Given the rural location of the project, it was imperative that project communications set a clear tone and debunk misinformation about the purpose of the project. To develop a targeted outreach communication strategy, the team first needed to identify residents who were directly and indirectly impacted, primary as well as first and secondary stakeholders.   

By developing a list of primary stakeholders, including nearby residents and businesses, and secondary stakeholders, consisting of SMUSD, San Marcos Fire and San Marcos Sheriff, JPW Communications was able to effectively communicate information to these audiences in advance of construction. This strategy helped establish an open line of communication to share ongoing details about the project construction.  

The team also presented to the Twin Oaks Valley Planning Group to provide them with information about the project, timeline and upcoming construction.  

JPW Communications developed a postcard mailer for key stakeholders, residents and businesses to provide information about the project’s background and construction activity expectations. During the project, two overnight portal shutdowns were needed to successfully remove and install the water infrastructure. To avoid surprises related to the overnight shutdowns, JPW Communications canvassed in advance and provided eblasts to keep key stakeholders and other community members properly informed of the upcoming construction activity and potential impacts.  

The importance of the project prompted the team to establish a project phone line and email to allow all community members to submit their questions or concerns about the project or construction activity. JPW Communications funneled all public inquiries into a cloud-based system to track all communication during construction between the community and the Water Authority.