IRWM Lessons Learned Summit February 9, 2018 GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY IRWM Region PARTNERSHIPS & LONG-TERM STRATEGIES IRWM Lessons Learned Summit February 9, 2018

PRESENTERS Tania Cerda Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Peter Massey TreePeople

BACKGROUND LA County - it’s complicated: 84 cities 100+ water retailers 9.8 million residents 107 identified target areas (DACs) BACKGROUND 84 cities, 9.8 million residents (2010) representing 26% of California’s population and approximately 42% residing in DWR-defined disadvantaged communities Over 100 water providers 107 identified target (DAC) areas known thus far (show them the RFQ map)

We also know from 2013 study and 2016 baseline surveys, much of which is caused by or hampered by the sheer jurisdictional complexity of LA. It’s often about the “missing links” in relationships - Missing links between community and water providers Missing links between community and how water-related projects are created Missing links in perception and awareness – i.e. drinking water vs. surface water concerns More recent: community fatigue from multiple “drop-in” programs (i.e. projects seek community input and the project leaders “drop in” for a meeting – and then another and another – often with the community seeing no results)

Background Partnering via IRWM oversight structures: Greater LA County IRWM Leadership 5 watershed-based sub-committees Greater LA County DAC Committee (2008) DACIP Task Force (2016) LA County as DACIP lead grantee DACIP itself Background The Greater LA County IRWM Leadership Committee is comprised of members from steering committees over five subregions which are divided according to the watersheds in the Region. Our DAC Committee is comprised of NGOs and CBOs from those five subregions as well. Our aim it to ensure maximum transparency and maximize inclusivity. The DACIP Task Force includes two representatives from each of the Regions, Upper Santa Clara River, Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County as well as Greater LA aka GLAC GLAC serves as the Grantee Lastly, our consultant TreePeople recently issued an RFP for our needs assessment, this is an ongoing iterative process and our aim is to never close the door on more discussion and partners.

Known Barriers – the “missing links” in community relationships: Between community and water providers Between community and project development In perception and awareness More recent: community fatigue from “drop-in” programs BACKGROUND There are a number of concurrent efforts that aim to address these barriers, ranging from the upcoming County Water Plan [which will encompass 3 IRWM regions], County Sustainability Plan, Enhanced Watershed Management Programs (EWMPs) and the Safe Clean Water Program, and more.  These efforts will collectively serve as a new generation of Integrated water resources management in LA County, will be aligned to maximize effectiveness, and will be informed by the DACIP where appropriate.  As such, long-term strategies for the DACIP not only affect the ongoing engagement of and services for DACs, but the overall water landscape.

Long term strategies

Long term strategies MAJOR ACTIVITIES Community Engagement (ongoing) Needs Assessment Project Development Long term strategies

LONG-TERM STRATEGIES - RELATIONSHIPS Build A Community network - consistent during and beyond CBOs and organizers as a Leadership Group Leverage knowledge and trusted relationships LONG-TERM STRATEGIES - RELATIONSHIPS

Audiences for Events, Workshops, Media TreePeople (contractor) Leadership Group C o m m u n i t y P a r t n e r s Audiences for Events, Workshops, Media

LONG-TERM STRATEGIES Multiple waves of engagement Introduction to the program Needs Assessment Needs Assessment results Additional education and/or TA Involve communities and water- providers LONG-TERM STRATEGIES

Long-term strategies Draw from Similar Efforts: 2018 - Measure W (Safe Clean Water) and Our Water LA 2016 - The Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment 2016 – DACIP Application - baseline workshops and surveys 2013 – DAC Outreach Evaluation Study: An Analysis of Technical Assistance and Outreach Methods 2013 - Alcanza Outreach Project: Engaging Disadvantaged Communities in Resource Management Long-term strategies

LONG-TERM STRATEGIES Similar Efforts: What’s Leveraged? Structural and engagement models Messaging / language: inclusivity and respect Experienced resources; potential partners and stakeholders Lessons learned, data LONG-TERM STRATEGIES

THANK YOU