South Coast Air Quality Management District

Conduct a Baseline Survey of the General Populations’ Perspective on Local Air Quality and Select AQMD Policies, Programs, and Activities

SYNOPSIS: 

At the September 14, 2001, Administrative Committee meeting staff presented a status report on the initial steps to implement the enhanced ethnic community outreach program. The first major step in implementing this outreach program is a survey of the general public to establish a baseline upon which to determine the focus and benefits of future outreach efforts. The selected firm will conduct the survey under the direction of the Executive Officer based on guidance provided by the Governing Board.

COMMITTEE: 

Administrative Committee, September 21, 2001.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a contract not to exceed $50,000 to conduct a general survey of the public’s perspective on local air quality, AQMP programs, policies and activties, and other items related to the future ethnic community outreach program. Funds for this contract are available in the Public Affairs & Transportation budget, professional and special services account.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At its August 17, 2001 meeting, the Board approved a proposal to authorize the Chairman of the Board to execute contracts with four firms for community outreach program assistance in an amount of not to exceed $1.5 Million. The contracts with these firms are level-of-effort contracts to be performed on a task order basis. Such task orders will be approved on an individual basis by the Governing Board after review of the Administrative Committee.

To facilitate implementation of the ethnic community outreach program, the Administrative Committee is recommending that AQMD procure the services of a contractor to conduct a public opinion survey. This survey will explore the public’s knowledge and perceptions regarding Southern California air quality at the regional and community level, the role of AQMD in air quality management, and other issues to help support future outreach efforts. The survey will incorporate all four counties and all ethnic constituencies.

The companies selected for the ethnic community outreach program possess expertise and experience in conducting public opinion surveys and/or focus groups. The Administrative Committee recommends that the Executive Officer select from these companies the most appropriate party to conduct the survey effort in a cost-effective manner. The total amount of the contract shall not exceed $50,000 and shall incorporate the surveying of more than 700 individuals. References from prior work by the consultant related to public opinion surveys shall be checked prior to selection of the contractor. Results of the survey will be statistically analyzed and provided to the Governing Board as baseline information which can be used to help develop future task orders under the ethnic community outreach program.

Lastly, the Administrative Community will receive periodic briefings as the survey is developed and conducted. These briefings will be summarized in the Committee’s monthly Board letter.

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