Case Study
With a new executive director, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) wanted to maximize the effectiveness of its internal and external communications.
DHM and the communications firm Stratcomm conducted a thorough audit of NACWA’s internal and external communications program and materials. Our assessment included: in-depth interviews with key stakeholders/industry partners and staff; opinion surveys with members and non-members; a digital and social media audit; and a media coverage analysis. We synthesized our data and analysis into a discovery report including short-term and long-term recommendations designed to help the association deliver on its mission.
NACWA’s board of directors received the report positively and, based on those recommendations, hired a full-time communications staff member in the fall of 2016. The national study positioned NACWA to better influence important advocacy initiatives like changes to the Clean Water Act and infrastructure funding. It also provided improved communications, identified improvements the association can bring to current members, and supported NACWA’s efforts to attract new members.
To support informed legislative decision-making, DHM partnered with the Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) to assess the infrastructure, financial, and operational needs of small and very small community water systems across the state.
Clean Water Services is the water resources management utility for more than 500,000 residents in urban Washington County, Oregon as well as for small portions of Multnomah and Clackamas counties.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization that helps Oregon ratepayers use less energy, save on energy costs, and move to renewable resources.