Sapphire Renewable | WA, Whitman County

Engagement Strategy

The following is our strategic analysis based on the community assessment for navigating approval in Whitman County.

BAM Analysis

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Brave. The strengths that give us confidence to move forward.

1. The community is positive about renewables. Respondents to the county's comprehensive plan survey made supportive statements about both wind and solar energy, saying they would support more of these projects.

2. Location. ‍The location is sparsely populated, and may not spark major concerns about appearance.

3. Goals and Policies. The County’s goals and policies include renewable development that supports farmers, land retention, and autonomy of land use. These goals and policies provide a good basis for a positive outcome for this project.

Alert. The dangers that we must overcome or avoid.

1. Visual impact. Existing and potential wind projects have had increasing opposition, due to the variety and scope of the viewsheds. Despite its location, this may be a concern.

2. Beliefs about revenues. Increased electrification of vehicles has already reduced transportation revenues from the state’s gas tax, affecting road funding. Renewable energy is seen as a part of the problem.

3. Key Stakeholders. Some of our recommended key contacts have espoused negative views on renewables, and favor hydroelectrics and traditional coal and oil generation. The state senator, state representatives, and the federal level representative prefer not to encourage renewable energy utilities.

Motivated. The opportunities that we should pursue for success.

1. Be an inaugural project. The County’s time-consuming creation of a wind ordinance makes it clear that they want local control of renewable siting. To date, they have not sited any projects and may embrace this opportunity. They may also appreciate the client’s county-level application when a state-level application is a near guaranteed approval.

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2. Research and educational opportunities. Washington State University has almost completed a major “least conflict” solar siting research project. The institution revels in supporting emerging local industry through research and hands-on study, such as with the state’s viticulture.

3. Direct involvement with private enterprise = local benefits. The State’s Department of Natural Resources is prospecting to lease land to developers for solar. Whitman County landowners may prefer Vesper’s desire to invest directly in the community instead of using state or federal lands.

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Message Plan

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Integrate the strengths of “least conflict solar” uncovered by WSU’s research, incorporating the elements of community involvement, productive land use, and compatibility. The concept of “least conflict” has broad appeal.

Tactical Approach

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Phase 1

Key Contacts. Start the conversation with the County Commissioners, the Chair of the Board of Appeals, the Port of Whitman, and the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association. Introduce the project and its benefits, ask about concerns, interested parties, and potential next steps.
Stakeholder Engagement. Connect with parties recommended from Key Contacts conversations. There are identified stakeholders to include that have shown support for solar and wind: WSU’s programs at Pullman and at Richland. Align positive input from the stakeholders into project messaging together, incorporating positive approaches for identified concerns or opposition. Contacting mayors from small towns that border the site should be considered at this stage.

Phase 2

Digital. An informational website will be the cornerstone of the digital campaign, using messaging consistent with identified project benefits, individual land use rights, and habitat preservation. Consider holding a virtual town hall or a live webinar that introduces the project. Include an opt-in feature for text and/or email updates.
Traditional PR. Reach out to local media to introduce the project and its benefits; offer interviews and press releases. Consider a personal approach like tabling at a farmers market, holding an informational session at a local business or public library, or asking stakeholders to post or distribute project information. Connect with Mayor Lee Root of Rosalia to gauge community interest and provide information
Continued Stakeholder Engagement. Keep stakeholders informed about upcoming public events and hearings, and have good information about how to make public comment at government meetings, particularly if engaging student groups from WSU.

Goal: Introduce ourselves to key thought leaders and decision makers.

We will start our outreach with Supervisor Desmond's Chief of Staff: Vanessa McCarthy-Olmstead. Our project is in Supervisor Desmond's district, so early contact with his office will be key. Vesper should introduce themselves, the project and its benefits, and get a download from his Chief of Staff on what we need to know about Desmond and his district as we work through the permitting process.
At the same time, Vesper should begin developing a relationship with the Sacramento County Planning Director. This will be a key relationship as we navigate the permitting process, and having the planning department on our side throughout will be an important pice of getting through the process smoothly and efficiently.

Lastly, we should begin building relationships with respected and knowledgeable thought leaders in the county. This includes the County Economic Development Director and the president of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, which is the closest chamber to the project. Our goal here is to foster good relationships, get their take on the community, and get intel on Board of Supervisors. We also want to make sure we are talking about the benefits that this project will bring.

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Goal: Use what we learned in Phase I as we reach out to the broader community, prioritizing any connections the initial group of stakeholders recommends. We will build relationships, garner positive press, and educate the community on the project and its benefits.

Lean on economic development. Leverage our relationships we've built with thought leaders in the community to educate others in their organizations on project economic benefits and build a base of support there.
Non-profits, schools, energy and religious organizations. Continue to expand our outreach to leaders in other areas, tailoring messaging as appropriate to each group.
Launch a coordinated digital and earned media campaign. Content should be aimed at driving the positive narrative about how solar energy is important for economic development in the region, as well as Vesper being a proactive, good neighbor.