Design and Implementation
Ross Strategic works with clients at foundations, government agencies, and elsewhere to design, develop, implement, and improve both short- and long-term initiatives. Our analysis and facilitation supports a “Plan, Do, Check, Act, Adapt” framework as we help clients plan strategically, learn from experience and input, assess and understand performance, and improve over time. We work with clients to ensure that program architecture aligns with clear and compelling goals and a results-based management framework.
Related Projects
Water Utilities as Anchor Institutions
Starting in 2019, Ross Strategic began work with EPA’s Office of Water and Office of Community Revitalization to explore the ways in which utilities are able to positively impact the social, economic, and environmental context of their communities. From conversations with utility leaders across the country, the team developed a new report, “Water Utilities as Anchor Institutions: Impacting the social and economic fabric of communities and regions,” detailing how utilities are leveraging operations and investments to increase economic health, inviting community involvement, and providing active civic leadership to meaningfully contribute to the wellbeing and character of the community. In addition to the report, Ross helped EPA plan and host a webinar on April 30, 2020 with utility leaders sharing their experiences as anchor institutions. To watch the webinar click here, or view the slides here.
Incorporating Sustainability Criteria into Decision Making
Working with the EPA Office of Water, Ross Strategic developed an Augmented Alternatives Analysis process (AAA) for small to medium size water utilities faced with making large capital investments that represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to impact the fabric of their communities. This process builds on a conventional analysis and incorporates a systematic and transparent process for a utility to consider a broader range of social, environmental, and economic benefits that investments can create. Ross Strategic has tested and refined this process with Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (NJ), Highline Canal Conservancy (CO), Saco Wastewater Resource Recovery Department (ME), and EPA’s USMCA Tijuana River Watershed Evaluation process. Additional information on the AAA process can be found on EPA’s website.
Implementing Effective Water and Wastewater Utility Management
Ross Strategic has served as the lead facilitation and project management team for the two-year update process for Effective Utility Management: A Primer for Water and Wastewater Utilities. The Primer is one of the most widely-recognized utility management resources in the water sector, and it is a product of a collaboration between the U.S. EPA, major water sector associations, research foundations, and water utility leaders.
West Coast Electric Fleets Design and Implementation
Working with a Steering Committee of state and non-profit partners, Ross Strategic helped design, launch, and manage the West Coast Electric Fleets Initiative to encourage public and private fleets to commit to procuring zero-emission vehicles. With partners that include all of the West Coast states, the Province of British Columbia, major West Coast Cities, and many smaller cities and private companies, the program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer support to fleet managers and owners to set and achieve goals for transitioning to zero-emission vehicle fleets.
Applying Lean Manufacturing Practices to Government Operations
For over a decade, Ross Strategic has led the development of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies' toolkit of resources to help agencies and stakeholders use methods derived from lean manufacturing to reduce environmental wastes and improve government processes. Products include the web-based Lean and Environment Toolkit, Lean, Energy, and Climate Change Toolkit, and the Lean in Government Starter Kit. These toolkits have been downloaded thousands of times, used by companies and agencies worldwide, and translated into multiple languages.