Master Planned

Development

When a local plan was facing opposition, The Garrity Group was hired to help frame key messages to inform the media and the public.

Challenge

A 13,850-acre master plan in Albuquerque was offering Bernalillo County a cohesive, well-designed and sustainable opportunity to address growth. The parent company set aside 4,031 acres for economic development which would have the potential of supporting 75,000 on-site jobs. The proposal was facing a lot of opposition from groups who felt the county was diverting needed resources as a form of corporate welfare.

Solution

The Garrity Group worked with the parent company and its local team to generate messages and an approach to help inform public opinion about the Bernalillo County approval process, water issues and about Tax Increment Development Districts (TIDDs) and Public Investment Districts (PIDs).

Results

The Garrity Group developed and implemented an issue management plan that framed key messages, identified messengers, identified media and reporters to inform.
Real-time media monitoring was implemented with an aggressive reporter outreach program to provide the client an opportunity for balanced coverage.
On-site assistance with media, messaging and community feedback provided during a contentious hearing which included an activist group storming the dais in protest prior to a pivotal vote.

The Bernalillo County Commission approved the master plan process and affirmed that the project was good for the community.