The City of Benicia, California, with its picturesque waterfront and small-town charm, has long been recognized for its high quality of life. However, beneath this idyllic image lies a complex reality: the coexistence of a major oil refinery, operational since 1968, and a community deeply committed to public health and environmental sustainability. Over the years, tensions have simmered, fueled by past controversies such as the crude-by-rail project that left residents feeling unheard and disillusioned.
When Benicia set out to develop an Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) to regulate industrial facilities and enhance safety, transparency, and community notifications, it was clear that rebuilding trust and fostering genuine engagement would be critical. This is the story of how Benicia embraced inclusivity, transparency, and innovation to turn a contentious issue into an opportunity for collaboration and progress.
Understanding the Context
Benicia’s journey underscores the importance of understanding a community's unique history and dynamics. The city’s past struggles with public trust and polarized viewpoints necessitated a carefully crafted engagement strategy. Della Olm, a key figure in this process, highlighted the importance of addressing deeply entrenched perspectives and ensuring all voices were heard:
“Our goal was not just to check a box but to genuinely engage the community and use their input to inform the ISO. By building public trust and incorporating their insights, we aimed to create an effective and authentic policy that reflects the community’s needs.”
Innovative Engagement Through Go Vocal
The city leveraged the Engage Benicia platform, powered by Go Vocal, to create an accessible and inclusive space for dialogue. This digital tool provided residents with multiple ways to participate, from online surveys and idea walls to direct feedback on the draft ordinance.
Key Features of the Engagement Platform:
- Accessibility for All: Recognizing that not everyone could attend traditional public meetings, the platform allowed participation from parents, students, and other busy residents.
- Relatable Framing: Complex issues like industrial safety were contextualized with real-life examples, such as a recent hydrogen sulfide leak, making the topic more tangible and relevant.
- Anonymous Participation: To encourage open dialogue on a divisive issue, residents could share their views anonymously while maintaining safeguards against spam.
In addition to the online tools, in-person meetings were organized to reach seniors and individuals less comfortable with digital platforms. Direct phone lines were also made available, ensuring no voice went unheard.
Removing Barriers to Participation
Benicia’s approach to inclusivity extended to removing common barriers that often deter community involvement:
- Simplified Access: No registration or complex authentication processes were required, addressing past feedback that such hurdles discouraged participation.
- Clear Communication: Information was presented in various formats to ensure that residents could engage meaningfully, regardless of their familiarity with the topic.
Data-Driven Decision-Making and Transparency
A cornerstone of Benicia’s success was its commitment to transparency and data-driven decision-making. The city analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data to shape the ISO, ensuring that the policy reflected community needs.
Key Steps in the Process:
- Survey Results: Quantitative data demonstrated widespread support for the ISO, even among residents without prior knowledge of industrial safety.
- Qualitative Insights: Open-ended feedback provided a deeper understanding of residents’ concerns and priorities.
- Closing the Loop: The city reported back to participants, sharing survey results, answering questions, and incorporating community input into the final ordinance.
Restoring Trust and Building a Collaborative Future
The results of Benicia’s engagement process were profound:
- Restored Trust: Transparent and inclusive dialogue rebuilt confidence among residents disillusioned by past controversies.
- Informed Policy Development: Community input directly shaped a policy that balanced public health, safety, and economic considerations.
- Enhanced Communication: The city established a model for open, respectful, and productive dialogue on contentious issues.
Della Olm reflected on the success of the process:
“When engaging on polarizing issues, it is essential to avoid the temptation to seek a middle ground between opposing viewpoints. Instead, the focus should be on identifying the underlying needs and priorities of the community and developing policies that effectively address those needs.”
Lessons for Other Communities
Benicia’s experience offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide grappling with complex and divisive issues:
- Know Your Community: Understanding the unique history, demographics, and past experiences of a community is critical.
- Leverage Technology: Digital platforms can democratize engagement, making it easier for diverse voices to be heard.
- Foster Inclusivity: Removing barriers to participation ensures that policies reflect the needs of the entire community.
- Prioritize Transparency: Closing the feedback loop builds trust and strengthens the legitimacy of the decision-making process.
A Model for Constructive Engagement
Benicia’s journey demonstrates the power of inclusive and transparent engagement in addressing contentious topics. By prioritizing good governance and the public interest, the city not only developed an effective ISO but also laid the foundation for a more collaborative and resilient community.
For other communities navigating similar challenges, Benicia’s story serves as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for success.
Thank you for reading!
