Constructing the Path of Least Resistance:
Morton Grove Niles Water Commission
Challenge:
The villages of Morton Grove and Niles purchased water from the City of Chicago at a high rate for decades. They decided to form a partnership with the goal of finding a safe, high-quality water supply at an affordable rate. After considering several options, the commission decided to begin purchasing water from the City of Evanston. Changing water suppliers also meant constructing a new water supply system from Evanston, through the Village of Skokie, connecting to Morton Grove and Niles.
Our challenge was to provide comprehensive education across the four communities - Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove and Niles - about the project, as it would lead to direct construction impacts including closures of alleys, loss of access to driveways, traffic congestion, and lead pipe replacements in their homes.
Solution:
As the communications lead, Morreale developed informational materials that we distributed across multiple platforms including website, printed presentation materials, direct mailers, and social media, about the improvement project geared towards residents in the affected communities and partnered with the commission to facilitate public meetings, attended by the community and stakeholders.
Highlights:
We crafted a “Homeowners Toolkit” containing key messaging and collateral materials such as fact sheets, exhibit boards, construction notices and postcards that emphasized key project benefits.
When the public was misinformed about the project, Morreale stepped in to write and pitch a press release that was published by several media outlets.
Morreale planned and developed a user-friendly and interactive project website for the Commission which is used to inform residents of project information and updates.
Result:
While this project is ongoing, and we are continuing to measure results, our strategy resulted in transparent project progression, informative media coverage and a more aware public audience. In addition, the open houses resulted in a great outlet for gathering public opinion and gave residents an in-depth view of the project benefits. Ultimately, using collateral materials, media, digital communications (website) and meetings, we were able to meet our goal of keeping residents well informed of the project.
In 2019, The Morton Grove Niles Water Commission was awarded the Illinois American Society of Civil Engineers Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award, recognizing the project's originality and innovation, resourcefulness in planning and solving design challenges, sustainability considerations and project planning and delivery.
