Happy Spring!

In previous blog posts we discussed the OGD Implementation Plan. Understanding progress towards achieving the goals in the Implementation Plan is crucial, and one way we are doing that is by evaluating the way we are collaborating to govern the OGD Coalition.

As a collective group we arrived at using 9 specific governance dimensions (see the table below) to assess how well we’re functioning as the OGD Coalition. These governance dimensions come from an existing performance assessment framework* for collaborative work. Last fall we came up with our own definitions to these governance dimensions which more accurately reflect the needs and values of our Coalition.

This table shows all nine dimensions organized in rows and columns. These are independent qualities to determine how well the Coalition is working together. The first row identifies the most immediate and measurable outputs or actions – the things we do. The second row is meant to describe the outcomes – the results of those actions. The third row identifies characteristics about how well we adapt over time. Looking at the columns, the table is organized to represent the level of influence from individual Partner organizations, to the Coalition, and finally the entire Green/Duwamish watershed.

For the purpose of our first annual review, we decided to focus on five of the nine dimensions (highlighted in yellow in the table). We will revisit the rest of the dimensions at our 5-year review.

We surveyed our OGD partners to evaluate how well we were achieving each of these 5 governance dimensions. The final analysis of these results will be included in our 2021 annual report, but here are some highlights to whet your appetite:  

• Most partners reported positively for all dimensions. This was great to see. We heard a lot of support for continued networking and information sharing, which is the heart of our Coalition and something we will continue to prioritize.
• We heard appreciation for the OGD mapping tool and help with streamlining NPDES permit obligations.
• We are excited about the recognition that some partners have received for their work as part of OGD.
• Half of the survey respondents indicated there have been positive measurable changes within their organizations as a result of participating in the OGD Coalition.  
• There were a number of neutral and moderate responses to many questions, and great suggestions from Partners about where we can continue to grow and improve.

The full survey results represent a baseline understanding of how well the Coalition is operating to support Partners and influence outcomes at the watershed level. This ties directly into our progress towards Goal 7- build a coalition or collaborative entity to carry out the vision for the Green/Duwamish watershed wide stormwater management strategy, and our ability to work well together is also critical to our success in pursuing all of our goals.

In summary, I’m excited about the data from our first round of annual reporting and look forward to combining it with updates from our Action Tables. The final annual report should be drafted by the end of April and published after review by the Coalition.

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Sincerely,

Todd