Mountain Line: passing of Prop 488

Target Audience: The audience for this entry was Flagstaff residents, including voters, public transit users, and community stakeholders who are invested in the future of local transit. This group represents a diverse cross-section of the community, all of whom have a shared interest in how public transportation supports the city's economic, environmental, and social goals. Engaging these individuals is key to fostering understanding and collaboration as Mountain Line works to enhance transit services. By reaching voters and other stakeholders, this entry helped ensure informed discussions about the role of public transit in Flagstaff's growth and the potential impacts of the upcoming transit tax renewal and expansion.

Strategy Objective:The strategy centered on educating voters about Proposition 488's benefits, highlighting how it would expand transit services, improve accessibility, and contribute to climate action goals. Community engagement was prioritized through interactive tools and public feedback opportunities to ensure residents felt informed and heard about the proposal's impact on Flagstaff's future. A dedicated website served as a central hub, providing detailed information about the proposition, its benefits, and funding allocation. It also included a contact feature for questions and feedback, helping gauge public opinion on the proposal's impact and inform the best way to conduct the public education efforts. This transparent approach built trust and fostered a sense of community involvement.

Situation Challenge: The situation that necessitated creating this entry was the need to secure additional funding to sustain transit services. With rising ridership, the impact of inflation, and the ongoing growth of the Flagstaff community, such resources are essential to maintain quality service. As demand for public transit rises, the existing funding structure faces challenges in keeping pace with operational costs and the resources required to meet the community's needs. Without additional funding, Mountain Line could face difficult decisions, including service reductions or even the elimination of routes, which would impact residents who rely on transit for work, education, and daily activities.

Results Impact: The campaign effectively raised public awareness about Proposition 488, emphasizing its potential to enhance transit services and support community growth. With its successful passage on November 5, 2024, the proposition's 56 percent approval margin demonstrated the community's support for Mountain Line's vision. By providing transparent communication about how funds would be used, the campaign built trust and credibility among residents. This outreach also laid a strong foundation for expanded transit services, ensuring future improvements reflect the needs and priorities of Flagstaff's riders and broader community. Through this effort, Mountain Line reinforced its commitment to sustainable, accessible, and community-driven public transit solutions.

Why Submit: This entry exemplifies excellence in public engagement, highlighting Mountain Line's commitment to transparency, sustainability, and equitable transit access. It demonstrates the power of strategic outreach to educate, inspire, and connect with the community while advancing climate and accessibility goals.