Bexar Regional Watershed
Management Program (BRWM)
Challenge:
KGBTexas was hired in 2006 to develop a countywide awareness campaign for the Bexar Regional Watershed Management Program (BRWM) after floods in 1998 and 2002 caused more than $1 billion in damage. Government leaders from San Antonio, Bexar County and 19 suburban cities united to improve flood control, storm water management and water quality.
Strategy:
KGBTexas conducted surveys to gauge stakeholders' level of interest and the collective public understanding of flood-related issues. The research showed many locals considered flooding a serious problem, yet 68 percent of those polled were not aware which watershed they lived in. KGBTexas designed print ads and billboards to increase understanding of the flood-prone nature of Central Texas and how the numerous watersheds in Bexar County function. KGBTexas also designed and launched an educational website, bexarfloodfacts.org, featuring an interactive application allowing visitors to determine if their properties were located within the newly drawn floodplains. The agency also developed a public relations campaign to inform citizens about the region's flood mitigation history, current and future projects and the benefits of flood insurance through timely story coverage, editorial boards and public meetings.Result:
KGBTexas conducted eight public meetings attended by more than 250 people. The input gathered at the meetings was utilized by project engineers to determine the prioritization of flood mitigation projects throughout the county. The campaign resulted in publicity valued at more than $200,000 during a four-month period. The media coverage drove a tremendous amount of traffic to the new website — more than 2,000 visitors in one hour overwhelmed the county's server.
