National Training Workshop Summary Notes URBANWATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Overview The Urban Waters National Training Workshop was held October 17-19, 2018 in Washington, DC. Approximately 120 participants from federal, state and local levels attended. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on behalf of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, the workshop provided an opportunity for participants to participate in workshop sessions, listen to plenaries, network and discuss strategies for the future. The full agenda as well as other workshop materials are available online at: http://urbanwaters.skeo.com/. The workshop agenda was organized around three goals, which corresponded to the three breakout session tracks: Goal #1. Going Green - highlighted innovative green infrastructure practices and trends and offered insights for communicating the benefits of green infrastructure to others to gain support for implementation and long-term maintenance. The sessions also shared how communities and partners can develop green jobs and build capacity to become more resilient to natural disasters through community planning. Goal #2. Meaningful State and Community Engagement-highlighted success stories, partnership models and opportunities for meaningful engagement with state partners and offered tips for engaging with historically underrepresented populations in visioning and planning processes for urban restoration initiatives. Goal #3. Public-Private Partnerships - shared experiences on how to most effectively combine the strengths and resources of both the public and private sectors in actualizing urban water quality improvement goals. The sessions outlined the nuts and bolts of building mutually beneficial relationships between public and private entities to merge resources and catalyze investment for innovative approaches to partnership projects and programs. Post workshop evaluation surveys indicated that the workshop met or exceeded expectations. Participants shared that networking opportunities was the most valuable aspect of the workshop, along with breakout sessions on the future of the program as the close most valuable. This workshop summary provides an overview of the workshop sessions and key discussion topics. Links to all available presentations from the workshop are online here: http://urbanwaters.skeo.com/presentations/ and a direct link to a speaker's presentation is also provided in the summary below by clicking on any underlined speaker name. (If a name is not underlined, a presentation is not available). Additional resources shared by workshop participants are available at the end of the summary. Additional photographs from the workshop are available online here: http://urbanwaters.skeo.com/workshop-photos/. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes Wednesday, October 17, 2018 FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Welcome and National Training Workshop Overview Presenters: Vernice Miller-Travis, Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Equitable Development, Skeo; Bob Benson, Acting Branch Chief, Partnerships Program Branch, Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water/USEPA Opening remarks included a welcome and workshop overview, including workshop goals and desired outcomes and introduced the workshop's three themes: Going Green, Meaningful State and Community Engagement, and Public- Private Partnerships. • Office of Water leadership discussed the importance of the long-term future of the Urban Waters program and emphasized EPA's ongoing commitment to the Urban Waters program and the Federal Urban Waters Partnership. • Speakers noted that Urban Waters is positioned to collaborate with other program offices, including the watershed and environmental justice programs, and that these programs, through participation in this workshop, will be helping to shape the future of Urban Waters. Kickoff Federal Panel Presenters: John Goodin, Acting Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Office of Water/USEPA; Owen McDonough, Senior Science Advisor, Office of Water/USEPA; Ryan Nichols, Advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Water & Science/USDOI Federal agency leadership discussed how EPA, DOI and the Urban Waters Federal Partnership priorities align with Urban Waters priorities. Federal agency leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and its goals. • The discussion highlighted new, exciting opportunities to work across agencies, such as building relationships with high level political and career staff to work together on water policy and identifying a champion within each agency to help drive new opportunities to address urban waters. • Presenters shared stories that focus on economic revitalization, job creation, recreational access and community benefits that all align well with the new administration's priorities. • New opportunities are being pursued to improve Urban Waters through Green Infrastructure via the Green Infrastructure Network and a growing partnership with USGS. Environmental Justice Community Revitalization Council Presenters: Brittany Bolen, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy/USEPA; Matthew Dalbey, Director, Office of Community Revitalization/Office of Policy/USEPA; Matthew Tejada, Director, Office of Environmental Justice/Office of Policy/USEPA EJCRC includes agency senior leadership from programs and eco-regions, provides cross-agency leadership and interaction for both the EJ and community revitalization programs, and is currently focused on two initiatives: 1) cooperative federalism - work with states to integrate environmental justice considerations into their programs, and 2) community-driven solutions - listening and being responsive to community needs. The audience discussion focused on how to address gentrification and displacement following investment in urban waters communities. • While the tools available are not as mature as the problem, people on the ground need to be aware, very thoughtful and deliberate to center their efforts on community needs and address the community needs up front. • EPA intends that the work of this Council will better serve urban waters projects by breaking down barriers and pursuing the mutual objectives of advancing the mission of community revitalization and achieving greater environmental restoration outcomes. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 2 ------- URBANWATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP National Training Workshop Summary Notes Charting the Future of the Urban Waters Movement Presenters: Vernice Miller-Travis, Skeo (moderator); Jalonne White-Newsome. Senior Program Officer, Kresge Foundation/Environment Program; Melissa McCann Director, Arizona State University's University City Exchange; Diana Toledo, Leadership Development Director, River Network Speakers representing different viewpoints shared their perspectives on how to grow and sustain the movement for Urban Waters and foster successful and collaborative partnerships. • The discussion focused on the opportunities for funders to do the internal work around aligning their mission, staffing and grant making practice with principles of equity and justice. There remains much to be done on this front within the philanthropic sector. Indirect cost rates can be better addressed in grant funding. • Storytelling is an important vehicle for sustaining the movement. Training and resources are needed to support effective storytelling and remove barriers for sharing stories within federal agencies to better inform and educate internal audiences. • Universities and colleges may be an underutilized partner in some urban water communities, while in others there may be a lack of pass-through funding to the community or strained relationships between the academic institution and the community. Finding the appropriate role for universities and academic partners in the urban waters work can bring added benefits and support. • Partnership building is complex and unique to each place. Active networking happens in face-to-face settings but is resource intensive. Funders frequently don't recognize or fund the time and effort it takes to build collaborative relationships among new partners. Funders also get excited about supporting projects undertaken by larger, more established NGO's in underserved communities, but frequently don't fund the groups on the ground working in these communities. Therefore, housing affordability and anti-displacement strategies need to be a part of the urban waters restoration agenda. Ambassador Ceremony Presenter: Benita Best-Wong, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water/USEPA This session recognized the crucial role Urban Waters Ambassadors play in the Urban Waters Movement. Ambassadors posed for a group picture after the session host announced each Ambassador and provided short descriptions of their work. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 3 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Thursday, October 19, 2018 Plenary: How to Leverage Funding for Urban Waters Projects, Events and Activities Presenters: Patrick O'Rouke. Natural Resources Specialist, Georgia Power; Jill Erickson, Urban Waters Ambassador, Middle Blue River Urban Waters Partnership; Jodv Olson. Director Federal Relations, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Steve Heacock, Board Member, Grand Rapids Whitewater Facilitator: Vernice Miller-Travis, Skeo Panelists discussed effective strategies for identifying and securing project funding as well as tips for leveraging dollars for environmental projects and programs and for human resources. • Panelists discussed the details of working with corporations and the importance of establishing good relationships with private sector corporations not just seeking sponsors: o It is important to realize that urban waters projects are competing against an array of other non-profits asking for corporate funding. However, many companies have employees that are concerned about the environment and conservation, o It is best to involve other like-minded organizations when applying for funding and look for ways to collaborate with upstream partners (e.g. tribal communities interested in water quality and fishery restoration). • Speakers discussed the importance of having a clear vision for a proposed project with measurable outcomes and the need for building strong relationships with communities that you work with. Breakout Sessions 1A. Building Parks and Public Spaces for Resilient Communities Presenters: Kevin O'Hara, Vice President of Urban and Government Affairs, National Recreation and Park Association; Sara Powell. Urban Waters Ambassador, Bronx/Harlem Rivers Urban Waters Partnership; Stephan Nofield. Deputy Chief of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs, National Lead for Rivers, Trails and Conservation Programs, US National Park Service/DOl; Shaun Preston. Camp Small-Yard Master, Baltimore City Forestry Division Facilitator: Abu Moulta AN, EPA Speakers representing federal, national non-profit, and local Partnership perspectives addressed the many overlapping ways parks support community resiliency and quality of life. • Speakers discussed how to achieve recreational, environmental (stormwater) and economic uses of parks to enhance communities near urban waters. • Speakers shared examples of urban waters work underway in major urban centers that are leveraging quality of life improvements, water access and water quality restoration simultaneously. 2A. Sustaining Effective and Inclusive Local Urban Waters Partnerships Presenters: Tracy Stanton. Urban Waters Ambassador, Green-Duwamish Urban Waters Partnership, Seattle, WA; Sonia Ranqel, Chief Operations Officer, Corazon Latino Inc.; Ann-Marie Mitroff, River Program Director, Groundwork Hudson Valley, Co-coordinator, Urban Waters Learning Network, Groundwork USA; Adele Cardenas, Urban Waters Regional Coordinator, Region 6/USEPA Facilitator: Adele Cardenas, EPA This session discussed strategies for how to sustain the Urban Waters Partnerships. Speakers discussed how, once formed, an Urban Waters Partnership can provide an inclusive and self-perpetuating operating environment for all stakeholders. • Speakers stressed the importance of local partnerships and discussed how many projects quantify success with metrics, but it can be hard to quantify the results from building relationships and partnerships. • Environmental justice training should be incorporated at all levels of federal and local government. Look for ways to address longstanding inequities through urban waters projects as well as natural disaster recovery. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities 3A. Signature Project Case Study: 11th Street Bridge Project Presenter: Jessica Smith. Communications and Community Engagement Manager, 11th Street Bridge Park Project Facilitator: Vernice Miller-Travis, Skeo This session provided a case study of how the 11th Street Bridge Park project is coming to fruition. • The speaker discussed how the project is being financed and includes equitable development, anti- displacement and inclusion strategies. • This project is directly related to the implementation timeline of the Anacostia River restoration efforts. • The 11th Street Bridge project can provide many benefits, including the potential for a diverse community to come together and interact in the newly created community space. • There are concerns by local residents that this project could inadvertently lead to large-scale displacement in East of the River communities, but a land trust approach, workforce development and other anti- displacement efforts are incorporated into the design of this project to address those concerns head-on. IB. Green Jobs: Building Futures Presenters: Javme Brown. Jobs Plus Program Manager, HUD; Jeff Carroll. Vice-President, Humanim Construction Enterprises; Eric Letsinaer. CEO, Quantified Ventures (co-presenter with Jeff); Erika Svmmonds. Director, Workforce Development, GRID Alternatives; Adriana Caldarelli. Director, National Green Infrastructure Certification Program, Water Environment Foundation Facilitator: Abu Moulta AN, EPA Speakers discussed initiatives in urban watersheds that create green jobs and build green futures for communities. • Green-collar job are "family-supporting, career-track jobs that directly contribute to preserving or enhancing environmental quality," and are also part of the solution to fix two of the biggest problems in urban areas — namely, poverty and environmental justice. • Presenters discussed how clean-energy producers, green builders, eco-entrepreneurs, community educators, green-collar workers, and green consumers are creating new markets, new technology, new industries, and a new workforce. • Presentations provided examples of how job training programs, green infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships can support green workforce development. 2B. Achieving Water Equity: Challenges, Tools and Approaches Presenters: Everette Bradford. Program Analyst, DC Dept. of Energy and Environment (DOEE)/Urban sustainability Administration/Equity Taskforce; Darryl Haddock, Ambassador, Proctor Creek Urban Waters Federal Partnership, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance; Jill Witkowski Heaps. Director of Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic/Assistant Professor of Law at Vermont Law School, Vice-Chair, National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Facilitator: Jeanine Finley, EPA • Speakers discussed local and national examples of water inequities facing disproportionately impacted communities. • Speakers and the audience also shared and discussed approaches and tools to help address these long- standing challenges. • Speakers also shared strategies to achieve water equity and access, including better coordination among assistance programs and improved communication with the community recognizing a lack of shared language and that community needs may not align with a utility's long-term planning goals. • Speakers shared vibrant examples of dynamic efforts and tools including: NEJAC Water Infrastructure draft report, DOEE Equity Advisory Group, and Atlanta's rate payer assistance Conserve program. 3B. Role of Public Water Utilities: Partnering with EJ Communities Presenters: G. Tracy Mehan III, Executive Director of Government Affairs, American Waterworks Association; Michael Davis. Director of Environmental Justice and Service Equity Division, Seattle Public Utilities; Andy Kricun. Executive Director/Chief Engineer, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority Facilitator: Simone Depew, EPA • This session featured presentations and discussions regarding how utilities have addressed environmental justice challenges via local partnerships to increase quality of drinking water, wastewater and storm water management. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 5 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Speakers specifically addressed water challenges in economically distressed communities and discussed the concept that utilities should be community service advocates and environmental services advocates. Speakers discussed how utilities need to be proactive and work to ensure environmental justice in the communities they serve. Utilities should be aware of the needs of different communities and that they need to design programs, policies and services that serve all their customers, especially those at the bottom of the income scale. Historic inequities are often built into water utility systems, therefore, bringing a racial equity lens into the work of utilities is important. Ask yourself what is it that you're trying to solve, who are the stakeholders, how do we ensure racial equity in utility system decisions moving forward? Be sure to include EJ communities and others in this discussion, not just the project planning team, from the very beginning. More progressive utilities are working with WEF and EPA on the Clean Water Utility of the Future initiative to change the paradigm to make permit compliance the floor. Speakers shared the idea that there are additional things that utilities can do and should do, like community service, green infrastructure, water reuse, etc. Speakers explained that utilities need to design policies and services to serve all customers' needs and be weary of the fact that what works for one community might not work for another community. Additional resources: • Addressing Affordability as a Necessary Element of Full-Cost Pricing, G. Tracy Mehan III, Ian D. Gansler https://awwa.onlinelibrarv.wilev.com/doi/pdf/10.5942/iawwa.2017.109.Q132 • City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) https://www.seattle.gov/rsii • City of Seattle's Racial Equity Toolkit https://www.seattle.gov/civilriqhts/proqrams/race-and-social-iustice- in itiative/racial-eq u itv-tool kit • Government Alliance for Racial Equity - convening city state and local govts across the country to advance racial equity https://www.racialequitvalliance.org/ • 2016 EPA Report: Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs https://www.epa.qov/sites/production/files/2016-04/documents/dw-ww utilities cap combined 508.pdf Plenary: How to Measure and Show Success Presenters: Jennifer Lee. Director of Policy and Planning, Puget Sound Partnership; Justin Yee, Urban Waters Ambassador, Los Angeles CA Urban Waters Partnership; Erin Garnaas-Holmes. Urban Waters Ambassador, Anacostia DC Urban Waters Partnership Facilitator: Vernice Miller-Travis, Skeo Speakers shared effective metrics, data analysis and storytelling tools for communicating your Urban Waters story. Speakers shared ideas and discussed with the audience different practices that are effective in their locations, including: • The Puget Sound Partnership developed and utilizes "Vital Signs" as a process to synthesize and share information about the health of the Puget Sound. They are developing a collaborative information dashboard modeled after Lake Tahoe's monitoring dashboard, which is open source and can be used byanyone. • The Los Angeles River Watershed Story Map summarize years of effort in a community-friendly format that can track and display all the activities occurring in the urban waters project area. • The "Year of the Anacostia" is a collaboration among partners to celebrate and publicize the river. A story map created for the Anacostia Watershed provides a multimedia experience of the watershed and shows how perceptions of the river have changed overtime. The partnership is also exploring a new tool for interactive relationship mapping, which can be helpful to show how organizations are connected and better understand overlap and where connections could be strengthened. These tools can communicate the value of partnerships and collaboration and capture the impact of increased coordination and collaboration among partners as tangible outcomes. Additional resources: • Los Angeles River Story Map: https://univredlands. maps. arcqis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=3755b02029e3439f853db0df14848 f60 • Anacostia River Story Map: https://storvmaps.esri.com/stories/2018/anacostia/index.html • Relationship mapping tool: https://kumu.io/ 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 6 ------- URBANWATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP National Training Workshop Summary Notes Breakout Sessions 1C. Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management Presenters: Chris Bason. Executive Director, Delaware Center for Inland Bays; Harris Trobman, Green Infrastructure Project Specialist, University of District of Columbia; Stacev Eriksen, Urban Waters Regional Coordinator, EPA Region 8; Heather Ambrose. Project Manager, Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services; James Duncker. Hydrologist, USGS - Central Midwest Water Science Center Facilitator: Robert Goo, EPA This session shared research and successes in using green infrastructure for stormwater management to provide multiple community benefits. • It is important to maintain green infrastructure and build green infrastructure that fits individual communities and can achieve benefits beyond just better management of stormwater. • Design and maintenance of green infrastructure are critical to ensuring success of the practices. Many communities are designing green infrastructure practices to achieve co-benefits and not just manage stormwater. There are many opportunities to use green infrastructure and the suite of presentations illustrated the wide variety of applications that communities are utilizing green infrastructure for. 2C. Upstream-to-Downstream: Nutrient Challenges Presenters: Jeff Seltzer. Associate Director, Water Quality Division (WQD), DC DDOE; Amelia Letnes, Water Quality Trading Technical Expert, Office ofWastewater Management/OW/USEPA; Danielle Stephan, Watershed Based Permitting Technical Expert, Office ofWastewater Management/OW/USEPA; Adam Schnieders, Water Quality Resource Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Facilitator: Vince Bacalan, EPA This session addressed the many challenges of nutrient pollution of waterways, the possible solutions, and a few case studies. Discussion focused on: • Who has responsibility in watershed-based permitting and trading and the importance of community champions to coordinate efforts and shape outcomes. • The role of existing regulations versus non-regulatory approaches has varied among states, from a state driven approach to identify investments to reach nutrient reductions goals to federally driven nutrient goals. 3C. Lessons Learned: Best Practices for Public-Private Partnerships Presenters: Brian Van Wye, Associate Director, Regulatory Review Division, DC DOEE; Patrick O'Rouke, Natural Resources Specialist, Georgia Power; Adam Ortiz. Director, Prince George's County Department of Environment; Tedd Grain. Executive Director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Indianapolis Facilitator: Chris Orvin, EPA Speakers presented and discussed merging public and private resources to actualize environmental projects. The session addressed the benefits of engaging with private for-profit companies for job creation and environmental progress in low-opportunity communities near urban waters. Key strategies discussed included: • Involve communities and make sure that green infrastructure projects are installed where they are needed most. • Emphasize that environmental projects help business. • Involve communities and convey the importance of water and green infrastructure projects. • Leverage tax incentives and partnerships with regulators to achieve water quality, public health, environmental co-benefits and regulatory goals simultaneously. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 7 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Friday, October 19, 2018 Breakout Sessions ID. Building Capacity for Natural Disaster Planning, Response and Recovery Presenters: Monty C. Dozier. Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; Brandon Sweezea. Mitigation Programs Specialist, Grants Implementation Branch, Mitigation Division, FEMA; Brenda Torres. Director, San Juan Bay Estuary Program Facilitator: Noemi Mercado, EPA This session included presentations and a discussion of natural disaster preparedness, vulnerability and response. It showcased an online tool and highlighted the role of Estuary Programs. • The speakers presented useful resources, such as an ESRI app, that can be used for natural disaster preparedness. • The speakers talked about building redundancy in technology so that for example cell phones will still work during natural disasters. • The speakers also addressed FEMA grant applications and better training of local government (especially smaller jurisdictions) to better understand, navigate and access FEMA grant resources. 2D. Engaging States in Urban Waters Partnerships Presenters: Hamid Karimi, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Natural Resources Administration, DC DOEE; Anna Kasko, Senior Regulatory and Compliance Engineer, Maryland Department of the Environment; Greqorio Sandi, Chesapeake Bay Restoration Section Head, Maryland Department of the Environment; Adam Schnieders, Water Quality Resource Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Jacqueline Guild. Director of the Office of Environmental Policy, City of Annapolis; Claire Robinson. President and Managing Director, Amigos De Los Rios, CA Facilitator: Chris Orvin, EPA This session included a discussion of the significance of engaging and involving state agencies in local Urban Waters Partnerships. • Speakers discussed competition for scarce resources between states and the various state entities involved in urban water restoration and infrastructure improvements. State entities involved in urban waters include state departments of natural resources, water resources, agricultural, economic development, state parks, fire and forestry, transit and state bond initiatives. • Speakers recommended ways to make green infrastructure more approachable and accessible, which included adding elements of fun and creativity into infrastructure and thinking more broadly about green infrastructure as part of grey infrastructure. 3D. Economic Development and Equitable Land Development Presenters: Mike Galvin, Urban Waters Ambassador, Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership; Mandv Grieqo, Leader, Middle Rio Grande Urban Waters Partnership and HUD Analyst; Adam Kent. Senior Program Officer, LISC DC; Harold Pettiqrew. Executive Director, Washington Area Community Investment Fund Facilitator: Chitra Kumar, EPA This session included presentations and a discussion of innovative approaches to address vacant land in ways that support restoration and revitalization. The session also highlighted strategies for mitigating the effects of resident displacement in watershed area redevelopment. Speakers shared: • The history and current conditions ofthe Puebloan peoples and how they are developing vacant land in the Middle Rio Grande area into desired community resources including new health facilities while addressing the adverse legacy of heavy industry in and around these traditional communities. • Reclaiming and restoring vacant properties in Baltimore using equitable development principles that can have significant impact on improving stormwater management, the quality of Baltimore Harbor and local community quality of life, and the value of partnering with social enterprise and workforce development/materials recovery groups to achieve mutual objectives. • Community investment possibilities through inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building and equitable economic development east ofthe Anacostia River in D.C. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 8 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities The discussion focused on the community impact of long-term construction projects (such as transportation), the role of local land trusts in preserving local businesses and providing affordable housing, and tools like tax increment finance districts to make equitable investments. Plenary: The Need for Partnerships and the Future of the Urban Waters Movement Presenters: Roy Simon, Federal Analyst, USEPA; Ryan Nichols, Advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Water & Science/USDOI Lead Urban Waters Federal Partnership representatives discussed the future of the Federal Partnership, including a possible new self-affiliation approach and draft Urban Waters Futures Framework. The version of the Urban Waters Futures Framework discussed during the workshop is available to download here. Strategic Roundtable Discussions and Report Outs Moderator: Vernice Miller-Travis, Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Equitable Development, Skeo Participants joined roundtable breakout groups to review and discuss the draft Urban Waters Futures Framework and possible Affiliation Approach. A representative from each roundtable shared a recap of their table's discussion and recommendations on how the Urban Waters Futures Framework and Affiliation Approach can be successful for advancing the Urban Waters movement. Key discussion points include: Resource Support to UW Federal Partnership Ambassadors: • An understanding of EPA and other federal agency funding constraints • UW Federal and NGO partners are potential funding sources; perhaps they should have a required funding contribution • A local cost-share contribution may be appropriate • Financial workshops, tools and tips could help gain access to local funders • Federal technical assistance/liaison is important, and the UW Learning Network is seen as an effective delivery mechanism • The value of peer-to-peer assistance and mentoring among Federal Partnerships Expectations of Federal Partnerships Going Forward: • The Draft framework presented to the Workshop attendees proposed that Ambassadors' efforts should be guided by workplans, but not all Federal Partnerships have established a workplan. • Workplans are valuable for Federal Partnership success; a clear workplan template, with flexibility will support and fit differing local circumstances. • Greater standardization and modest minimum requirements can support "Branding" of the UW program and help propel the program forward. • Self-Sufficiency of Federal Partnerships is a goal, but few are currently well positioned to be effective without continued EPA/Federal Partnership funding and direct support. Affiliate Programs: Much discussion occurred relative to the draft strategic framework's objective of establishing an UW Affiliate Program. Key points included: • Without federal start-up funding, it will be important for Affiliate programs to be housed in existing local NGO, Academic, or other established organizations, who can pool resources from contributing public and private organizations. • Providing a start-up guide/flexible template for Affiliates would be valuable. • Offering limited federal funding to support development of more robust program proposals would be valuable. • Some noted an expectation that at least two UW Federal Partnership agencies would provide direct support/liaison service to Affiliate programs. • EPA needs to identify or develop compelling incentives for UW Affiliates. Supporting Local Goals: participants perceive a core feature and strength of the UW program is its support for locally- defined goals and objectives. In both existing and new Federal Partnerships and Affiliates, EPA and the Federal Partnership agencies can support local goals by providing: • Communication and facilitation support, • Access to federal agency and national NGO partner resources, • Models of successful inter-agency and public-private collaboration, and • Training, tips and assistance on ways to pursue local/regional funding resources. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 9 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Measuring, Communicating, and Sharing Successes: for long-term sustainability of the UW Federal Partnership, participants believe there is a need to: • Better document and communicate program successes. • Document a limited set of standard metrics, supplemented with local measures of success. • Engage and communicate successes with elected leaders (at all levels), and the Federal Partnership's agencies and NGO partners. • Share lessons learned within the Federal Partnership. Expanding Federal Partnerships: • With exception of acknowledgement/support for Rio Salado becoming the 20th Federal Partnership, there was little discussion of new Federal Partnerships. Discussions focused primarily on supporting existing Federal Partnerships/Ambassadors and starting up an UW Affiliate program. Bringing it Home and Closing Remarks Presenters: Bob Benson, Acting Branch Chief, Partnerships Program Branch, Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division, Office ofWetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water/USEPA; Vernice Miller-Travis, Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and Equitable Development, Skeo During closing remarks, speakers shared roundtable insights, discussed workshop highlights and shared appreciation for the opportunity to meet in person to grow partnerships and learn from each other. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 10 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Additional Resources Workshop participants submitted the following resources to share with others to support their urban waters efforts. Public Utility Resources (referenced during The Role of Public Utilities Session) • Addressing Affordability as a Necessary Element of Full-Cost Pricing, G. Tracy Mehan III, Ian D. Gansler https://awwa.onlinelibrarv.wilev.com/doi/pdf/10.5942/iawwa.2017.109.Q132 • City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) https://www.seattle.gov/rsii • City of Seattle's Racial Equity Toolkit https://www.seattle.gov/civilrights/programs/race-and-social-iustice- in itiative/racial-eq u itv-tool kit • Government Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE) - convening city state and local governments across the country to advance racial equity https://www.racialequitvalliance.org/ • 2016 EPA Report: Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs https://www.epa.qov/sites/production/files/2016-04/documents/dw-ww utilities cap combined 508.pdf Mapping Resources (referenced during How to Measure and Show Success Session) • Los Angeles River Story Map:_ https://univredlands.maps.arcqis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=3755b02029e3439f853db0df14848 J60 • Anacostia River Story Map: https://storvmaps.esri.com/stories/2018/anacostia/index.html • Relationship mapping tool: https://kumu.io/ Community Engagement Guide (referenced by DOEE during Water Equity Session) • Guide to Community-Centered Engagement in the District of Columbia This guide outlines some best practices for supporting equitable, community-driven planning processes and draws on lessons from a 2017-2018 Equity Advisory Group pilot project sponsored by the District's Department of Energy and Environment and the Georgetown Climate Center to support a neighborhood-scale climate and resilience planning effort in Washington, DC. https://www.qeorqetownclimate.orq/reports/communitv-centered-enqaqement-in-dc.html For more information about the Equity Advisory Group and this effort, please visit: https://www.qeorqetownclimate.orq/reports/conveninq-climate-resilience-equitv-advisorv-qroup-dc-ward-7.html Growing Sustainable Communities Conference • The Growing Sustainable Communities Conference is the largest and longest standing sustainability conference in the Midwest. Materials from this conference or future conferences may be of interest to urban water practitioners.. https://www.qscdubuque.com/ Federal Highway Administration Multimodal Resources • Case Studies in Realizing Co-Benefits of Multimodal Roadway Design and Gray and Green Infrastructure This report provides information to encourage agencies interested in making improvements to their pedestrian and bicycle networks that include green infrastructure and resiliency benefits., www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/multimodal green infrastructure • Accessible Shared Streets: Notable Practices and Considerations for Accommodating Pedestrians with Vision Disabilities This document reviews notable practices and considerations for accommodating pedestrians with vision disabilities on shared streets. It focuses on streets where pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles are intended to mix in the same space, www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/accessible shared streets/ • How to Develop a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan This guide presents an overview and framework to develop and implement a safety action plan to improve conditions for bicycling and walking. safetv.fhwa.dot.gov/ped bike/ped focus/docs/fhwasal7050.pdf 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 11 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities FHWA Guidebook on Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity This resource focuses on multimodal network connectivity and provides information for incorporating connectivity measures into the transportation planning process. Coming Soon - https://www.fhwa.dot.aov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/ City of Richmond: Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Improvement Study This report provides a detailed set of infrastructure improvement recommendations to enhance bicycle and pedestrian access to and from seven future Bus Rapid Transit stations along a 7.6-mile corridor in Richmond, Virginia. www.fhwa.dot.aov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/richmond nis/ Incorporating Qualitative Data in the Planning Process: Improving Project Delivery and Outcomes This report highlights emerging tools, techniques and resources forgathering qualitative public and stakeholder input to inform the planning process, improve project outcomes and contribute to streamlining project delivery., www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/aualitative data/ Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks The Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks guide is a design resource and idea book to help small towns and rural communities support safe, accessible, comfortable, and active travel for people of all ages and abilities. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/small towns/ Noteworthy Local Polices That Support Safe and Complete Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks This report provides local and State agencies with tools to develop policies that support the development of safe and complete bicycle and pedestrian networks for users of all ages and abilities. safetv.fhwa.dot.gov/ped bike/tools solve/docs/fhwasa17006-Final.pdf • Achieving Multimodal Networks: Applying Design Flexibility and Reducing Conflicts This resource highlights ways to apply design flexibility, while focusing on reducing multimodal conflicts and achieving connected networks. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/multimodal networks/ • Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning This paper outlines how equity is an important consideration for transportation officials working on developing connected multimodal systems. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/resources/eguitv paper/ • Incorporating On-Road Bicycle Networks into Resurfacing Projects This workbook provides recommendations for how roadway agencies can integrate bicycle facilities into their resurfacing program, www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/resurfacing/ • Bike Network Mapping Idea Book This resource highlights ways that communities have mapped their existing and proposed bicycle networks. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/bikemap book/ • Guidebook for Developing Pedestrian and Bicycle Performance Measures This guidebook is intended to help communities develop performance measures that can fully integrate pedestrian and bicycle planning in ongoing performance management activities. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/publications/performance measures guidebook/ • Community Connections Innovations Handbook Community Connections is about using transportation innovations, partnerships, and technologies to bring communities together and connect people to services and opportunities. This Handbook provides information and examples on the benefits of Community Connections projects, a Toolbox of innovative tools and strategies for practitioners, and case studies highlighting successful transportation projects in urban, suburban and rural communities. Coming Soon - https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/communitv connections/ 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 12 ------- URBANWATERS National Training Workshop Summary Notes FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities Integrating Shared Mobility into Multimodal Transportation Planning: Improving Regional Performance to Meet Public Goals This whitepaper summarizes experiences and perspectives from transportation agencies which are beginning to work on this topic and presents a framework for practitioners in regional transportation planning to understand their potential role in helping to shape a future where shared mobility will likely play a significant part. https://www.plannina.dot.aov/documents/SharedMobilitv Whitepaper 02-2018.pdf • Shared Mobility: Current Practices and Guiding Principles This primer provides an introduction and background to shared mobility; discusses the government's role; reviews success stories; examines challenges, lessons learned, and proposed solutions; and concludes with guiding principles for public agencies. The primer provides an overview of current practices in this emerging field and also looks toward the future in the evolution and development of shared mobility. https://ops.fhwa.dot.aov/publications/fhwahop16022/fhwahop16022.pdf • Smartphone Applications to Influence Travel Choices: Practices and Policies This primer provides an overview of current practices in this emerging field and looks toward the future in the evolution and development of smartphone applications for the transportation sector. https://ops.fhwa.dot.aov/publications/fhwahop16023/index.htm • Travel Behavior: Shared Mobility and Transportation Equity This primer proposes a 'STEPS to Transportation Equity' framework including: Spatial, Temporal, Economic, Physiological, and Social barriers, https://www.fhwa.dot.qov/policv/otps/shared use mobility equity final.pdf • Understanding Travel Behavior: Research Scan. Report No. FHWA-PL 17-025. This report presents a research scan of the state of knowledge in transportation to enhance understanding of travel behavior and various influencing factors on future travel. https://www.fhwa.dot.qov/policv/otps/travel behavior research scan.pdf For additional resources and information, please visit: • FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program -www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicvcle pedestrian/ • FHWA Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety - safetv.fhwa.dot.qov/ped bike/ • Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center - www.pedbikeinfo.org/ • FHWA Livabilitv-www.fhwa.dot.gov/livabilitv/ FHWA's Office of Human Environment releases a biweekly Human Environment Email Digest. This digest shares the latest information from a range of Federal and non-Federal sources, addressing transportation and its relationship to the human environment. Through this information exchange, FHWA hopes to foster dialogue at all levels and continue to further the state of the practice on these important topics in support of accelerated project delivery, technology and design innovation, and community revitalization. To subscribe, please visit: www.fhwa.dot.gov/livabilitv/he digest/. 2018 Urban Waters National Training Workshop Summary 13 ------- |