Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to establish and document the multiple benefits that AlexRenew provides to the community through its operations, programs, and initiatives. It aims to support community needs by guiding future decisions that can enhance those benefits and embedding the principles of an anchor institution within the organization.

AlexRenew as an Anchor Institution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines anchor institutions as organizations rooted in a specific location that have a long-term interest in the economic and social vitality of the surrounding community. Anchor institutions are often public service entities, like AlexRenew, who have a mission tied directly to the provision of critical services that increase the well-being of the community. Anchor institutions are also place-based; having a large physical infrastructure, such as AlexRenew’s wastewater treatment plant, Environmental Center, pumping stations, sewer interceptors, and tunnel system.

As an anchor institution, AlexRenew embeds the following characteristics into our operations, programs, and initiatives:

1. AlexRenew views itself as a member of the community and approaches challenges and opportunities with a collaborative mindset.
2. AlexRenew leverages partnerships with like-minded entities that are also invested in the communities they serve.
3. AlexRenew is committed to operating in the community long-term to achieve positive, lasting impacts.

Community Benefit Goals

Community benefits are the positive social, economic, and environmental impacts that AlexRenew provides to the communities it serves. AlexRenew is committed to ensuring that these benefits are equitably distributed and responsive to community needs while investing in the health of our community and waterways.

AlexRenew will actively communicate and engage with the public to foster trust, improve service, and gain valuable insights into community needs as part of our ongoing operations, programs, and initiatives. These efforts also help the public better understand AlexRenew’s purpose, operations, and challenges, leading to greater support for our programs and initiatives. AlexRenew will work to achieve the following community benefit goals in concert with its programs and initiatives:

1. Co-Benefits

   Co-benefits are defined as secondary or additional community enhancements that are integrated into projects to improve quality of life, build community support, and ensure projects meet local needs. Examples of AlexRenew co-benefits include Limerick Field, Environmental Center lobby and 6th floor space, educational exhibits at pumping stations, wayfinding signage, promenade at Pendleton Street, shared parking for soccer association, stream restoration, and park/green space improvements. AlexRenew will identify and incorporate co-benefits into the planning and development of AlexRenew’s facilities. AlexRenew will also leverage space and resources to implement innovative solutions, promote sustainability initiatives, and minimize our environmental impact.

2. Education. AlexRenew will support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through events and initiatives in local schools; foster interest in water industry careers by hosting tours and presentations for students, community members, industry groups, and stakeholders; and produce educational materials that support AlexRenew’s programs and initiatives.
    
3. History and Culture. AlexRenew will promote an understanding of local history and culture as they relate to AlexRenew’s programs and initiatives.
    
4. Community Collaboration and Volunteerism. AlexRenew will partner with local organizations to advance shared goals and encourage volunteerism for AlexRenew employees within the community.
    
5. Public Health and Well-being. AlexRenew will contribute to and support the City of Alexandria in its pursuit of community health goals through AlexRenew’s programs and initiatives.
    
6. Workforce Recruitment and Development. AlexRenew will invest in workforce development programs for employees and local hiring initiatives to help build a skilled talent pipeline, ensure a reliable and knowledgeable workforce for the future, while boosting local jobs and creating meaningful career opportunities.