Engineering projects don’t just happen in the field or in the office. Much of the important groundwork happens in public meetings, where city leaders and community members come together to discuss plans, ask questions, and make decisions. Sunrise plays a key role in these settings by presenting technical information, listening to concerns, and building trust between cities and the communities they serve.
Roles That Adapt to Community Needs
Sunrise’s involvement at city council meetings varies widely depending on the client. For larger municipalities, the in-house city engineer often leads the conversation while Sunrise provides background data and technical support. For smaller communities, Sunrise may serve as the technical expert, present directly to council members, or even represent the city as a whole.
“Our role really depends on the city,” explained Vern Maloy, Civil Manager in St. George. “Many of our clients want us to present planning and engineering, while others have us act as their technical expert. We tailor our involvement to reflect what each community needs.”
Communicating Clearly and Effectively
Whether presenting at a council meeting or hosting a public hearing, the goal is the same: make complex technical information understandable. “We try to use visuals, maps, and charts to help paint a picture,” said Vern. “We also anticipate questions in advance and even practice explaining concepts with family members to make sure they’re clear.”
Senior Vice President Robert Worley added that preparation and listening go hand in hand. “We do our best to consider the audience, provide enough background to make information easier to understand, and then listen carefully to concerns. That balance helps guide projects in the right direction.”
Building Trust Through Public Involvement
For Public Involvement Manager Jeff Putzke, the focus extends beyond engineering to ensuring residents feel heard. “Our work starts before the meeting with outreach to ensure stakeholders are informed and included,” Jeff explained. “At the meeting, we translate technical concepts into clear visuals and stories the public can understand. We build trust by showing people their input matters and by helping cities demonstrate transparency.”
This approach has a real impact. During a pre-construction open house in Heber City, several elderly residents expressed concerns about accessing their properties during the construction period. Jeff and his team responded immediately, arranging for metal plates so residents could safely cross excavations. “Creating space where people feel heard often turns tense moments into productive conversations,” he said.
Why Sunrise’s Presence Matters
Being at the table allows Sunrise to address questions on the spot, provide reassurance, and gather insights that inform future planning. “When we hear concerns directly from council members and residents, we’re able to adjust and provide better solutions,” said Vern.
These interactions often lead to stronger outcomes and more successful projects. As Jeff put it, “Public involvement helps cities build trust, make informed decisions, and reduce conflict by hearing directly from the people they serve. For Sunrise, it ensures projects move forward with community support and fewer delays.”
Creating Shared Success
Ultimately, the most rewarding moments occur when communities see their vision come to life. “I like when we work with cities to imagine what they want the future to look like, and then after years of work, see it come to reality,” Vern shared. “Watching the community become happier because of those improvements is what makes it worthwhile.”
Whether providing technical expertise, facilitating public involvement, or bridging the gap between city leaders and residents, Sunrise’s presence at public meetings ensures projects are not only well-designed but also well-understood and supported.