Case Study : Clearwater Tunnel Project

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County

Challenge


The Clearwater Tunnel Project is a comprehensive planning and construction effort undertaken by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (Districts). The Districts wanted to implement a community outreach plan that would mitigate construction noise and disturbance complaints to affected communities along the new tunnel route. The plan would also develop a positive relationship with affected communities throughout construction and update them frequently with construction activities.

Solution


SGA created and implemented a community engagement and outreach plan that included the best strategies to communicate with the Districts’ constituents. These strategies involve face-to-face and virtual town halls/roundtables meetings, e-mails, newsletters, social media, and school outreach.

Results


With the direction of the Districts, SGA helped develop an outreach plan that consisted of the following elements:

  • Planning, Research, and Stakeholder Mapping
  • Presentations, Meetings, and Public Forums
  • Message and Talking Point Development
  • Digital Platforms + Channels
  • Collateral Development
  • Media Relations

In order to achieve broad audience exposure and engagement, SGA promoted the project through the Districts’ social media platforms, developed branding for the project, and redesigned the Project’s website so that stakeholders could easily access program information.

We developed community presentations and workshops and managed database of elected officials, community and environmental organizations, homeowner associations, Chamber of Commerce, and neighborhood councils.

We are proud that the Sanitation Districts received the 2020 National Environmental Achievement Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for the public outreach we conducted for the project.