ICMA collaborated with ARCADIS, Stratus Consulting, the University of North Carolina, and Richard Atwater to identify and develop communication strategies and specific messages that utilities can use to gain support during their rate and budget approval process. To support the project, ICMA developed a survey instrument designed to collect information relative to water utility and governing board rate case communications. The survey was mailed to the chief administrative office (CAO) and chief elected official (CEO) in 6,194 municipalities across the country. Results from the survey helped guide the development of the Rate Approval Process Communications Strategy Toolkit and the Rate Communication Toolkit. These commmunication strategies and messages are complemented with a set of scalable and ready-to-use products to support utilities and governing boards throughout the process.

Funder:  Water Research Foundation

Contact:  Andrea Fox -- afox@icma.org