Social Impact Partnerships
We are dedicated to investing in our communities and we invite our partners to use their resources to make meaningful, positive impacts in the communities we serve.
We take seriously our role as a good neighbor, and we recognize that our capital projects are investments in efficient and reliable services and in the future of our communities.
Our Social Impact Partners—professional services and construction management firms in fields such as engineering, architecture, resource management, power providers, and technology—provide resources and opportunities in the communities where we operate and provide services. These commitments include support such as direct financial contributions, volunteer work, and in-kind donations to local schools and nonprofits.
As we upgrade our systems and operations, we invite our private sector partners to join us in being a good neighbor to the communities affected by the operation and improvement of our water, wastewater, and power services. By including community benefits criteria in our contracting process, we provide our firm community with an opportunity to earn extra points during the bidding process for their demonstrated commitment to community benefits and environmental justice.
Achieving Collective Impact
Over the years, these partnerships have contributed to building healthy and vibrant communities by hosting summer interns at their job sites, providing scholarships for academic enrichment, and supporting programs that remove barriers to employment in the trades. Additional contributions have included providing financial and technical support for the construction of affordable housing, and preparing small contractors and businesses for contract opportunities.
Sewer
As we collaborate with partners on our Sewer System Improvement Program (SSIP), we use this as an opportunity to ensure the communities impacted by our operations benefit from our work.
Water
Our ongoing water system upgrade projects throughout the service territory not only enhance our ability to provide high-quality, reliable drinking water to 2.7 million Bay Area residents, but also support communities in the Peninsula/South Bay, East Bay and Upcountry regions.
Power
We generate clean hydroelectric, solar and biogas electricity for San Francisco’s services and customers. As we work with partners to deliver these services, we’re also collaborating with communities to ensure they are benefitting from our efforts.