The former Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) Busway Extension to Florida City public information division held a meeting with the community, listened to their concerns, and responded by developing the MDT Economic Relief Program (ERP), which provided informational guidance on how to run a business effectively in a project construction zone. In addition, the program offered a short-term loan for all the impacted businesses. Finally, MDT hired one of the most vocal dissenters, Bob Anderson - to head the ERP in concert with the PIO. Did the ERP Work? As a result, MDT was able to alter the South Dade community landscape from a negative to a highly positive environment, primarily through the ERP, where presentations were conducted throughout the project area environs to residents, business groups, faith-based entities as well as other stakeholders. The ERP became an industry standard with other transit projects county-wide for many years. So, the answer to the question: Do Public Involvement Programs work? The answer is an overwhelming yes.

1. And the County’s Economic Relief Program The Busway Extension to Florida City Project Transit

2. A pilot program developed by Miami-Dade Transit, the office of the County Mayor and County Commissioners in order to aid business owners impacted by the Busway Extension to Florida City What is the Economic Relief Program?

3. What Does the Economic Relief Program Provide? On-site loan application assistance and referral services Installation of business entrance signs Tips for businesses on how to lessen the impact of roadway construction projects. Establishes partnerships between businesses and sources of assistance.

4. Behind the Scenes He has worked with over 200 small businesses worldwide from Argentina to Russia He has assisted businesses during urban conflicts, natural disasters, wars, and disruptions. Bob Anderson was formerly a consultant to the project field team to assist businesses impacted by the Busway Extension and US-1 Reconstruction project

5. Local Business Landscape About 70,000 businesses in Miami-Dade County have less than five employees – Beacon Council The project area is dominated by small businesses 75% of Florida businesses employ less than 20 people and 68% less than 10 - SBA 50% of small businesses fail in the first year and 95% in the first five years - SBA

7. Top 10 Tips To lessen the impact on your business during Roadway Construction

8. 1. Become Familiar with the Project Meet with Scott Brand, the project’s Public Information Officer to learn about the project Plan and make preparations before construction begins Determine alternate routes to reach your business Inform your customers

9. 2. Review Your Financial Situation Talk with your bank, will they work with you? Will your lender postpone or reduce payments during the project? Find out before construction begins. Make financial preparations before the project gets to you. Check with your accountant

10. 3. Do Aggressive Marketing Hire students to hand out business fliers around town Participate in local events Collect e-mail address for a free e-mail blast Co-op with nearby businesses Grassroots:

11. 3. More Aggressive Marketing Find new distribution channels Obtain lists of new occupational licenses Get a list of new residents Prepare a direct mail campaign Have a special “construction” promotions Hire a sales person

12. 4. Go to Your Customers When customers avoid roadways during construction, perhaps you can make provisions to provide door-to-door service to your customers Offer free pick-up and delivery

13. 5. Become Active with Local Chambers

15. 7. Look Open Keep your business area inviting to customers Pick up trash and litter-even if it’s not yours Don’t let the area around you prevent your place of business from looking neat and tidy

16. 8. Request Business Entrance Signs Call Scott Brand at (305) 242-7232

17. 9. Can Construction Workers be Your Customers? What service or product can you offer so that they will patronize your business Be friendly, they are not your enemy

18. 10. Keep a Positive Attitude People like to do business with happy, pleasant people Don’t whine and complain to your customers Treat people the way you would like to be treated

19. The Countywide Business Road Impact Assistance Loan Program Provides up to $25,000 Low interest rate Payment begins within 6 months and can continue for five year term Business must prove year to year adverse financial impact directly related to the specific County Improvement Project

20. What can the City of Homestead do to help businesses during construction? Implement a sign relaxation ordinance for those businesses which will be affected by the project construction, similar to the one in effect during races