The City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently reformulated its plan to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows in an initiative known as Blue­print Columbus. This $2.5 billion project aims to address sewer overflows at the source of the problem, mostly occurring on private property.  Community support of a capital improvement project is critical for obtaining the necessary resources, financial or otherwise, to ensure long-lasting success. With strong residential implications, DPU turned to RAMA to lead the community engagement activities.

RAMA’s ECO-Engagement Model (Educate, Consensus Build, and Outreach) ensured that Columbus residents understood the technical aspects of Blueprint as well as the potential benefits. A grassroots approach was coupled with more formal engagement, and when combined, resulted in a targeted and informed engagement conversation that developed community buy-in and support. The amount of community engagement conducted for Blueprint Columbus is arguably among the largest in the history of our city, with nearly 350,000 Columbus residences and businesses touched during the process.

RAMA’s ECO-Engagement Model (Educate, Consensus Build, and Outreach) ensured that Columbus residents understood the technical aspects of Blueprint as well as the potential benefits. A grassroots approach was coupled with more formal engagement, and when combined, resulted in a targeted and informed engagement conversation that ensured community buy-in and support. The amount of community engagement conducted for Blueprint Columbus is arguably among the largest in the history of our city, with nearly 350,000 Columbus residences and businesses touched during the process.