Community
Engagement
The Strategic Goal of Community Engagement is designed to position the MWRD as a critical community asset and to ensure that the MWRD is a responsible neighbor and inclusive business partner.
The MWRD is looking to develop and express consistent branding and messaging to all MWRD audiences and raise public awareness of the value of the MWRD’s work. We’re also looking to expand our partnerships and outreach engagement to new audiences by proactively working with community-based organizations and other external stakeholders. The Office of Public Affairs works with schools, universities, neighborhood groups, and government entities to help educate the public about our rich history and essential role in protecting Cook County’s drinking water supply source (Lake Michigan) and the environment. Through our growing physical and digital footprint, we aim to optimize all social media channels and pursue new ways to broaden our audience base.
Two ways the Office of Public Affairs is working toward these goals is by monitoring the success measures of “Increase social media followers (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube)” and “Website Metrics."
2023 Community Engagement Expansion through Social Media
Community Outreach Events
To expand partnerships, raise public awareness of the value of the MWRD’s work, and proactively engage with community-based organizations and other external stakeholders, staff from the Office of Public Affairs conduct presentations, participate in and facilitate outreach events and job fairs, and lead tours. For a complete listing of these events in 2023, please see 2023 Community Outreach Events.
Diversity Events
The MWRD is committed to diversity, inclusion, and participation as Minority-, Women-, Veteran-owned and Small Business Enterprises (MWVSBE) on MWRD contracts. MWRD Diversity events promote community engagement with the government and assist agencies that are partnered with the MWRD’s Diversity program. Each event is attended by a Diversity staff representative and members of the Board of Commissioners to assist in spreading the word about the MWRD’s mission and engage with these agencies.
2023 Events
| Date | Event |
| January 16 | Rainbow PUSH 33rd Annual MLK Celebration Breakfast |
| January 18 | Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Lunar New Year Dinner |
| February 14 | Hispanic American Construction Industry Annual Banquet |
| February 16 | City of Chicago's Construction Summit |
| April 18-19 | Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council’s 56th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair |
| April 19 | AACA 29th Annual Membership Gala Awards |
| May 2 | Chicago Urban League Summit |
| May 11 | Virtual Vendor Outreach Fair |
| June 7 | Federation of Women Contractors |
| TBA | City of Chicago Procurement Vendor Fair |
| TBA | Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Expo |
| TBA | In-Person Vendor Outreach Fair |
The information presented here is meant to provide context for this Strategic Goal and serves as a baseline for efforts going forward. We are still in the early stages of implementation; as we progress further through the Strategic Plan, we will provide more information as it becomes available.