Southwest Strategies is one of California’s most respected, recognized and successful public affairs firms. For two decades, we have helped clients achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies that get results. We have helped to secure and build more than $10 billion in infrastructure and land-use projects.
Southwest Strategies has extensive experience in public outreach for energy projects. From electric utility to innovative fuel cell technology, we've helped California energy companies successfully reach their communication goals for more than two decades.
We understand the complexities associated with delivering energy projects in today's environment. We combat these obstacles by designing creative strategies grounded in extensive research and community knowledge. We become experts in the industries and communities in which our clients operate and leverage our network of relationships to help build coalitions that achieve successful outcomes.
With offices in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California, our team is well positioned to service energy projects throughout California and is tapped into the latest energy trends at the local, regional and statewide levels.
We work with clients through the planning, construction and implementation phases. We also help agencies conduct outreach for their long-range planning. We specialize in translating technical jargon into public-friendly messages that help educate the public and position projects for success in the community.
Our expertise, strategic guidance and innovative approach have made Southwest Strategies California’s leading public affairs and public outreach firm. Our clients come to us because we work harder, we produce more – and we get results. The world is constantly evolving – and so are we. We conceive new ideas, developcomprehensive strategies and deploy cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of our clients today and tomorrow. We distinguish ourselves from the competition with our:
Our capabilities and experience run deep. We offer a full-service, coordinated solution from strategy through execution.
Southwest Strategies offers comprehensive expertise and capabilities, from research to planning to visual communication to crisis management. Our fully integrated services allow us to streamline strategy and execution, delivering a seamless client experience – and the desired outcome.
Our capabilities and experience run deep. We offer a full-service, coordinated solution from strategy through execution.
Southwest Strategies has a long history of helping clients achieve their goals in some of the biggest sectors in the United States, including land development, retail, energy, water and transportation. We are proud to serve industry-leading public and private clients on the cutting edge of their fields.
Southwest Strategies has been consistently honored and recognized for our work. Below is a sampling of awards and recognitions we have received in recent years.
Southwest Strategies is one of California’s most respected, recognized and successful public affairs firms. For two decades, we have helped clients achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies that get results. We have helped to secure and build more than $10 billion in infrastructure and land-use projects.
We have worked with California’s largest energy utilities, including San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, on various infrastructure projects and energy issues related to rates, state policies and customer education. In addition, our firm has extensive experience working with renewable energy companies, such as Enel Green Power North America, GreenCharge Networks and GRID Alternatives, to secure entitlements, educate potential customers and position the companies for success in various markets.
In 2010, Enel Green Power North America (EGPNA) sought public affairs and community outreach services for a proposed wind and solar generation facility located on private land in East County San Diego. The first step was to secure approvals for testing equipment on the site. Although the San Diego County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance in 2009 to streamline the meteorological evaluation towers (MET) permitting process, the team expected renewable energy opponents to appeal EGPNA’s proposal to the Planning Commission.
Southwest Strategies began by renaming EGPNA’s project to create a local connection for the Rome, Italy-based company. As a result, the proposal became known as the Jewel Valley Project. In order to support the outreach effort, Southwest Strategies created fact sheets, a website, an eletter template and PowerPoint presentations. The team coordinated and moderated a discussion to identify potential supporters who might testify at hearings or write letters of support, obtain feedback from neighbors and local renewable energy supporters, and acquire names of other potential supporters for future outreach.
Presentations were made to local planning groups and numerous business and community organizations. These meetings helped the team to identify project supporters who were later mobilized to testify at hearings and write letters of support. Southwest Strategies’ outreach program ultimately proved successful. Numerous supporters testified in favor of EGPNA’s application, and both the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission voted to approve it.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the largest public utility in California and one of the largest natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, sought public outreach support for a new transmission line in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties. Following the launch of a successful community engagement program, PG&E needed support on seven additional electric infrastructure projects across multiple counties.
Our first task was to develop a cohesive brand for PG&E’s proposed projects. Public opinion polling and a series of four informal focus groups revealed that community members wanted the project names to indicate the new infrastructure’s location and purpose. As a result, the projects were collectively dubbed the “Power Connect” initiative. Each project name also referred to a general area, such as “Central Valley” or “South County.”
Southwest Strategies developed project messaging and bilingual collateral templates for fact sheets, brochures, direct mail, websites, email news updates, newsletters, presentations and other materials. Our efforts helped PG&E educate local communities about the projects and gather the input needed to refine potential transmission line routes and substation sites in order to submit proposed projects to the California Public Utilities Commission.
When extreme fire danger conditions threaten electric lines in a community, PG&E may turn off power service to help prevent wildfire. These power outages are called Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). PG&E sought external staffing services to suppor Community Resource Centers (CRCs) throughout the utility's expansive service territory. CRCs are required in communities impacted by PSPS and provide members of the community a safe, energized location to meet their basic power needs and receive up-to-date information.
Southwest Strategies supports PG&E with recruiting, hiring and training approximately 1,000 contractors to staff CRC sites during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and extreme weather events. Recruitment efforts span the utility’s vast service territory with a focus on additional language skills and ability to travel to areas impacted by power outages, including rural areas. Working closely with PG&E, our team developed a virtual training path for contractors including tips for working with concerned visitors and up-to-date guidance on how to navigate COVID-19 protocols.
Southwest Strategies deploys staff to impacted locations within one to two days of notification of a potential PSPS. Our team coordinates with staff in the field and provides real-time reporting to ensure proper supply inventory levels are maintained and PG&E leadership is up-to-date on number of visitors and overall sentiment. Since 2020, Southwest Strategies has supported 14 PSPS and extreme weather outage events, staffing nearly 350 sites and serving nearly 60,000 visitors.
SDG&E needed to build support and secure approvals for the Sunrise Powerlink, a controversial 117-mile transmission line. Considered one of the most contentious infrastructure projects in California history, the Sunrise Powerlink generated considerable opposition that required extensive coalition building efforts.
Southwest Strategies planned and launched a comprehensive campaign that included the formation of the Community Alliance for the Sunrise Powerlink (CASP), a coalition of 100,000 residents, elected officials, businesses and labor leaders in support of the project. We developed CASP fact sheets, newsletters, a website and brochures and helped develop an advertising campaign. Outreach activities included open houses, briefings, community events, a business door-to-door walk, media outreach, a social media program and the formation of community councils to establish a two-way dialogue with residents. After helping to win project approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, we conducted construction outreach and continued to mobilize CASP at key milestones. Due in large part to the public affairs effort, the project was completed on schedule and our community relations and public affairs programs netted numerous local and
national awards.
New policies are transforming how planners and decision-makers at all levels ofgovernment approach key energy issues. Our team understands how to leverage the evolving landscape so that our clients’ objectives are met with support every time.
Our senior leadership guides a talented group of nearly 90 professionals.
We dedicate a specialized team – including an executive-level lead – to every project.
Chris Wahl has a long track record of success over the past 30+ years, helping secure and build more than $10 billion of infrastructure projects in the fields of energy, transportation, water and retail in California.
Stephanie Dell combines experience in government, community and media relations to deliver effective campaigns and assist in reputation management, crisis communication and land use entitlements.
Melissa Cameron has 10 years of experience supporting publicly and privately-owned utilities. This includes business and corporate communications, routing and siting public outreach, wildfire preparedness, and emergency management.
Jessica Luternauer specializes in developing and implementing strategic outreach and communication programs to help clients secure land use entitlements and regulatory approvals.
Rachel Audino is a Senior Director of Public Affairs at Southwest Strategies supporting public agencies on energy, air quality and other projects in Central and Northern California.
Cynthia Martinez is a Senior Director of Public Affairs at Southwest Strategies helping a variety of clients to effectively communicate about land and air quality issues, major infrastructure projects, and state and federal regulations.
401 B Street, Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92101
858.541.7800
559.271.6824
925.217.8771
Southwest Strategies is one of California’s most respected, recognized and successful public affairs firms. For two decades, we have helped clients achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies that get results. We have helped to secure and build more than $10 billion in infrastructure and land-use projects.
Southwest Strategies is one of California’s most respected, recognized and successful public affairs firms. For two decades, we have helped clients achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies that get results. We have helped to secure and build more than $10 billion in infrastructure and land-use projects.
Southwest Strategies is one of California’s most respected, recognized and successful public affairs firms. For two decades, we have helped clients achieve their goals through innovative outreach strategies that get results. We have helped to secure and build more than $10 billion in infrastructure and land-use projects.
Our expertise, strategic guidance and innovative approach have made Southwest Strategies California’s leading public affairs and public outreach firm. Our clients come to us because we work harder, we produce more – and we get results. The world is constantly evolving – and so are we. We conceive new ideas, developcomprehensive strategies and deploy cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of our clients today and tomorrow. We distinguish ourselves from the competition with our:
Southwest Strategies offers comprehensive expertise and capabilities, from research to planning to visual communication to crisis management. Our fully integrated services allow us to streamline strategy and execution, delivering a seamless client experience – and the desired outcome.
Southwest Strategies has a long history of helping clients achieve their goals in someof the biggest sectors in the United States, including land development, retail, energy, water and transportation. We are proud to serve industry-leading public and privateclients on the cutting edge of their fields.
Southwest Strategies has been consistently honored and recognized for our work. Below is a sampling of awards and recognitions we have received in recent years.
Southwest Strategies has extensive experience in public outreach for energy projects. From electric utility to innovative fuel cell technology, we've helped California energy companies successfully reach their communication goals for more than two decades.
We understand the complexities associated with delivering transportation projects in today's environment. We combat these obstacles by designing creative strategies grounded in extensive research and community knowledge. We become experts in the industries and communities in which our clients operate and leverage our network of relationships to help build coalitions that achieve successful outcomes.
With offices in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California, our team is well positioned to service energy projects throughout California and is tapped into the latest energy trends at the local, regional and statewide levels.
We work with clients through the planning, construction and implementation phases. We also help agencies conduct outreach for their long-range planning. We specialize in translating technical jargon into public-friendly messages that help educate the public and position projects for success in the community.
When extreme fire danger conditions threaten electric lines in a community, PG&E may turn off power service to help prevent wildfire. These power outages are called Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). PG&E sought external staffing services to suppor Community Resource Centers (CRCs) throughout the utility's expansive service territory. CRCs are required in communities impacted by PSPS and provide members of the community a safe, energized location to meet their basic power needs and receive up-to-date information.
Southwest Strategies supports PG&E with recruiting, hiring and training approximately 1,000 contractors to staff CRC sites during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and extreme weather events. Recruitment efforts span the utility’s vast service territory with a focus on additional language skills and ability to travel to areas impacted by power outages, including rural areas. Working closely with PG&E, our team developed a virtual training path for contractors including tips for working with concerned visitors and up-to-date guidance on how to navigate COVID-19 protocols.
Southwest Strategies deploys staff to impacted locations within one to two days of notification of a potential PSPS. Our team coordinates with staff in the field and provides real-time reporting to ensure proper supply inventory levels are maintained and PG&E leadership is up-to-date on number of visitors and overall sentiment. Since 2020, Southwest Strategies has supported 14 PSPS and extreme weather outage events, staffing nearly 350 sites and serving nearly 60,000 visitors.
SDG&E needed to build support and secure approvals for the Sunrise Powerlink, a controversial 117-mile transmission line. Considered one of the most contentious infrastructure projects in California history, the Sunrise Powerlink generated considerable opposition that required extensive coalition building efforts.
Southwest Strategies planned and launched a comprehensive campaign that included the formation of the Community Alliance for the Sunrise Powerlink (CASP), a coalition of 100,000 residents, elected officials, businesses and labor leaders in support of the project. We developed CASP fact sheets, newsletters, a website and brochures and helped develop an advertising campaign. Outreach activities included open houses, briefings, community events, a business door-to-door walk, media outreach, a social media program and the formation of community councils to establish a two-way dialogue with residents. After helping to win project approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, we conducted construction outreach and continued to mobilize CASP at key milestones. Due in large part to the public affairs effort, the project was completed on schedule and our community relations and public affairs programs netted numerous local andnational awards.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the largest public utility in California and one of the largest natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States, sought public outreach support for a new transmission line in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties. Following the launch of a successful community engagement program, PG&E needed support on seven additional electric infrastructure projects across multiple counties.
Our first task was to develop a cohesive brand for PG&E’s proposed projects. Public opinion polling and a series of four informal focus groups revealed that community members wanted the project names to indicate the new infrastructure’s location and purpose. As a result, the projects were collectively dubbed the “Power Connect” initiative. Each project name also referred to a general area, such as “Central Valley” or “South County.”
Southwest Strategies developed project messaging and bilingual collateral templates for fact sheets, brochures, direct mail, websites, email news updates, newsletters, presentations and other materials. Our efforts helped PG&E educate local communities about the projects and gather the input needed to refine potential transmission line routes and substation sites in order to submit proposed projects to the California Public Utilities Commission.
In 2010, Enel Green Power North America (EGPNA) sought public affairs and community outreach services for a proposed wind and solar generation facility located on private land in East County San Diego. The first step was to secure approvals for testing equipment on the site. Although the San Diego County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance in 2009 to streamline the meteorological evaluation towers (MET) permitting process, the team expected renewable energy opponents to appeal EGPNA’s proposal to the Planning Commission.
Southwest Strategies began by renaming EGPNA’s project to create a local connection for the Rome, Italy-based company. As a result, the proposal became known as the Jewel Valley Project. In order to support the outreach effort, Southwest Strategies created fact sheets, a website, an eletter template and PowerPoint presentations. The team coordinated and moderated a discussion to identify potential supporters who might testify at hearings or write letters of support, obtain feedback from neighbors and local renewable energy supporters, and acquire names of other potential supporters for future outreach.
Presentations were made to local planning groups and numerous business and community organizations. These meetings helped the team to identify project supporters who were later mobilized to testify at hearings and write letters of support. Southwest Strategies’ outreach program ultimately proved successful. Numerous supporters testified in favor of EGPNA’s application, and both the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission voted to approve it.
New policies are transforming how planners and decision-makers at all levels ofgovernment approach key energy issues. Our team understands how to leverage theevolving landscape so that our clients’ objectives are met with support every time.
Our senior leadership guides a talented group of more than 40 professionals.We dedicate a specialized team – including an executive-level lead – to every project.
Chris Wahl has a long track record of success over the past 30+ years, helping secure and build more than $10 billion of infrastructure projects in the fields of energy, transportation, water and retail in California.
Stephanie Dell combines experience in government, community and media relations to deliver effective campaigns and assist in reputation management, crisis communication and land use entitlements.
Melissa Cameron has 10 years of experience supporting publicly and privately-owned utilities. This includes business and corporate communications, routing and siting public outreach, wildfire preparedness, and emergency management.
Jessica Luternauer specializes in developing and implementing strategic outreach and communication programs
to help clients secure land use entitlements and regulatory approvals.
Rachel Audino is a Senior Director of Public Affairs at Southwest Strategies supporting public agencies on energy, air quality and other projects in Central and Northern California.
Cynthia Martinez is a Senior Director of Public Affairs at Southwest Strategies helping a variety of clients to effectively communicate about land and air quality issues, major infrastructure projects, and state and federal regulations.
401 B Street, Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92101
858.541.7800
559.271.6824
925.974.3306
