May 12, 2011

Being a good neighbor: The importance of community engagement

Developing and constructing a successful project is not only measured by meeting schedules and budget constraints. Chances are your success as a company was built upon the relationships you’ve developed and maintained in the communities that you serve. You may already recognize the importance of communicating your knowledge of, and respect for, the community in which you plan to develop your next renewable energy project; but are you making it a priority to engage the community from the onset of planning and development?

When community members are provided with quality information about your project, they can form more educated opinions, as opposed to reactions, and they may become more invested in the project’s overall success. Take the time to inform the community about your plans, and to listen to and consider their input. Simply demonstrating honesty and establishing trust may help simplify the development process and elevate your project to a higher level of success.

Take a Proactive Approach to Community Relations

A successful community engagement program should include diverse strategies to open up communication between the project developer and the community. The following are some ideas to connect with and engage the community on your next renewable energy project.

Educate yourself about the community

• What is the community’s main source of income?
• Become familiar with the local economic development board/community leaders, etc.
• Assess the ability, knowledge and leadership of the community, as well as the process they might have to go through with local government to get approval for permits, zoning and abatement.
• Consider how your project might positively affect the community.
• Are there local businesses whose skills may be utilized during planning, construction, or operation?
• Are there any sensitive environmental considerations in the area you plan to develop?
• Try to gain a sense of the community sentiment toward renewable energy projects.

Introduce yourself and your organization

• Create an “open house” event to introduce your project and provide background on your company.
• Provide information about the technology you will utilize on your project; where it is produced, potential for local content, how the technology will operate, and what impact the completed facility will have locally.
• Explain the economic benefits of the project to the community; identify existing infrastructure to be utilized, total investment, projected number of jobs and wages to build and operate.

Support the local economy

• Work with your builder to issue local subcontracts for appropriate scopes of work during construction.
• Spend locally at restaurants, hotels, and other services throughout each stage of your project.

Maintain community connectivity 

• Distribute informational materials about your project, including the benefits of renewable energy facilities to local economies and our society as a whole.
• Maintain a dedicated phone line to address community questions and concerns.
  Invite landowners and the public to any groundbreaking or dedication ceremonies you might hold.
• Post-construction, host an “open house” offering organized facility tours to community members.

Incorporate regular community outreach

• Incorporate important community infrastructure improvements as you develop your project when applicable. (Do roads surrounding the project need to be upgraded, new culverts installed, etc.)
• Reach out to a community’s youth by visiting local schools to make informational presentations about the renewable energy industry.
• Get involved with local charities, food drives, United Way, etc., donating time and financial resources.Get to know how community members receive information; which media channels are most effective?Make an effort to utilize the local labor force through construction, and for facility operations.
• Host or attend town hall meetings.

A proverb imparts the age-old wisdom, “First impressions are everything.” Remember that with each interaction you have with people in the community, whether it is answering questions, giving presentations, or dining at local restaurants, you are leaving an impression and impacting a relationship that will last for many years.

For more information about Mortenson’s Community Relations Plan contact: renewables@mortenson.com.