Communications Planning for Public Agencies: Setting Infrastructure Projects Up for Public Success

By Becca MacLean

Big Sky Public Relations Account Manager

As 2026 begins, we encourage our readers to ensure that public agency projects or initiatives are designed to support effective public communication throughout the project's lifecycle. In my work, I treat public communication and educational outreach as part of the infrastructure of a public agency project, whether it be an engineering plan, development project, active construction, or funding effort. 

Infrastructure and construction projects require specific timelines, deliverables, and planning processes. The use of plain external language surrounding an infrastructure effort sets projects up for success out of the gate, and even more importantly, informs the public in way that is easily understood.

As an example, through a partnership with the Montana Department of Transportation, Big Sky Public Relations strives to deliver clear communication regarding complex infrastructure and future construction projects. One project in particular is the Belgrade Urban: Jackrabbit Madison to Main project, which is a multi-year design and corridor reconstruction project in Belgrade. Over the last few years, I have facilitated various phases of public involvement during design and corridor reconstruction. This has required outreach coordination in a business-sensitive, high-visibility urban setting. My team supports public information efforts by translating technical project details into clear, accessible messaging and coordinating outreach with business owners, property owners, residents, and local partners.

On this project specifically, Big Sky PR supports public communications through significant scope updates, including the decision on a railroad underpass. This significant scope update involved one-on-one communication as well as broad-brush outreach. It also includes multiple layers of outreach and frequent communication to help stakeholders understand project impacts, phasing, and long-term benefits. 

Projects as complex as this example run smoothly when there is coordination with grant timelines, government calendars, and alignment of messaging with the timelines of specific milestones. Multi-year projects require narratives that sustain through the duration of a project, especially those that span over a great deal of time.

As agencies move into 2026, there is an opportunity not just to move projects forward but to improve public communication alongside them. Thank you for reading. We hope 2026 begins with a vision for successful projects and effective public communication.