It is not every day that 250,000 people have to switch drinking water sources. Yet six communities (Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville, and Shorewood) in Chicago’s southwest suburbs face rapid depletion of groundwater sources. These communities formed the Grand Prairie Water Commission (GPWC) and are partnering with the City of Chicago to obtain finished Lake Michigan water by 2030. This $1.446 billion project is comprised of four tunnels, three storage tanks, four pumping stations, 13 water delivery stations, and 65 miles of finished water transmission main. While this initiative’s engineering and construction challenges alone are staggering, the need for community engagement is also imperative. In particular, the team is working to address the impact of this project on a neighborhood where the GPWC system connects to Chicago’s water infrastructure. Construction activities—adjacent to a city park, elementary school, and surrounded by a residential area—include a tunnel extension, low service pump station, 4 MG below grade reservoir, and high service pump station. The team has engaged in a multi-year, robust community outreach program to educate and address concerns, establish communication channels, provide added benefits, and achieve support from residents impacted by the project. This presentation will share the comprehensive approach and lessons learned for communicating and building bridges with community members on infrastructure projects. “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Evaluate what a comprehensive, successful community engagement program entails.
• Analyze the benefits and pitfalls of various community outreach strategies.
• Apply lessons learned from in this case study about community outreach to inform their own projects.”
Contributor/Source
Allison Swisher-Director of Public Utilities, Danielle Gallet-Founding Principal & Water Strategist, Dave Kohn-Deputy Commissioner, Regional Partnerships
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.