Client: Regional Airport Authority

Embarking on the single largest economic development project ever in Kentucky, the expansion of Louisville’s air service, the Regional Airport Authority and the Louisville Airport Improvement Project, faced opposition from most of the 2,500 local families, businesses and churches that would be displaced. There were also widespread community concerns about the cost and value of the project – and the overall fairness of displacing such a large number of people in order to make room for more runways.

Guthrie/Mayes served as public relations counsel to the airport for more than 42 years. The firm assisted in the development and implementation of public relations programs to improve communication with the neighborhoods and news media, and communicate the area-wide economic benefits to be realized. GMPR also counseled the airport on issues related to neighborhood concerns (noise, traffic, etc.), economic development issues, security, future development plans and social media strategy.

Guthrie/Mayes guided the Regional Airport Authority and the Louisville Mayor’s Office through dozens of neighborhood and community meetings, announcements regarding neighborhood property acquisition plans, and the related media relations strategy.

As a result, the Louisville Airport Improvement Project was completed with minimum delay and strong community-wide support. The project is considered an economic boon for Greater Louisville.