Community Engagement
IBR Program ‘Centering Equity’
Challenge
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program was committed to centering equity in its processes and outcomes, but faced criticism from community members who questioned whether a major infrastructure project could genuinely address the legacy of harm that highway development had caused Black communities in Portland and across the country.
Approach
Amico developed a Black History Month virtual roundtable series giving Black community members and IBR leaders a shared platform to discuss infrastructure inequity and shape equitable solutions. The model expanded into an ongoing series centering a different historically marginalized community with each installment.
Outcome
Four roundtables have generated more than 5,300 engagements. Critics questioning IBR's equity commitment have ceased that argument, and the series continues as a core part of the program's community engagement strategy.
IBR Program - ‘Youth Engagement’
Challenge
Youth ages 16 to 25 were a priority audience for IBR given they will live with the new infrastructure longest, but a 2020 focus group confirmed awareness in the program area was low.
Approach
Amico organized two student press conferences for college and high school communication students, treating them as working journalists with program briefings and one-on-one interviews with the program administrator. The strategy used student media to extend reach while building authentic youth engagement.
Outcome
Student coverage reached more than 20,000 college students and 3,900 high school students. Youth made up an estimated 25% of IBR's 35,000-plus community engagements in 2022.
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