Lower Rio Grande Valley Economic Adjustment Plan (2010 - 2012)
The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council received a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to create a regional plan for the public works infrastructure and stormwater systems for four counties. In 2012, the project won an innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations for creative approaches to regional, community and economic development.
With years of experience working with different counties and groups in the Rio Grande Valley and developing regional plans, , OA was asked to lead the public outreach program and coordinate two committees with representatives of multiple entities. OA created a project evaluation methodology that was used by the committees to rank and select projects. OA helped facilitate the meetings of the Technical and Steering Committees. OA assisted with organizing and facilitating 14 public workshops and 2 rounds of public meetings in each county. Public information in English and Spanish was developed. OA produced newsletters, media advisories and meeting notes throughout the project. They developed a summary of all the public outreach efforts and a detailed project notebook that included the Steering and Technical Committees materials.
