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

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

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Long term strategies

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Long-term strategies Draw from Similar Efforts:
Measure W (Safe Clean Water) and Our Water LA
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
Alcanza Outreach Project: Engaging Disadvantaged Communities in Resource Management
Long-term strategies

14. 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

15. THANK YOU