Proposal to Provide
Facilitation of a Strategic Plan for
City of Fort Bragg
Submitted by
Strategy Driver, Inc.
March 21, 2024
STRATEGY DRIVER
7015 Elverton Dr., Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 316-9657
www.strategydriver.com
March 21, 2024
City of Fort Bragg
Isaac Whippy, City Manager
416 N. Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
RE: Proposal for Facilitation of a Strategic Plan
Dear Mr. Whippy,
Strategy Driver is pleased to present the attached Proposal for Facilitation of a Strategic Plan for City of Fort Bragg. We look forward to meeting with you and your leadership team, the City Council, and other key stakeholders to discuss top priorities and opportunities on the horizon.
Our team, led by Ellen Cross, has extensive experience facilitating strategic planning projects with organizations throughout California including clients such as City of Oakley, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, Regional Water Authority, and San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District.
We believe Strategy Driver's collaborative strategic planning approach will greatly benefit the City based on our team's key strengths:
} Positive stakeholder outcomes are our priority. We have a solid reputation of leading diverse stakeholders to create common ground and successful outcomes with 100% unanimous approval for our strategic planning projects. } Our planning process is data-driven. We invest time at the beginning of the process to gather and analyze critical data relevant to the City's mission, strengths, opportunities, and challenges. This data drives development of a custom Strategic Planning Workshop so we may successfully collaborate to define the City's goals and objectives. } Our approach is efficient and consensus-building. We solicit formal City Council approval of the plan content as we progress through each step to ensure consensus along the way; maintaining a shared understanding throughout the planning process.
Strategy Driver's approach will result in an actionable Strategic Plan to guide the City, staff, and Council into the future with a shared vision and focused objectives. If you have any questions about our submittal, please do not hesitate to contact me at (510) 316-9657. I can also be reached via email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ellen Cross, President
Strategy Driver, Inc.
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 1
Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
Planning Approach
Strategy Driver proposes a strategic planning approach that begins with your identity as it stands today; gathers information from the City Council, Staff, and key stakeholders to identify issues, opportunities, and needs; and results in a plan that provides a vision for the City of Fort Bragg's future with actionable objectives and corresponding metrics.
Project Approach
Strategy Driver’s approach is based on our previous strategic planning experience as well as the specific circumstances of the City. Our approach is presented in four tasks, as shown in Figure 1 and discussed in detail below.
Figure 1. Strategy Driver Strategic Plan Approach
Strategy Driver was
instrumental in leading
and facilitating two very
important and critical
documents for the City
of Oakley. Ellen helped
develop a Governance
Guidelines + Protocols
Policy Framework
that our City Council
still uses to this day. I
also had the pleasure
of bringing Ellen
back after that project
to lead our Strategic
Planning efforts that
culminated in a our
Strategic Plan 27+
document that we are
currently implementing.
Ellen’s ability to bring
people together to find
common ground and her
overall professionalism
shined throughout both
projects and I would
highly recommend Ellen
and Strategy Driver to
anyone looking to obtain
her services.
Joshua McMurray
City Manager, City of Oakley
“
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 2
Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
Task 1. Gather Data
The first step in all Strategy Driver strategic planning efforts involves data gathering. It is imperative that quality data is collected at the outset of the process to inform the subsequent strategic planning meetings and City Council workshop. At the outset of the project, Strategy Driver will work with the City Manager to conduct an online survey of all strategic planning participants. This survey will provide critical insight that enables Strategy Driver to facilitate quality conversations during strategic planning meetings and interviews with the City Council.
As a part of Task 1, Strategy Driver will:
} Attend a City Council meeting to share the strategic planning process (remote) } Develop a survey for all strategic planning participants (online) } Meet with the City Manager and staff to flag issues for discussion (remote) } Conduct interviews with City Council to identify priorities (via telephone) Data gathering is conducted remotely for efficiency and as a cost-saving strategy. The City Council Workshop will be conducted in person, unless otherwise directed by the City Manager.
Task 2. Analyze Results
Task 1 activities will generate a wealth of data for Strategy Driver and the City to consider. Task 2 involves consolidation and sharing of these data with staff.
As a part of Task 2, Strategy Driver will:
} Consolidate and analyze data
} Group data into categories that will begin the framework for the Strategic Plan } Conduct meetings with staff to report data before and after the City Council Workshop
Task 3. Conduct City Council Workshop
After the data are analyzed, they will be presented to the City Council at an in-person Workshop. We anticipate this workshop will take one full day.
As a part of Task 3, Strategy Driver will:
} Conduct City Council Workshop (in person) to:
Î Review data results
Î Consider updating the City's Mission Statement
Î Define a Vision for the future
Î Identify today's shared Values
Î Develop Goals to deliver on the City's Mission and Vision Î Develop Objectives to deliver on the Goals
1 2
3 Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 3 Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
The City Council Workshop produces the essential content for the Strategic Plan document. We are collaboratively writing the plan as we go, confirming buy-in along the way, which is both effective and time-saving.
Task 4. Develop Strategic Plan
Task 4 results in the final Strategic Plan. As part of Task 4, Strategy Driver will:
} Consolidate City Council Workshop results including Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, and Objectives into a draft Strategic Plan document } Collaborate with City staff to craft the narrative portions of the document (e.g., introduction, process description, acknowledgments) } Solicit and incorporate comments from the City Council Members } Present final plan to the City Council
The final document will be professionally formatted using graphics software with a focus on simplicity and readability.
Task 5. Project Management
A fifth task is reserved for project management activities including monthly remote meetings with the City Manager.
The City's final Strategic Plan document will be professionally designed and easy to read, like the example above from Strategy Driver’s engagement with Ironhouse Sanitary District which was recognized with awards from the California Water Environment Association (2021) and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (2022). 4 Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 4 Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
Schedule
Strategy Driver anticipates that the City may complete the strategic planning process in as little as 4 months, with the final plan delivered at subsequent City Council meetings for review and approval. Below is a preliminary schedule that assumes an expected April 1, 2024 start date. This draft schedule reflects an aggressive approach to complete the process, understanding that dates may be shifted to accommodate the availability of key participants.
Cost Estimate
Estimated costs for the scope described are shown below. The estimates are on a time and materials basis of Ellen Cross' billing rate at $290/hour and Maria Pascoal at $225/hour.
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 5
Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
Strategy Driver, founded by Ellen Cross, provides strategic planning, strategic implementation, and business consulting services. For more than 30 years, Ellen has represented architecture, environmental, and engineering organizations to broaden their client markets with a big picture approach while implementing strategic programs that translate into business growth. Ellen has served as in-house Regional Operations Director, Strategy Officer, and Development Director for several established industry-leading firms prior to incorporating Strategy Driver, where she serves both private industry and public agencies.
For this project, Strategy Driver will be supported by Minds Illustrated.
Minds Illustrated is a strategic communications firm serving engineering and scientific clients in California. Minds Illustrated works with state, regional, and local agencies to successfully communicate with stakeholders and the public. Maria Pascoal operates as Minds Illustrated's sole proprietor, providing graphic design, public outreach, strategic planning, and technical writing.
Team Qualifications and Experience
Ellen Cross, Executive Facilitator, has more than
30 years of experience in California creating
innovative solutions for visioning, goal setting,
and achievement of sustained organizational
success. Her understanding of governance, funding,
stakeholders, technical and regulatory perspectives
in the one-water industry is key to understanding
challenges and opportunities. She has successfully
facilitated strategic planning for public agencies and professional associations including the examples below.
} Facilitation of Regional Water Authority’s (RWA) strategic plans over the past 15 years spanning three Executive Directors and supporting 20 Sacramento-area water agencies and Regional San. The most recent Strategic Plan was published in 2020.
} Facilitation of El Dorado Water Agency’s Strategic Plan and development of key communication collateral including new website About Strategy Driver
Ellen facilitated the
development of a
Strategic Plan for our
District that exceeded our
expectations! She was
able to guide staff, the
Board of Directors and
external stakeholders
to create a masterpiece
framework. Through
her inclusive style, she
helped the District
strengthen partnerships
between the District
and our community
stakeholders.
Tyson Zimmerman,
Assistant General Manager,
Ironhouse Sanitary District
“
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 6
Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
design and content, brochures, and facilitation of their Inaugural Plenary with more than 30 local, regional, state, and federal thought leaders and partners.
} Facilitated PV Water's Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Alternative and Paso Robles Groundwater Basin GSP working with stakeholders in developing a strategic approach.
} Facilitation of strategic plans for industry organizations including Delta Stewardship Council’s Science Program, Water Education Foundation, and Association of California Water Agencies.
} Facilitation of City of Oakley’s Governance Guidelines & Protocol Policy Framework followed by a focused Strategic Plan to align the Board and Staff.
Ellen has facilitated successful outcomes with a track record of 100% unanimous approval from Council and Board members in her 30-year history of facilitating and developing Strategic Plans.
Maria Pascoal is a visual artist and strategic
communications professional with 22 years of experience with communications for engineering and scientific clients.
Having designed hundreds of outreach materials such as
brochures, annual reports, and presentations, Maria will provide graphic design for the final Strategic Plan. She will also serve as a writer for the plan document which will be informed by her 19 years as a consultant with a national water resources firm serving clients such as the California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento County, and several Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. Her unique perspective allows her to facilitate meaningful discussion and capture the essence in writing. Maria collaborated previously with Ellen on Strategic Plans for San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, City of Oakley, Calaveras County Water District, and Ironhouse Sanitary District. She and Ellen also worked successfully together on the Paso Robles Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan when Maria provided graphics and writing support.
Recent Experience
Ellen and Maria offer examples of recent strategic planning work they completed together below.
} Development of a long-term framework in the form of a Strategic Plan for the City of Oakley’s thoughtful growth, safe and healthy neighborhoods, vibrant open spaces, and collaborative engaged partnerships that will benefit current and future residents and businesses.
} Facilitation of Ironhouse Sanitary District’s Strategic Plan. } Facilitation of Calaveras County Water District’s (CCWD) Strategic Plan where they have endured nine General Managers over a 20-year span. Ellen and As one of five
Groundwater
Sustainability Agencies
(GSAs) in the Paso
Robles Groundwater
Basin, the County of
San Luis Obispo had
the opportunity to
work with Ellen Cross
of Strategy Driver, Inc.
on development of a
Communication &
Engagement (C&E)
Plan for the Paso Robles
Basin Groundwater
Sustainability Plan
(GSP). With rapid
response, Ellen
developed the C&E
Plan and swiftly began
designing the outreach to
“Fast Launch” a series of
Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act
(SGMA) workshops to
engage the GSAs and
Interested Parties on the
GSP development process.
Her communication
style encouraged a
results-driven process
to minimize barriers
and promote progress
towards meeting the
SGMA requirements
while conveying
meaningful benefits to
the community at large.
Angela Ruberto,
Water Resources Engineer/
GSA Staff, Department of
Public Works, County of San
Luis Obispo
“
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 7
Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
Maria facilitated the planning process with their Executive/Management Team and Council of Directors who are responsible for water, wastewater, and hydropower services.
} Recently facilitated the strategic planning process for Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency and received Board approval of the Agency’s final Strategic Plan document.
} Recently completed facilitation of the strategic planning process for San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, with the final Strategic Plan approved in November 2023.
Resumes for Ellen and Maria can be found on the following pages.
I recommend Ellen above all others for organizations that need a strategic plan…She is outcome focused and makes it happen, but most importantly, she makes sure the plan works for all of the participants. Ellen does her homework by asking the right questions in stakeholder interviews, a skill which benefits from her long experience in the water sector and successful creation of many strategic plans. She thinks through the details, makes sure she understands where conflict may occur and offers ideas on how to resolve conflict with win-win solutions.
Jim Peifer, Executive Director, Regional Water Authority “
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 8
Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
[email protected]
(510) 316-9657
SKILLS
• Governance frameworks
for water and flood
agencies
• Strategic plan
implementation and
metric tracking
• Executive facilitation
• Strategic
communications
• Strategies for emerging
water (SGMA) and
flood (Sea Level Rise)
initiatives (funding,
stakeholder, policy)
EDUCATION
BS, Political Science
University of Oregon
Eagleton Institute of
Politics
Rutgers University
EXPERIENCE IN THE
INDUSTRY
30+ years
AWARDS
California Association of
Sanitation Agencies
California Water
Environmental Association
Floodplain Management
Association
National Center for
Employee Ownership
Society of Marketing
Professionals
ELLEN CROSS
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Ellen Cross focuses on communication, strategic planning and facilitating high stakes initiatives in the areas of water scarcity, sustainable groundwater, climate adaptation, flood protection, water resources and natural resources fields. Ellen drives diverse stakeholders forward to develop and realize shared vision and success.
Ellen Cross has more than 30 years of experience in the California water and environmental science industry creating successful innovative solutions through forums for vision, collaboration, and achievement. Ellen brings a largescale view of proven strategic and tactical approaches to develop outcomes that meet multi-party objectives. Beginning her career on Capitol Hill leading workshops on anti-terrorism, global environmental issues and narco-trafficking under the auspices of the United Nations and United States Information Agency, Ellen has a history of creating neutral forums to work on critical issues where communication and leadership are key to moving complex issues forward.
In the area of emerging challenges, Ellen has successfully facilitated groundwater forums for Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) for Paso Robles Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), Sacramento Central Groundwater Authority (SCGA) GSP, Santa Cruz Mid County GSP, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (Prop 1) and SCGA (Prop 68) grants. Ellen has facilitated initiatives that envision diverse interested parties success goals and operationalizes the tactics to achieve results holistically on policy, governance, political, funding, institutional and technical goals to ensure sustained success.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (2023-present) Ellen partnered with the District’s new General Manager, staff, and Board to update the organization’s mission, vision, and values to better reflect who they are today. Engaged staff and Board to clarify current opportunities and challenges and collaborated to proactively envision the District’s future in a Strategic Plan. Currently developing Communication & Engagement Plan to support implementation of the Board's strategic priorities.
San Joaquin County Department of Public Works Mokelumne River Integrated Conjunctive Use Project (MICUP) (2023-present) Ellen conducted outreach with partner agencies, surveyed and interviewed key interested parties, and facilitated a workshop for the multi-agency Project Planning Committee, culminating in a Partnership Charter Agreement signed by more than 20 parties as MICUP partners. Ellen is currently developing a Communications & Engagement Plan to provide strategies for continued proactive outreach to interested parties for the duration of the project.
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 9 STRATEGY DRIVER Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Strategic
Plan (2023) Ellen worked closely with the Board
of Directors and executive team to envision a path
forward with a Strategic Plan as the Agency and its
General Manager launched construction of one of their
largest water resources projects to-date, the College
Lake Integrated Resources Management Project.
Sacramento Water Forum (WF) Executive Facilitator
for the Water Caucus Renegotiation with the
Public, Environmental, and Business Caucuses
(2022-present) Ellen is facilitating 22 water agencies
who have Purveyor Water Agreements with the WF in
renegotiating the 30-year WF Agreement that expires in
2030. This Agreement was initiated after many years of
gridlock due to lawsuits and has enabled the interested parties to manage within shared parameters to provide
a reliable and safe water supply for the region’s
economic health and planned development to the year
2030; and preserve the fishery, wildlife, recreational, and aesthetic values of the Lower American River.
City of Oakley Executive Facilitation and
Development of a Governance Framework and
Strategic Plan (2021-2022) Ellen was contracted by
the Interim City Manager to facilitate one of the most
challenging local government issues in Northern
California. With four City Council Members and five
Staff Executives under review from the Fair Political
Practices Commission, Ellen was contracted to work
with Executive Staff, City Council and the Public to
develop a Governance Guidelines and Protocol Policy
(GGPP) to return the City to functional governance.
Ellen facilitated and developed the GGPP which
resulted in unanimous approval. As part of the GGPP
implementation, Ellen was contracted to facilitate
and develop a unifying Strategic Plan (SP) to define
common goals, create common ground, and define
roles and responsibilities in partnership. The SP also
was voted on unanimously to provide a path forward
and promote trust and transparency.
Mendocino County Water Agency Redevelopment
during Drought Emergency Executive Facilitation
and Feasibility Report (2022) During one of
Mendocino County’s driest years, Ellen provided
Executive Facilitation and Stakeholder Assessment as
an emergency drought response when local residents
and businesses were under water restrictions and local
governments were trucking water as far as 60 miles
away. Ellen facilitated the Board of Supervisors;
County Divisions, Cities, Regional Water Providers,
Tribes, Chamber of Commerce, Environmental NGOs,
and State and Federal Representatives and Legislators
to evaluate value, governance, staffing and financial
mechanisms to reinstate a Water Agency for one of the
States most disadvantaged counties.
Ironhouse Sanitary District Strategic Plan 2022-
2027+ (2021) Collaborated with District management
and Board of Directors to develop a Strategic Plan.
Hosted a series of workshops that included local
stakeholders such as city and county officials,
neighboring water districts, and the local fire
protection district. Co-authored the final Strategic
Plan document that was unanimously adopted by the
Board in 2021.
Calaveras County Water District Strategic Plan
2021-2026+ (2020) Collaborated with District
management, Board of Directors, and consultant
team to develop a refreshed mission and vision for
the organization and its Strategic Plan. Assisted with
development of core values, goals, and objectives via
remote working meetings. In collaboration with the
project team, designed and distributed a stakeholder
survey to gather information for the Plan. Conducted
Board of Directors workshops to ensure Board
participation and support resulting in a final Strategic Plan that was unanimously adopted in 2020.
Paso Robles Basin Groundwater Sustainability
Plan (GSP) (2018) Ellen was contracted through
Montgomery & Associates, Inc. to lead the public
engagement and facilitation for the Paso Robles
Basin GSP. Ellen supported the five Groundwater
Sustainability Agencies (GSA): Paso Basin – County
of San Luis Obispo GSA, City of Paso Robles GSA,
San Miguel Community Services District GSA, and
Shandon–San Juan GSA, Heritage Ranch Community
Services District GSA. Ellen co-authored the
Communication & Engagement Plan and Survey,
facilitated five Informational “Fast Start” and
Cooperative Committee meetings within 5 weeks,
developed bilingual postcards, and identified
disadvantaged community outreach, Native American
outreach, as well as an overall engagement to more
than 500 Interested Parties.
ELLEN CROSS, STRATEGY DRIVER
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 10 STRATEGY DRIVER Sacramento Central Groundwater Authority (SCGA)
Executive Facilitation for Strategic Plan 2023+,
Prop 68 and GSP (2019 to 2021) Ellen served as Senior
Facilitator and Strategist to lead a 16-member Board
of Directors representing 9 public agencies, 2 private
water purveyors, and agriculture and residential
water users through a process to develop a 5-year
Strategic Plan. Recognizing that governance, funding
and project implementation are key to sustainability,
the SCGA embarked on an all-encompassing reevaluation of their decision-making, priority goals and project implementation strategy. The plan addressed
governance in considerations of its Joint Power
Authorities developed in 2006 and priority goals. She
also facilitated the five GSAs of the South American
Subbasin on a Prop 68 grant (awarded) and their one
shared GSP.
Various Clients Groundwater and Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Executive
Facilitation + Strategic Communications
(2005-present) Ellen has served as a Senior Facilitator and Strategic Communications Advisor for private
industry consultants that focus on groundwater
challenges from a broad range of perspectives
including: technical, environmental compliance and
permitting, and specific basin stakeholder concerns.
Scope has included developing strategy and approach
for pursuing groundwater and SGMA related projects
for Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) grants and
public facilitation including: strategic planning to
capture Fox Canyon SGMA, Mid Kaweah, Tulare, Irvine
Ranch Water Agency, Kings Canyon, Department of
Water Resources, San Luis Obispo, and Sacramento
Water Forum.
San Juan Water District (SJWD) Strategic Planning
+ Executive Facilitation (2017-March 2018) Ellen led
SJWD in developing the approach and facilitating
SJWD’s Board of Directors, Executive Team and
Directors in developing their first strategic plan. Ellen led the team, which includes a new General Manager
and new Board Director to align priorities and goals to optimize SJWD’s existing operations while anticipating
state and federal water policy that may impact their
retail and wholesale customers. The Strategic Plan
2022 received unanimous approval.
Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD)
Facilitation for Strategic Plan 2023+ (2018-2019)
Ellen facilitated SSWD’s 5-year Strategic Plan process
working with more than 70 stakeholders on its most
robust Strategic Plan in the history of the agency.
Working with SSWD’s executive team, managers
and all staff in addition to its 5 member Board, Ellen
facilitated a comprehensive and integrated process
to develop SSWD’s mission, vision, core values,
goals and strategic priorities with an early start on
the companion Implementation Plan. This process
included 98% participation of the District at all levels to create alignment and ownership for successful
execution with unanimous approval by the Board.
Regional Water Authority Strategic Planning
and Implementation Support (2005-2020) Ellen
lead RWA’s 2025+ Strategic Plan and has led two
former strategic planning processes (2005, 2013)
for 15 years under the direction of three different
Executive Directors receiving unanimous approval
from a 22 agency-member board. She developed
program process, surveys, and facilitation followed by
assistance to implement focused objectives including
educating members through the creation of The RWA
Forum: An Advanced Discussion on Emerging Water
Issues. The RWA Forum was developed and led by SDI
to educate RWA members on relevant water topics.
Ellen also supported RWA as Water Resources Team
Leader for Sacramento MetroChamber’s Cap to Cap,
and led discussions with legislators on the priority
water issues in Sacramento.
Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
2016/17 and 2018/19 Strategic + Business Plan
Ellen facilitated both the 2016 and 2018 ACWA Board
of Directors to determine the Vision and Priorities
for the Strategic and Business Plan. The 36 Directors
and Committee Chairs participated in a one-day
workshop to review existing priorities and envision
new priorities for both policy and organizational
goals. Ellen led a process that prioritized critical
and bold goals to be implemented over a 2-year
period. Ellen also led the participants though an
activity that monetized the priorities to create an
outcome that could be operationalized for successful
implementation.
ELLEN CROSS, STRATEGY DRIVER
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 11 Strategy Drives Results
STRATEGY DRIVER
[email protected]
(916) 834-1166
SKILLS
• Strategic Communications
• Strategic Planning
• Public Outreach
• Graphic Design
• Technical Writing
EDUCATION
B.F.A., Graphic Design
University of the Pacific
Technical Writing and
Communication Certificate
U.C. Santa Cruz Silicon Valley
Extension
Facilitation Training,
American Water Resources
Association
EXPERIENCE IN THE
INDUSTRY
22 years
AWARDS
California Water Environment
Association-San Francisco
Bay Section, Community
Engagement and Outreach:
Project of the Year for the
Ironhouse Sanitary District
Strategic Plan
Public Relations Society of
America, California Capital
Chapter Influence Award
for California Department of
Water Resources Stakeholder
Communication and
Engagement Guidance
Document
MARIA PASCOAL
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Maria Pascoal is founder and owner of Minds Illustrated, a strategic communications firm specializing in public outreach, strategic planning, graphic design, and technical writing. She has 22 years of experience with communications for engineering and scientific clients in the California water resources industry. She combines industry knowledge with technical and creative expertise to produce clear, effective communications for her clients, their stakeholders, and the public.
Maria has produced hundreds of outreach materials such as brochures, guides, infographics, and presentations and has assisted with development of dozens of strategic documents such as Groundwater Sustainability Plans, Strategic Plans, Integrated Regional Water Management Plans, Communication and Engagement Plans, Executive Summaries, and Annual Reports. Ms. Pascoal has expert knowledge in graphics software including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. In 2017, she completed a University of California Extension Certificate in Technical Communications, including extensive coursework related to technical documentation, usercentric design, and visual systems.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (2023-present) In partnership with Strategy Driver, Inc. (SDI), assisted with facilitation of workshops with the District's Board of Directors for development of a Strategic Plan. Co-authored and provided graphic design for final Plan document.
Currently providing the District with graphics support and partnering with SDI to develop a Communication & Engagement Plan.
San Joaquin County Department of Public Works Mokelumne River Integrated Conjunctive Use Project (MICUP) (2023-present) In partnership with Rincon Consultants, Inc., developed and conducted a survey of interested parties to inform facilitation of a multi-agency workshop that resulted in the Partnership Charter Agreement signed by more than 20 parties as MICUP partners. Currently assisting with development of a Communication & Engagement Plan that will provide strategies for continued proactive outreach to interested parties for the duration of the project.
Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Strategic Plan (2023) In partnership with SDI, worked closely with the Board of Directors and executive team to envision a path forward as the Agency and its General Manager launched construction of one of their largest water resources projects to-date, the College Lake Integrated Resources Management Project.
Proposal to Provide Facilitation of a Strategic Plan 12 STRATEGY DRIVER City of Oakley Strategic Plan 2027+ (2022) In
partnership with SDI, developed a framework for
the City’s strategic and thoughtful growth, safe and
healthy neighborhoods, vibrant open spaces, and
collaborative engaged partnerships with a sustainable
organization that will benefit current and future
residents and businesses. Co-authored and led
graphic design for the final Strategic Plan.
Texas Floodplain Management Association
newsletter, Texas Flood Today (2021-current)
Assisted the TFMA Communications Committee
with re-design and publication of the quarterly
newsletter. Provided new design template, assisted
with technical editing for contributor submissions,
and published final document for all 2021 and 2022
newsletters. Work ongoing.
Ironhouse Sanitary District Strategic Plan 2022-
2027+ (2021) Collaborated with District management,
Board of Directors, and SDI to develop a Strategic
Plan. Co-hosted a series of workshops that included
local stakeholders such as city and county officials,
neighboring water districts, and the local fire
protection district. Co-authored and led graphic
design for the final Strategic Plan document that was
unanimously adopted by the Board in 2021.
Calaveras County Water District Strategic Plan
2021-2026+ (2020) Collaborated with District
management, Board of Directors, and consultant
team to develop a refreshed mission and vision for
the organization and its Strategic Plan. Assisted with
development of core values, goals, and objectives
via remote working meetings. In collaboration
with the project team, designed and distributed a
stakeholder survey to gather information for the Plan.
Provided materials for and helped conduct Board of
Directors workshops to ensure Board participation
and support. Provided graphic design for the final
Strategic Plan that was unanimously adopted by the
Board in 2020.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Sustainable Groundwater Management Program
Communications Support (2016-2020) Provided
communications support including graphic design for
DWR’s implementation of Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act (SGMA). Collaborated with DWR
program team and consultant team to develop
graphics communicating SGMA requirements to local
agencies and the public. Assisted with development
of the best management practices and guidance
documents for Groundwater Sustainability Plan
(GSP) development, including the Stakeholder
Communication and Engagement guidance
document. Assisted with development of GSP
Emergency Regulations Guide. Created technical
and conceptual illustrations used in outreach
presentations and printed materials.
Atascadero Basin Groundwater Sustainability
Plan (2016-2022) Led development of an online communications portal for local agencies to engage their constituents and track public outreach
activities supporting GSP development. Authored
Communication and Engagement Plan for GSP
development and co-authored Executive Summary
when GSP was complete. Provided graphics to
support successful basin boundary modification
request to DWR. Updated website as needed to reflect
most recent SGMA activities. Developed stakeholder
outreach materials such as FAQ, postcards, and
newsletters.
Sacramento County Small Communities Flood
Risk Reduction Feasibility Studies (2019) Assisted
with public relations materials related to the
implementation of Small Communities Flood Risk
Reduction grants in the Delta Legacy communities
of Courtland, Hood, Locke, Walnut Grove, and
Ryde. Designed Small Communities logo to create
continuity throughout program implementation.
Wrote content for and designed postcards used for
public outreach. Assisted with creation of an ArcGIS
StoryMap for each community.
Paso Robles Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability
Plan (GSP) (2018) Conducted public outreach and
community engagement as part of the consultant
team for the five Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
in the Paso Robles Subbasin responding to SGMA.
Co-author of Paso Robles Subbasin Communication
and Engagement Plan. Assisted with planning
and execution of public meetings and workshops.
Developed a variety of outreach materials including
presentations, mailers, and handouts.
MARIA PASCOAL, MINDS ILLUSTRATED