SITUATION and NEED
Metro and the Solid Waste Disaster Preparedness (SWDP) Workgroup were tasked with implementing Action 17.1 of the 2030 Regional Waste Plan, which calls for developing a regional solid waste emergency response and recovery framework in partnership with local governments, private-sector partners and community organizations. A key need was ensuring the framework addressed system resilience and continuity of operations, particularly for populations most vulnerable during disasters. Metro required specialized support to coordinate stakeholders, facilitate ongoing workgroups, synthesize technical information, and develop clear, actionable content.
Solution
The contractor partnered with Metro to guide development of the system resilience and continuity sections of the Framework. Key actions included:
- Reviewing all relevant plans, policies, and supporting documents.
- Participating in a project kickoff and weekly check-ins with Metro.
- Assisting in planning and facilitating monthly Solid Waste Disaster Preparedness Workgroup meetings.
- Attending additional stakeholder meetings to capture local priorities and operational realities.
- Taking detailed notes, preparing meeting summaries, and supporting transparent information sharing.
- Helping structure, draft, and refine framework document content focused on solid waste system resilience and continuity of operations.
- Development and facilitation of the SWDP Debris and Continuity In-Person Workshop focused on roles and responsibilities of solid waste system partners, regional communication and collaboration, discussing next steps for the regional waste plan actions and future planning
Outcome
In collaboration with Metro project staff, this project resulted in a draft Regional Solid Waste Emergency Management Response & Recovery Framework. The framework will serve as an actionable roadmap for supporting vulnerable populations and maintaining essential solid waste functions and services during emergencies.
In addition, the project culminated with an in-person workshop that gathered together solid waste system partners including county, city, regional, private sector and community partners to discuss future planning and collaboration strategies.
Through consistent collaboration, the contractor ensured content aligned with regional priorities and integrated meaningful input from government partners and community stakeholders
