Metro sought assistance for the following project initiatives: the merging of the South Los Angeles Faith Leaders Group and Metro’s Countywide Interfaith Roundtable (CIR), as well as the coordination of special events and community engagement associated with the Crenshaw/LAX Line grand opening. Dakota was primarily responsible for the design and implementation of a strategic communications program that would generate excitement among the South Los Angeles Faith Leaders Group and ensure their smooth transition into CIR by educating, informing, and engaging participants about Metro’s policies, programs, and initiatives. Dakota also worked to increase public awareness of the new transit line by implementing the following strategies: organizing community and stakeholder presentations and informational public meetings; designed and distributed creative collateral including digital and print pieces like brochures, fact sheets, and newsletters; purchased ads in local and ethnic newspapers to encourage attendance at public presentations; and coordinated pop-up and other special events in high-traffic areas to help educate the public about the benefits and opportunities of the newly established transit line.

Dakota’s highly-successful outreach plan yielded widespread community support and earned media for the new transit line, ultimately increasing transit accessibility and equity for the greater South Los Angeles region.