Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Charles Ice, Interim Director, Environmental Health Services
Subject: Agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc. for Social and Digital Marketing, Media Buying, Communications, and Outreach Services for Pollution Prevention Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Environmental Innovations, Inc. to provide social and digital marketing, media buying, communications, and outreach services for Environmental Health Services Division of San Mateo County Health for its Pollution Prevention Program for the term of August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $999,999.
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BACKGROUND:
The Pollution Prevention Program (Pollution Prevention) protects the environment and public health through outreach and education that promote sustainable behavior change among residents and businesses. Outreach efforts focus on a range of programs, including household hazardous waste, used motor oil and filter recycling, Coastal Cleanup Day, food safety, and product stewardship, among others. Effective implementation of these programs requires strategic communications, targeted outreach, and coordinated media efforts to ensure awareness and participation.
In December 2025, Environmental Health Services Division (EHS) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for social and digital marketing, media buying, communications, and outreach services to support Pollution Prevention to effectively conduct outreach and education on the environmental and public health programs they manage. Sixteen proposals were received and evaluated in accordance with the criteria outlined in the RFP. Following scoring, Environmental Innovations was selected as the highest-ranked proposal.
DISCUSSION:
EHS requests County authorization to enter into an agreement with Environmental Innovations for the term of August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $999,999. Under this agreement, Environmental Innovations will provide comprehensive communications and outreach services, including:
• Strategic communications planning
• Campaign development and implementation
• Digital and social media marketing
• Media buying and placement
• Sustainable behavior change strategies
• Performance-tracking and reporting
Consolidating outreach services under a single contractor streamlines campaign development, improves coordination across Pollution Prevention initiatives, and allows EHS to efficiently leverage paid media channels such as Google Ads, social media platforms, television, and other advertising methods to effectively reach priority audiences.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
It is anticipated that the number of Household Hazardous Waste drop-off appointments will increase to 5,054.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 25-26 Estimated |
FY 26-27 Projected |
|
Number of Household Hazardous Waste drop-off appointments |
4,907 appointments |
5,054 appointments* |
*A lower rate of drop-off appointments may reflect successful waste reduction or behavior change rather than reduced program effectiveness.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This contract will positively impact residents and businesses throughout San Mateo County, particularly communities that may face language, cultural, or access barriers to information, by expanding awareness of Pollution Prevention programs and supporting use of services, such as household hazardous waste disposal and recycling programs, and promoting safe, sustainable behaviors among residents and businesses.
The selected contractor brings demonstrated experience developing accessible, culturally responsive, and translated materials. Outreach will follow plain language principles and be made available in threshold languages when applicable to ensure inclusive access and reduce participation barriers. Participation data, where available, will be monitored to assess representation from priority geographic areas and inform adjustments to outreach strategies.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no net County cost. The funding for this contract is paid for by grants and fees. The term of the agreement is August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $999,999 for the three-year term. Funds in the amount of $333,333 are included in the EHS FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Funds in the amount of $333,333 are included in the EHS FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget. Similar arrangements will be made for future years.
Attachment: RFP Matrix