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PUC staff outline expanded outreach for sewer system improvement program
Summary
PUC staff presented the 2013 SSIP communications report, describing 'road shows', community workshops, the 'Learn About Me' campaign, online engagement, and partnerships aimed at expanding stakeholder involvement and educating residents about sewer improvements; commissioners raised questions about partnership roles and maintenance responsibilities.
PUC communications staff on Thursday presented a deep-dive into outreach tied to the Sewer System Improvement Program (SSIP), detailing methods used in 2013 and planned engagement for major projects.
Juliet Ellis, Assistant General Manager for External Affairs, introduced the report and said the update would summarize how many residents were reached, what outreach tools were used and how staff plan to engage communities for large SSIP projects. Maureen Berry and communications director Tyrone Ju walked the commission through a range of outreach tactics: citywide "road shows," interactive community workshops, online surveys, bus-side advertising under the "Learn About Me" campaign, plant and bike tours, youth education, and targeted neighborhood newsletters.
Why it matters: The SSIP is a multi-year capital program that requires sustained local engagement; staff said the combined traditional and innovative tools have helped increase public awareness, recruit participants and strengthen project design.
Highlights and results: Staff described a 23% increase in followers and doubled new followers attributed to the "Learn About Me" push, said the urban watershed planning game yielded strong participation, and previewed upcoming planning meetings in Dogpatch and Potrero and an Urban Watershed Assessment on Sept. 13. Staff emphasized partnerships with sister agencies (e.g., San Francisco Unified School District, Department of the Environment) and community groups such as Friends of the Urban Forest to reach constituencies that the PUC cannot engage alone.
Commissioner concerns: Commissioners asked staff to clarify differences among partnership types and to ensure that volunteer or nonprofit involvement does not undercut prevailing- wage work or ongoing maintenance responsibilities; staff said contracts with community partners define deliverables and that property owners often retain responsibility for sidewalk-tree maintenance.
Public input: Public commenters urged that SSIP community benefits and legacy investments focus on neighborhoods bearing project impacts and that outreach must include evaluation and standards tied to long-term results.
Next steps: Staff said they will continue outreach, report back on drink-tap station funding requested by the school district and provide written updates on related items as requested by the commission.
