Strategic Stormwater Program Management: Navigating San Diego's Water Future
The Challenge
San Diego may be known as America’s Finest City, but it faces stormwater management challenges like any other. From securing dedicated funding for stormwater initiatives to increasing public awareness and understanding of stormwater issues, the city has needed a strategic partner to help them achieve their goals.
Our Approach
Craftwater Engineering has been a key partner in San Diego's stormwater management initiatives since our inception.
Here's how we've partnered with the City of San Diego:
Comprehensive Program Management: We've supported multiple strategic initiatives, including the Stormwater Funding Strategy and the Think Blue public communications campaign.
Expert Team Assembly: We've overseen a diverse team of technical, political, and communication experts to support the City's pursuit of a dedicated stormwater funding measure and enhance public understanding.
High-Level Collaboration: Our team works closely with the mayor's office, ensuring alignment between technical, policy, and outreach efforts.
Strategic Communications: We led the relaunch of Think Blue in 2021, focusing on program growth to engage and educate all San Diegans on stormwater issues.
Data-Driven Outreach: Informed by public opinion research, we've conducted targeted outreach across various stakeholders, including the general public, NGOs, and elected officials.
Long-Term Strategic Planning: We've collaborated closely with the City of San Diego Stormwater Department to develop their 5-year, public-facing Strategic Plan. This plan:
Is tied to City staff and division-specific fiscal year Strategic Plans
Features action-oriented, achievable goals
Establishes six key priority areas aligned with Citywide goals and vision
Communicates the Department's core vision and specific 5-year strategies to key stakeholders
Continuous Improvement: We initiated regular updates to the Strategic Plan in 2020, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.
Key Takeaways
Integrated Approach: Combining funding strategies, public communications, and long-term planning for comprehensive stormwater management
Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively reaching diverse audiences, from the general public to elected officials
Data-Informed Strategies: Utilizing public opinion research to guide outreach efforts
Alignment with City Vision: Ensuring departmental goals support broader citywide objectives
Adaptive Planning: Regular updates to the Strategic Plan maintain its relevance and effectiveness
Clear Communication: Translating complex stormwater issues into accessible public education campaigns
Long-Term Partnership: Demonstrating Craftwater's commitment to ongoing support and program evolution
This project showcases Craftwater's ability to provide comprehensive, strategic, and ongoing support for complex municipal water management challenges, blending technical expertise with effective communication and long-term planning.