Public Engagement for the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) Projects: Developing a Consistent Public Engagement Theme for Seemingly Unrelated Projects Spanning Multiple Rivers and Counties

Given the multitude of projects led by various partners in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC), there arose challenges in communicating and engaging the public to comprehend the interconnectedness of these initiatives. In response, AOC partners devised a community engagement model, focusing on four key elements: Commit to Partnership, Play to Strengths, Invest in the Model, and Center Equity and Justice. In 2020, these partners formalized their collaboration as the Waterway Restoration Partnership (WRP), introducing a unified brand and communication resources to ensure clear messaging across all AOC initiatives. Learn how the WRP fostered public participation through an engagement framework, defining roles for Community Partners, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), and the WRP Communications Work Group.