Indy Rezone
Indy Rezone was the largest overhaul of Indianapolis’ zoning ordinances and development standards since 1969 – an effort aimed at making a more livable, more sustainable city. Our team played a critical role in this initiative by leading the facilitation of dozens of controversial discussions across multiple stakeholder groups and managing the efforts and outcomes of the Steering Committee over a two and half year timeframe. We served a leadership role by engaging focus groups at round tables, technical task forces, and the multi-stakeholder, 30-person Steering Committee. Outreach efforts were aimed at insuring that any ordinance changes had been thoughtfully developed and publically vetted across many groups and neighborhood scenarios. We focused on increasing the public’s understand of topics such as transportation choices; equitable, affordable housing; economic competitiveness; green investment; natural resource protection; and neighborhood invigoration. This understand was then leveraged into meaningful contributions by developing and facilitating diverse public input mechanisms. Indy Rezone will shape Indy’s built environment into the kinds of places people want to work, live and play for the next several decades.
PROJECT TASKS
- Overhauled the City’s zoning code to promote livability and sustainability
- Created and implemented strategic communication plan
- Facilitated multi-stakeholder Steering Committee and neighborhood focus groups
- Consulted on technical ordinance content and incentive programs focused on water sustainability
- Planned and executed large-scale public meetings
- Developed public outreach materials and cultivated new and unique venues for input
- Engaged public officials and professional organizations through policy round-tables
- Synthesized public and professional feedback from agencies and organizations to provide critical content to City project staff
Tammara Tracy
City of Indianapolis
Riverfront Fort Wayne
Riverfront Fort Wayne is an initiative that envisions a revitalized downtown riverfront area that is a regional destination offering opportunities to experience nature, recreation, shopping, dining and entertainment in a whole new way. We led the community outreach efforts that resulted in the Riverfront Fort Wayne action plan – a plan that was developed through a process that included extensive community input. The resulting vision for the riverfront plan offers something for everyone, from natural wetlands that allows you to reconnect with nature, to an activity park that encourages people of any age to play, to a promenade that welcomes you to stroll and enjoy shopping and dining along the river. These areas of interest are strengthened by improved pedestrian, trail and vehicular connections from nearby neighborhoods and the downtown which will ensure an ease of accessibility to the riverfront for residents and visitors alike.
PROJECT TASKS
- Assisted multi-disciplinary team with concept plans for redevelopment of Fort Wayne’s Riverfront
- Developed stakeholder communication matrix and delivered associated key messages to target audiences
- Implemented diverse public input mechanisms, including programing and content for Envision Center public showroom
- Created unique public engagement events including boat tours and river walks
- Facilitated large-scale public meetings and open houses
- Analyzed public input and provided guidance to the design team
Pam H.
Fort Wayne
Food Hubs
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) commissioned a Feasibility Study for Food Hubs in Indiana. The purpose of the study was to assess the needs of growers and consumers regarding the potential for regional food hubs operating as part of a statewide network to facilitate the marketing and access to specialty crops. We were part of a team of consultants that conducted the study and supplied recommendations for next step programming. The concept of food hubs was not new to Indiana growers of specialty crops, but determining the widely varied needs of these growing across a diverse state was a challenge. We assisted with the communication planning and stakeholder engagement by setting up an outreach matrix and needs inventory, guided by survey input. Producers were surveys at the State Fair, local fairs, and through cooperative partnerships with local grocers and farmers markets. A project website was created and populated by resources collected and organized by our staff. This site is now the primary place for sharing information and organizing efforts across relevant agencies.
PROJECT TASKS
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to determine the feasibility and infrastructure needs associated with establishing local food hubs
- Assisted agency staff in determining outreach and communication objectives
- Authored stakeholder surveys and press releases
- Developed website content, key messaging for event and survey invitations, and overall tone and brand for project communications
- Explored partnerships with local food stores, co-ops, and other outreach partners
- Developed a framework for local marketing strategies
Earth Partnership for Schools
The Earth Partnership for School began in 1991 as an outgrowth of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum’s focus on ecological restoration as a way to establish a positive relationship between people and the land. This K-12 environmental education program provides teachers and students hands-on activities designed to construct and/or explore ecological planting projects on or near their school site. In 2006 a team led by IUPUI’s Center for Earth and Environmental Science engaged in an effort to bring the Earth Partnership Curriculum to Indiana. Empower Results was a key team member – contributing time and resources to convert Wisconsin’s supplemental materials into materials that were relevant to Indiana’s landscape, ecology, and natural history. The efforts culminated with the production and delivery of the curriculum to an initial core group of teachers from across the state at a Summer Institute workshop in 2007. Vision for the project included the establishment and improved use of outdoor laboratories, as well as the development of a terrestrial-based curriculum that can complement water quality based activities in the Project WET curriculum.
PROJECT TASKS
• Researched and compiled Indiana natural history references and materials for inclusion into the program
• Reviewed and recommended curriculum activities best suited to Indiana landscapes and ecology
• Coordinated curriculum elements with colleagues conducting state standards correlations for water education
• Collaborated on supplemental resource materials development for the program
Upper Tippecanoe River Lakes Strategic Watershed Management Plan
Empower Results led all local steering committee meetings associated with the development of a strategic plan aimed at reducing non-point source pollution to the seven hydrologically connected lakes in the Upper Tippecanoe River chain. Committee members were guided through a series of meetings and activities focused on consensus building, resource consolidation, and the prioritization. These meetings were used to develop an action plan for future environmental and social projects in the watershed. As land-use and water quality issues were identified, subsequent strategies were developed through facilitated discussions with other stakeholders. Customized public outreach events and alternative meeting styles assisted in the translation of technical data and topics to the public throughout the project.
PROJECT TASKS
- Educational workshops
- Goals setting and meeting facilitation
- Stakeholder conflict resolution
- Long-range organizational planning
- Development of a GIS and public-friendly graphics
- Synthesis and communication of water quality findings
- Lake management recommendations
Eagle Creek Watershed Alliance
The Eagle Creek Watershed Alliance has existed for over twelve years working to protect and improve water quality in Eagle Creek, its tributaries, and the downstream, Eagle Creek drinking water Reservoir. The watershed hosts diverse land uses, spanning intense agriculture operations, suburban fringe communities, and densely urban parts of the City of Indianapolis and the Town of Zionsville. During the development and implementation of the Watershed Management Plan, our team worked to bring people from all of these areas under the Alliance’s influence through committee participation, project implementation on individual properties, and broad public education and awareness events. We oversaw cost-share projects that included design, permitting, and monitoring work, as well as conducted numerous workshops, field days, and watershed tours. Projects and educational efforts span both urban and agricultural residents, in addition to other target audiences. We were also responsible for all news media communications, land owner agreements, project success measures, and all aspects of federal grant reporting.
PROJECT TASKS
- Authored EPA/IDEM compliant Watershed Management Plan and Plan updates
- Conducted water quality and habitat assessments
- Created web-based map resources and pre-packaged educational resources
- Analyzed critical resources via GIS and field investigations
- Implemented landowner cost-share program and technical assistance
- Communicated with media and produced routine project communications such as newsletters and social media
- Engaged and coordinated multiple topical committees and the Steering Committee
- Coordinated with schools and parks departments on projects and educational initiatives
Trained Individual: Contractor Training and Certification Program
The Trained Individual Program is an annual event specifically targeted to those in the construction industry who regularly engage in earth work activities. The focus of the training is to help those in attendance: 1) understand the basic legal requirements for Rule 5 regulated construction sites.; 2) learn who is responsible for keeping the construction site in compliance with Rule 5 and the penalties for failing to do so; and 3) learn specific details on proper installation and maintaining the most common storm water best management practices (BMPs) used on construction sites. Our team is responsible for all aspects of workshop development and delivery, and often presents technical content as part of panel discussions or as formal session speakers. The agenda is strategically structured to ensure that topics progress similarly daily operations in the field and build upon themselves. Interactive program sessions insure that participants have opportunities for two-way communication and interactive learning from featured experts. The program is recognized and attended by professionals statewide. The certification elements including testing and maintenance of a Certified Trained Individual database that municipalities can consult when selecting contractors or engaging in enforcement actions. We have developed and maintained all program materials, and we administer the testing and certification on behalf of dozens of municipal clients.
PROJECT TASKS (On-going)
- Developed strategic program agenda to address the needs of those installing and maintaining stormwater best management practices
- Collaborated and developed educational materials and certification course manual for regional training of contractors and land developers
- Coordinated and delivered training/certification workshops, including agency, vendor and speaker coordination as well as recruitment, registration and participant evaluation
- Oversaw program communications, database management, and future event planning
Little River Watershed Diagnostic Study
The Little River Watershed encompasses approximately 141,000 acres in north-east Indiana. The watershed crosses four counties, includes very diverse land uses, and is home to important urban centers like the newly annexed Aboite area of Fort Wayne and the City of Huntington. The river’s headwaters are heavily influenced by urban stormwater from Fort Wayne, industrial discharges from gravel operations, and sediment and nutrient inputs from the eastern tributaries. Our team led the assessment of wetland restoration opportunities and riparian buffer characterizations that aided in the identification of key water quality recommendations and solutions. We also compiled an Institutional Resources Assessment of all area stormwater programs, conservation initiatives, and watershed partnerships to help guide SWCD personnel toward effective future cooperative efforts. Particular attention was paid to the complex and staggered efforts of various MS4 programs, as well as educational venues and strategic planning approaches associated with local watershed partnerships, including the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality and the St. Joe River Watershed Initiative.
PROJECT TASKS
- Developed project GIS to identify critical areas
- Conducted stream buffer analysis and water quality sampling
- Created wetland, soils, and floodplain planning maps to identify restoration opportunities
- Completed Institutional Resources Assessment for use in outreach planning
- Coordinated public education and outreach materials
Family Step Outside Program
Sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Education Center at Fort Harrison State Park, the FSO program sought to give local Indianapolis families an opportunity to experience new outdoor activities such as fishing, archery, horseback riding, and bird watching. The program was aimed at reaching families who would not otherwise have opportunities or resources to learn about the outdoors. Our staff was fully responsible for the coordination of all program elements and delivery. The main event included a day-long program with 11 concurrent instructional skills sessions and over 150 participants, while subsequent follow-up events targeted smaller groups of families participating in day-trips and hands-on implementation of new outdoor skills.
PROJECT TASKS
- Designed all program elements and coordinated event scheduling
- Recruited mentor and guest families
- Coordinated 20+ instructors, session materials, and equipment
- Developed and implemented all program marketing
- Facilitated event fundraising and donations
- Coordinated all event logistics, promotions, and media exposure
Big Walnut Creek Watershed Management Plan
The Big Walnut and Deer Creek watersheds encompass 270,000 acres in west-central Indiana. The primarily agricultural watershed is home to unique aquatic resources, regional agricultural initiatives, DePauw University, and several reservoirs. Our team lead the assessment and planning efforts necessary to set water quality improvement goals and complete a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan that meets Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 319 standards. The effort included stakeholder engagement from a variety of industries, state institutions, federal agencies, the Nature Conservancy, and the local Plan Commission. The final product identified several Best Management Practice (BMP) recommendations and has gone on to become the framework for conservation implementation in the area. The project continues to receive both state and local funding and has made such significant improvements in water quality that it is routinely pointed to as one of the region’s best examples of a watershed project success story.
PROJECT TASKS
- Authored EPA/IDEM compliant Watershed Management Plans
- Conducted water quality and habitat assessments
- Analyzed and mapped critical resources via GIS and field investigations
- Implemented landowner cost-share program and technical assistance
- Fostered and produced regular media communications and community event
- Develop creative public education and outreach programming for youth and adults
- Coordinated the Steering Committee and several topical subcommittees
Sue Crafton
Putnam County SWCD
Jeff Frey
Big Walnut