RE: Ways EPA can partner with local government?

[Eileen Ringnalda <eileen.ringnalda@searbrown.com>]

Local governments ought to be viewed as key stakeholders in the EPA process.  Local elected and appointed officials are already tasked with representing their communities, and they know local issues, concerns and conditions very well.  They are a great place to start information gathering and networking (some of the techniques discussed last week).

How to involve?
The Community Advisory Group (CAG) mentioned in the previous message (Communication is a Two-way Street) is one method that has been quite successful in my experience.  Inviting local leaders to meet at the front end of a project and periodically throughout the process is a terrific opportunity to keep them informed as well as solicit local input (particularly in helping to identify critical issues and local attitudes/perceptions).

Granted, this group does not tap into all stakeholder concerns and should not replace a more comprehensive public involvement process.  But it complements it well.  A CAG concept makes the local governments partners in the EPA process and can be a great resource to project development.

As a practical suggestion, I have been successful meeting with a CAG prior to or in conjunction with public meetings and open houses.  I have used a CAG to preview open house materials and take a temperature reading of attitudes, presentation effectiveness and whether critical issues are covered.

The CAG also can be used to help disseminate information to communities.  Provide copy-ready handouts, meeting announcements or electronic text for existing newsletters.  Local communities often have community communication networks already in place.

I have also invited media reporters to CAG meetings.  It is an opportunity for reporters to hear information first-hand and establish a sense of open, honest communication with nothing to hide.

Who might be included as "local government"?
-mayors
-city managers
-city council members
-city and county planners
-county commissioners
-economic development directors
-chamber of commerce staff
-local government assocations/league of cities
-local offices of national agencies; i.e. BLM, US Forest Service, other relevant agencies to the project including EPA!
-others as relevant to the project ...

I would like to reiterate that involving local government should not replace a public involvement process that reaches out to the broader public.  But local governments are a critical partner and a great resource for public involvement.

Eileen Ringnalda