Grant AME Church and the Natural Resources Defense Council

Challenge

For many, Watts is synonymous with the folk art towers of the same name and the mass civil unrest that engulfed the LA County neighborhood 50 years ago. A partnership steered by Watts-based Grant EDC (a nonprofit connected to the Grant AME Church) and the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Urban Solutions program, and in collaboration with several other local organizations, sought to revitalize the neighborhood and strengthen the community by remaking its buildings and streetscapes so that they were more inviting to pedestrians and more connected to parks, green spaces, and transit. The ambitious goal was to turn Watts into “a thriving neighborhood that its residents deserve.” 

Solution

SGA was brought in to help create new branding, and develop and implement new communication strategies to promote the revitalization of the historic neighborhood of Watts with developments that focused on quality of life, social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.

Results

We created a new branding and communication strategy for Watts Re:Imagined. Our goal was to create a look, feel, voice, and narrative that helped Watts Re:Imagined meet its multi-faceted goals:

1. Leverage the visibility of the 50th anniversary of the Watts Riots to promote brand recognition and a widespread understanding of the Watts Re:Imagined vision.
2. Garner interest and support from stakeholders, politicians, and potential investors to bring the Watts Re:Imagined plan to life.

san mateo countywide water pollution prevention program

Challenge

San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program, (Flows to Bay), a program of the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), ensures development and implementation of appropriate Best Management Practices by all Permittees to control and reduce discharges of non-stormwater and stormwater runoff pollutants to storm drains and watercourses during operation, inspection, and routine repair and maintenance activities of municipal facilities and infrastructure. SGA is responsible for the Public Information and Participation component of the program.

Solution

SGA developed and cultivated an outreach program that educated and inspired environmental problem-solving and critical thinking in residents and school-aged children. We worked to transform residents and students into lifelong stewards of the environment with the following tactics:

• Educate the public about the causes of stormwater pollution and its adverse effects on water quality in local creeks, lagoons, shorelines, and neighborhoods;
• Encourage residents to adopt less polluting and more environmentally beneficial practices; and
• Increase residents’ participation and involvement in water pollution prevention activities.

Results

SGA has been successful in educating residents that many preventable pollutants are associated with everyday residential activity. This approach of education and motivation was and continues to be cost-effective and efficient in meeting the goal of reducing pollutants in stormwater to the maximum extent practicable. We achieved the following:

SGA has been successful in educating residents that many preventable pollutants are associated with everyday residential activity. This approach of education and motivation was and continues to be cost-effective and efficient in meeting the goal of reducing pollutants in stormwater to the maximum extent practicable. We achieved the following:

• Helped engage residents with the Rain Barrel Rebate Program
• Established school outreach partners in San Mateo County
• Minimized littering and pollution activities by residents and students
• Increased understanding of green infrastructure solutions in San Mateo County
• Encouraged participation in pollution prevention cleanups and activities
• Motivated stakeholders to take personal responsibility for their actions to positively affect the local environment
• Inspired residents and students to educate others and become advocates for stormwater pollution prevention

Based on our work, Flows to Bay received the California Stormwater Quality Association award for Outstanding Stormwater News, Information, Outreach, and Media.