It began with the catch phrase "What Moves You Arizona," and launched into a multimedia campaign to encourage statewide public participation in the state's Long Range Transportation Plan.

After more than two years of work to promote the plan to media, stakeholders and communities around our state, "What Moves You Arizona" and the Arizona Department of Transportation have received the highest award for public relations programs and campaigns from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

The Long Range Transportation Plan looks 25 years into the future to determine transportation needs, goals and priorities while balancing limited funding resources. ADOT developed a multifaceted campaign that makes transportation personal and encourages everyone to get involved now.

"This national recognition validates the efforts ADOT has placed on listening to members of communities across Arizona and integrating those ideas into the state's Long Range Transportation Plan," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "Because transportation is such a vital resource for economic development, ADOT recognizes the necessity of working in collaboration with our residents and those who use the transportation systems of today—and those who will depend on them tomorrow."

It can be a challenge to engage public participation in a plan that looks 25 years into the future. So, rather than getting people to come to us, ADOT's communications division went to them—through their computers with e-newsletters, surveys and videos and into their communities with interactive public meetings. The goal was to create a campaign that was fun and engaging—and not your typical public hearing. The campaign used email blasts, advertising, media pitches and social media tools—all to get our message across to communities large and small.

"What Moves You Arizona" showed solid results and the creative efforts paid off. More than 2,300 people took part in a survey about transportation needs and investment choices and more than 2,500 people viewed educational videos online. "What Moves You Arizona" also received print, radio and TV media coverage statewide. It all adds up to a campaign that reached thousands of Arizonans. More information is available on the ADOT Blog.