Data Before Digging

Public opinion is one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in infrastructure projects. Without a clear understanding of how communities and decision-makers view a proposed investment, projects face higher risk of delays, redesigns, and loss of support.

Libby Barg Bakke, Vice President and Technical Practice Manager of Consor’s Water Advisory Services group, and Clark Worth, Principal of Advisory Services at Consor, co-authored this article in Water Environment Federation’s December issue of Water Environment & Technology. The article explores how public opinion research helps agencies align projects and communication with community values, drawing on case studies from water, wastewater, and transportation projects where data-informed outreach supported successful outcomes.