Imagine a website that organizes Downtown information around light-rail stops. Now imagine you can take that information with you on your cellphone or on paper.

That’s the newest project by Forrest Media, an independent media company based in Phoenix. The project, called CityCircles, will wrap information about news, neighborhoods, businesses, promotions, cultural amenities and social networking around each light-rail stop. The intent is to use technology to bridge gaps in the real world to encourage deeper interaction with the city, especially at its core and around light rail.

The project was developed by Adam Klawonn and Aleksandra Chojnacka in a Knight Center media entrepreneurship class at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication last fall. The project will be funded in part by a grant from the Knight Foundation , which announced the award in June.

WHO IS BEHIND THIS?

Adam Klawonn is a native of Phoenix and has spent the first part of his career working for metro newspapers and a city magazine. He started ZonieReport.com in 2006 to cover statewide issues in Arizona and previously taught online journalism classes at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. He is the president of Forrest Media.

Aleksandra Chojnacka received her MBA specializing in strategic marketing from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. Prior to obtaining her MBA, she worked as an account manager for a digital marketing firm, Acxiom Digital, where she managed email marketing campaigns, online customer acquisitions and various online marketing efforts.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?

We believe that light-rail transit has created a completely new subculture in the Phoenix area, one that is mobile, urban and civic-minded. The light rail presents a unique opportunity to make sense of this new car-less world Downtown and around light rail stops. The technology to make this new world more meaningful is there, and the community interest is too. We want to help develop this new identity with useful tools, fun features and collaborative local journalism.

WHO IS THIS PROJECT FOR?

Light-rail users, college students, Downtown residents, business travelers, suburban commuters and all-around thrill-seekers

WHEN WILL IT LAUNCH?

The first piece of the project will launch in October. The complete launch is scheduled for January 1.

HOW CAN I STAY IN THE LOOP?

Subscribe to Forrest Media’s RSS feed up above or by clicking here .

WHERE CAN I SEND QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS?

You can email any ideas to Adam at aklaw@zoniereport.com .