into the planning process, the foundation for a broadly supported LRTP was established.

Outcome:
The collaborative and inclusive approach to developing the 2020 LRTP resulted in a comprehensive plan that reflected the diverse transportation needs and expectations of Los Angeles County’s stakeholders. By engaging with stakeholders at all levels and obtaining their support, the LRTP was positioned as a responsive and viable guide for the region’s transportation future. This process not only facilitated the development of a well-informed and strategically sound transportation plan but also strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring their ongoing involvement and support in the plan’s implementation and beyond.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Navigating the Future: Pioneering the Expansion of Los Angeles Metro’s Bus Rapid Transit System”

Opportunity:
Los Angeles Metro identified a need to refine and expand the Metro Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to better meet the transportation needs of the city’s growing population. Recognizing the importance of strategic planning in the development of future BRT corridors, there was an opportunity to leverage detailed research and stakeholder engagement to guide the project. The goal was to create a set of guiding principles and technical specifications that would inform the expansion and ensure that it aligned with the needs and expectations of both cities and stakeholders.

Approach:
To address this opportunity, extensive research was conducted to gather comprehensive data on potential BRT corridors. This involved direct support to executive management in organizing and analyzing research findings. A critical component of the approach was conducting thorough stakeholder engagement processes, which included gathering and utilizing data from cities, communities, and various stakeholders. This collaborative effort aimed to capture a wide range of needs and perspectives to inform the development of BRT guidelines and specifications.

Outcome:
The outcome of this rigorous approach was the successful development of a set of guiding principles and technical specifications for future BRT corridors in Los Angeles. Through the implementation of stakeholder engagement strategies and detailed research, the project was able to identify critical needs and preferences, which were then reflected in the planning and design criteria for the BRT expansion. This ensured that the BRT system would not only accommodate the city’s expanding transportation demands but also align with the expectations and requirements of affected communities and stakeholders, paving the way for a more efficient and inclusive transit network.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Revolutionizing Public Transit: The Journey of LA Metro’s NextGen Bus Plan Towards Inclusivity and Efficiency”

Opportunity:

The NextGen Bus Plan represented a profound chance for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to revolutionize its bus system to better meet the needs of over 10 million residents and visitors. This initiative was poised not only to address the demand for a more effective and reliable service but also to create a more inclusive transportation environment, thereby enhancing overall community engagement and promoting equity across various segments of the population.

Approach:

A comprehensive engagement strategy was implemented, reaching 10 million+ residents through multi-lingual communications, collecting over 14,500 comments, distributing 280,000+ Metro Take-Ones, and providing 500 Media Toolkits. The approach involved 268 events and workshops, including telephone town hall meetings and stakeholder briefings. Advanced outreach included 160+ content posts and advertising efforts that generated 8.7 million ad impressions and nearly 65,000 webpage visits, indicating a high level of public interest. Additionally, over 150,000 email contacts were notified about public workshops, highlighting the extensive and inclusive nature of the campaign.

Outcome:

The inclusive and extensive outreach strategy led to the successful adoption of the NextGen Bus Plan by the Metro Board, with over 12,300 workshop notices delivered, and a reflective and comprehensive public input integrated into the final plan. The ambitious engagement campaign demonstrated through 86 community events and 200 NextGen Working Group sessions, both the dedication to public participation and the effectiveness of the strategies employed, paving the way for a bus network that genuinely serves the diverse needs of LA County’s communities, and sets a benchmark for future public transportation planning.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“High-Speed Sustainability: The High Desert Corridor’s Journey through Planning, Compliance, and Innovation”

Opportunity:
The High Desert Corridor project aimed to establish a 53-mile high-speed rail link, presenting a significant infrastructure opportunity within the Joint Powers Agency in California. The endeavor promised to enhance connectivity, reduce transit times, and support regional growth. However, the implementation of such a large-scale project required intricate planning and adherence to environmental and historic preservation regulations, which necessitated a thorough environmental clearance process, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106.

Approach:
To navigate these regulatory requirements, dedicated transportation planning and project management support were paramount. This included guiding the project through NEPA’s environmental clearance process and Section 106 review, ultimately leading to the acquisition of the Record of Decision – a critical milestone authorizing the project to move forward. The approach also entailed providing comprehensive support to the Executive Director in several key administrative and strategic areas such as the preparation of state and federal grant applications, managing the intricate procurement process for contracting consultants, and assisting with the formulation of Board Reports. Conducting research and developing annual budgets for the High-Speed Rail Project were also essential aspects, ensuring that the project’s financial planning was sound and sustainable.

Outcome:
The strategic support and management provided in the planning phase led to the successful navigation of the environmental clearance process, clearing a path toward the development of the High-Speed Rail Project. The procurement and grant application processes were executed effectively, securing the necessary resources and funding to propel the project forward. The administrative and financial groundwork laid through the preparation of Board Reports and annual budgets ensured that project oversight remained informed and pragmatic. Altogether, these efforts ensured that the High Desert Corridor high-speed rail project was not only compliant with statutory obligations but also optimally positioned for successful implementation and future operation.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Pathways to Inclusivity: Charting the Course of Equitable Mobility with the Long Beach-East LA Corridor Mobility Investment Plan”

Opportunity:
The creation of the Long Beach-East LA Corridor Mobility Investment Plan presented a significant opportunity to incorporate equitable transit solutions into the framework of LA Metro’s initiatives. The task was to ensure that the communities along the I-710 south corridor were at the forefront of this transformative planning process. It was necessary to align LA Metro’s planning direction with a communication strategy that resonated with community needs and aspirations, thereby strengthening the link between urban planning and local development.

Approach:
As a Strategic Adviser, the role involved infusing equity considerations into every aspect of the strategic planning and communication activities. The development of planning and communication protocols required a deep understanding of LA Metro’s Equity Platform, ensuring that the Investment Plan would not only serve the diverse populations along the I-710 south corridor but also empower them. Implementing Metro’s Community Based Organization (CBO) Partnership model was a crucial step in this approach, fostering collaboration with local CBOs to guarantee a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Outcome:
The advice and strategic oversight provided led to a community-centric Transportation Investment Plan that authentically represented and addressed the needs of the communities situated along the corridor. Inclusive planning and communication protocols firmly based on LA Metro’s Equity Platform were established, cementing equity as a central pillar of the project. The successful implementation of Metro’s CBO Partnership within the corridor ensured an ongoing dialogue with the community, leading to investment decisions that reflected the shared values and priorities of the residents. The strategic advice played an integral role in crafting an Investment Plan that is truly of the community, for the community, and by the community.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Driving Progress in the Fast Lane: North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition’s Strategic Blueprint for Mobility and Connectivity”

Opportunity:
The North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition, functioning within a Joint Powers Authority framework in California, recognized a critical opportunity to improve regional transportation infrastructure through projects that address the SR-14 freeway and the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line. These efforts were pivotal to enhancing mobility, connectivity, and traffic flow for North Los Angeles County, and thus required robust planning, research, and strategic communication.

Approach:
To propel these transportation initiatives, the work entailed comprehensive transportation planning, thorough research, and the development of effective communication strategies. The key was aiding leadership in shaping transportation planning, fortifying stakeholder engagement, and drafting detailed reports for the Board’s consideration, which also extended to addressing state and federal officials. A focus on thorough financial analysis and budgeting was essential to ensure the sustainability and economic feasibility of the transportation projects.

Outcome:
Through diligent planning and research, transportation projects such as the SR-14 freeway expansion and enhancements to the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line were strategically advanced. Communication strategies tailored to the projects’ objectives and stakeholder interests facilitated clear messaging and alignment with broader transportation goals. The support provided to the Executive Director significantly contributed to informed decision-making processes, as comprehensive reports for the Board and government officials resulted in strong governance and oversight. Fiscal responsibilities, including financial analysis and budgeting, ensured that the Coalition’s transportation projects remained economically sound, setting a stable foundation for current and future infrastructure developments within North Los Angeles County.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Riding the Green Wave: North County Transit District’s Leap into Strategic Planning and Sustainable Innovation”

Opportunity

The North County Transit District in Oceanside, California, faced the challenge of modernizing service planning and operations to meet future growth demands while adhering to strict state and regional sustainability mandates. Recognizing the potential for strategic improvements, the district identified an opportunity to bolster its planning, operational, and communication protocols to not only enhance service efficiency but also to lead the way in sustainable transit practices.

Approach

Taking a holistic view of the district’s planning and operational frameworks, planning, strategy, and innovation departments, were unified. The goal was to develop a cohesive service planning methodology and operational initiatives that incorporated state-of-the-art communication strategies. Central to this approach was the establishment of the Business Systems Analysis initiative to guarantee precise data management within and across departments. Additionally, a comprehensive Sustainability and Climate Action Plan was conceptualized that mirrored the objectives of both state and regional environmental policies.

Outcome

As a result of these strategic efforts, the North County Transit District realized significant advancements in its service delivery and operational performance. The Business Systems Analysis initiative successfully ensured the integrity and fluidity of data management, sharpening the district’s decision-making capabilities. The meticulously crafted Sustainability and Climate Action Plan not only aligned with external environmental directives but also demonstrated the district’s commitment to sustainable development. Through these measures, the North County Transit District improved both its current operational standards and laid a robust foundation for ongoing growth and adaptation in the rapidly evolving public transit sector.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Track of Triumph: Navigating Success Through Environmental Planning and Community Unity for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension”

Opportunity

The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension Phase 1 represented a pivotal infrastructure expansion requiring meticulous environmental planning and community support. The project faced the dual challenge of navigating rigorous environmental clearance processes and securing substantial federal funding. Recognizing these challenges, there was a clear opportunity to demonstrate exemplary project management and environmental stewardship while fostering community engagement and support for the project.

Approach

To address these challenges, dedicated project management support was provided to oversee the environmental clearance process, ensuring that all planning activities remained on schedule. The planning team, under careful supervision, prioritized strong community engagement strategies to build and maintain public support throughout the project’s lifecycle. A strategic launch into the Preliminary Engineering phase was executed with a $15 million budget, emphasizing community consultation and environmental mitigation efforts. Critical to the project’s financial viability was the alignment with the Department Director in securing a substantial $490.7 million Federal Full-Funding Grant Agreement, a task that required meticulous preparation and coordination with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Outcome

The proactive project management approach and emphasis on community engagement led to the successful navigation of the environmental clearance process for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension Phase 1. The collaborative efforts of the planning team and effective alignment with departmental leadership culminated in securing a significant Federal Full-Funding Grant Agreement. This financial milestone not only underscored the project’s compliance with federal standards but also ensured its financial and operational feasibility. Consequently, the project laid a robust groundwork for future phases of the Metro Eastside Transit Corridor Extension, setting a precedent for sustainable urban transit developments supported by strong community backing and federal endorsement.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Revolutionizing Roads: How the Metro Truck Model is Paving the Way for Smarter Freight Strategies in Transportation Policy”

Opportunity

A significant opportunity for advancing transportation policy through the development of a specialized Freight/Truck Model. The initiative aimed to enhance freight management capabilities and address the critical need for more refined transportation and logistics strategies. This effort sought to provide policymakers with robust tools to make informed decisions, which was crucial for optimizing freight operations within the transportation network.

Approach

To capitalize on this opportunity, a new Freight Management Program was established, which was meticulously managed to steer the development of the Freight/Truck Model. The program focused on gathering and analyzing transportation data, engaging stakeholders, and integrating technological advances into freight logistics. A substantial part of the approach involved preparing, publishing, and submitting a comprehensive case study to key stakeholders, including the Office of the Secretary of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA). This submission was intended to underline the model’s potential impacts and benefits for policy development.

Outcome

The establishment and management of the Freight Management Program led to the successful development of the Freight/Truck Model, which significantly contributed to the domain of freight and transportation policy development. The study submitted to the DOT and FHWA achieved pivotal recognition and served as a foundational document that influenced subsequent transportation policies and practices. As a result, the project not only enhanced the ability of policymakers to plan and implement effective freight strategies but also elevated the standard of freight management and policy development techniques within the transportation sector.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Steering the Future: How Metro Long Range Planning Initiatives are Charting a Course for Safer, Cleaner, and More Efficient Urban Mobility in LA County”

Opportunity

Faced with rising urban challenges, the Metro Long Range Planning Initiatives aimed to tackle critical issues such as congestion mitigation and air quality improvement through strategic and comprehensive planning. Positioned at the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship, these initiatives provided a pivotal opportunity to reshape urban mobility and sustainability frameworks at both county and subregional levels.

Approach

A dynamic approach was adopted that centered around developing strategic frameworks tailored to each initiative. This involved proactive stakeholder engagement with city and subregional agency staff to harvest a wide array of insights, integrating these perspectives into the planning process. The method was inherently collaborative, striving to balance the diverse needs and priorities of the stakeholders involved while plotting clear, actionable implementation roadmaps.

Outcome

The collaborative and stakeholder-centered approach to the Metro Long Range Planning Initiatives culminated in the successful development of programs aimed at congestion mitigation and air quality conformity that were both innovative and highly attuned to local needs. This endeavor not only marked significant progress in urban and transportation planning but also set new standards for engaging with a broad stakeholder base, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation that paves the way for future infrastructure and environmental projects.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Pedaling Progress: The Breakthrough Bicycle Sketch Planning Tool Empowering LA’s Metro Area to Drive Data-Driven Investments in Two-Wheel Transit”

Opportunity

The Metro Bicycle Model Development project was launched to address a gap in urban planning tools specifically aimed at evaluating bicycle infrastructure investments. Recognizing the growing need for sustainable transport options, the project presented a unique opportunity to innovate how cities approach the planning and justification of investments in bicycle infrastructure, enabling a data-driven understanding of potential benefits.

Approach

The approach was centered on the management and development of the Bicycle Sketch Planning Tool, a sophisticated software designed to model and quantify the impacts of bicycle infrastructure investment at the city level. This entailed a collaborative effort that involved software development experts, urban planners, and stakeholders from the 89 jurisdictions within the metro area. The focus was on ensuring the tool was not only accurate in its predictive capabilities but also user-friendly, allowing city planners and decision-makers to easily assess the impacts of proposed bicycle projects within their communities.

Outcome

The successful development of the Bicycle Sketch Planning Tool transformed how urban planners, and local governments visualize and quantify the benefits of bicycle infrastructure projects. By providing a clear, data-backed overview of potential impacts, the tool empowered all 89 jurisdictions within the metro area to make informed decisions regarding bicycle project implementation in their communities. This not only facilitated more strategic investment in sustainable transport infrastructure but also marked a significant advancement in the tools available for urban mobility planning.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Metro Rail to Rail/River Study, Los Angeles, CA: Community-Driven Urban Development

Opportunity

The Metro Rail to Rail/River Study aimed at transforming Los Angeles’s Harbor Subdivision into an Active Transportation Corridor, enhancing connectivity and sustainable transport options. This ambitious project presented an opportunity to directly involve the community in shaping the future of their local transportation network, ensuring it met both environmental standards and the public’s needs.

Approach

The focal point of this initiative was the development and implementation of a comprehensive community engagement program. This strategy was designed to inclusively gather ideas, concerns, and support from a diverse cross-section of the community, ensuring broad-based participation in the planning process. By actively involving community members in workshops, surveys, and public meetings, the program not only fostered a sense of ownership among residents but also provided invaluable insights that guided the corridor’s development. This participatory approach was instrumental in securing the environmental clearance for Segment A and in identifying the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for Segment B.

Outcome

The community-driven strategy employed in the Metro Rail to Rail/River Study led to the successful initiation of an Active Transportation Corridor currently under construction. The engagement efforts were pivotal in achieving environmental clearance for a crucial segment of the project and in defining the development path for another, underscoring the significance of community input in urban planning. This approach not only set a precedent for future transportation projects in Los Angeles but also highlighted the transformative power of involving community voices in the creation of sustainable, community-focused urban infrastructure.

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Driving Forward: How LA County’s Metro Congestion Management Program Unlocked $90 Million in State Funds and Paved the Way for Smoother City Streets”

Opportunity

The Metro Congestion Management Program was launched with a dual aim: to navigate the complexities of state compliance requirements and to secure critical funding for Los Angeles County. This initiative was crucial in leveraging $90 million in state gas tax revenue, essential for transportation infrastructure projects across all 89 jurisdictions within the county. The opportunity to align the county’s congestion management efforts with state statutes opened new avenues for enhancing urban mobility and infrastructure sustainability.

Approach

A strategic approach was employed to ensure full compliance with the state’s congestion management statutes. The focus was on developing a comprehensive program that not only met the legal requirements but also facilitated the effective allocation and utilization of state gas tax revenues. This required meticulous planning, coordination, and collaboration among various stakeholders, including state officials, local jurisdictions, and transportation agencies. Through a series of consultations, assessments, and policy adjustments, the program aimed to create a robust framework for managing congestion and supporting transportation projects across the county.

Outcome

The meticulous planning and collaborative efforts of the Metro Congestion Management Program culminated in securing $90 million in state gas tax revenue for Los Angeles County. This achievement not only ensured compliance with state statutes but also provided a significant financial boost to all 89 jurisdictions within the county, enabling the advancement of critical transportation infrastructure projects. The success of the program demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration in navigating the complexities of compliance and funding, setting a precedent for future urban mobility initiatives.