AWWA ACE56195

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) engaged in a strategic planning process to restructure the utility's organization, services, and community presence, and position the utility for success in the 21st century. Through support from the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF), this tailored collaboration project employed a set of processes and techniques that reflect the application of portfolio management theory to the challenge of strategic planning in an increasingly complex and competitive utility market. The specific objectives of the AwwaRF-BWS project were to develop a strategic plan for BWS, and a planning process, that demonstrates how water utilities can: evaluate and develop market opportunities; optimize asset use and investment; evaluate and manage investment risks; protect and expand market share; and, enhance customer service and public perceptions. The results of this project will be adapted into a guidance document for use by water utilities across North America, helping to advance the utility industry standard in strategic management. This guidance document will build upon a breadth of literature and case studies that delineate the value of strategic planning, particularly for organizations challenged by rapidly changing market conditions. Includes 3 references, figures, appendices.