Hi Keith, as Austin says, I don't think this project is the best fit for regrantors here, so feel free not to spend time answering this, but I do think your application is very under-detailed: what are the actual water infrastructure problems you are aiming to solve, and what type of research and collaboration with industry experts will solve them?
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Revolutionizing Water Infrastructure: A Rational Approach
Not fundedGrant
$0raised
Project summary
This project is dedicated to revolutionizing the water industry by employing data-driven strategies, evidence-based decision-making, and a focus on efficiency. By investing in a comprehensive blog and future book series, we aim to uncover innovative solutions to water infrastructure challenges, with a keen eye on maximizing resources and minimizing waste.
Our approach draws inspiration from diverse intellectual traditions, including:
The emphasis on economic insights and state capacity that shapes modern libertarian thinking.
The focus on urban development, policy analysis, and pragmatic solutions to societal challenges.
The exploration of rationality, decision theory, and the scientific approach to problem-solving.
The commitment to in-depth political analysis, effective communication, and bridging ideological divides.
The ultimate goal is to create a roadmap that not only guides the water industry towards sustainable practices but also demonstrates how targeted investments can significantly reduce public expenditure. By aligning incentives, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we aim to create a ripple effect that extends beyond the water industry, contributing to a more responsible and cost-effective use of public resources.
Through case studies, research, and real-world insights, we will build a platform that serves as a beacon for change, influencing policy, guiding industry practices, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions that align with long-term societal goals.
This project is not just about water; it's about a smarter, more sustainable future where every drop counts, and every decision is made with precision and purpose
What are this project's goals and how will you achieve them?
The project's goals are to:
Educate and influence industry experts and policymakers.
Provide practical solutions to modern water infrastructure problems.
Foster a community of like-minded individuals committed to positive change.
We will achieve these goals through:
Regular blog posts citing case studies and offering practical solutions.
Research and collaboration with industry experts.
Writing a book or series of books to consolidate research and insights.
How will this funding be used?
Laptop and software: $1,500
Promotion and advertising: $1,000
Travel to meet industry experts: $2,000
Research and content creation: $1,500
Total Funding Goal: $6,000
Who is on your team and what's your track record on similar projects?
Keith Wilkinson: A drinking water industry professional working on $100+ million capital projects, working with large scale utilities and crafting treatment strategies. Blogger with a passion for rationality, decision theory, and efficiency. I have a BS in Business Admin, and was a educator of children with special needs for 8 years.
What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails? (premortem)
Misalignment with stakeholders' interests.
Insufficient engagement with industry experts.
Lack of awareness and promotion.
Outcomes: Delayed progress in water infrastructure improvement, missed opportunities for collaboration and influence.
What other funding are you or your project getting?
Personal investment: $600
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Keith Wilkinson
over 1 year ago
Hi Gavriel,
I appreciate your feedback on the application and am happy to provide more details. Let me illustrate how I plan to implement the solutions with a specific example.
In 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14094, aiming to modernize regulatory review and enhance equity in underserved communities. While the intention is noble, the outcomes can vary widely based on the input that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) receives. For drinking water, the input path flows from local communities to water districts, then to state EPA, federal EPA, and finally to OIRA. At each stage, there's potential for misinformation or self-motivated actors to derail the process, leading to wasted time and resources. Historical examples abound where imperfect information within a bureaucracy had significant downstream effects.
In my work in the water industry, I've discovered that connecting with the right individual, reading the right article, or asking the right question can lead to a profound shift in thinking for the better. Moreover, OIRA, responsible for implementing EO 14094, is working to provide agencies with tools to strengthen their analysis by reflecting new developments in scientific and economic understanding. However, the choice of science and economic theory can drastically alter the future of regulation governing the country.
Raising awareness within the industry and showing the path to amplify one's voice could be the difference between a local government being overwhelmed with procedural roadblocks and fostering new developing populations. This is just one aspect; bureaucracy, fortunately or unfortunately, is rich with mismatches that need a spotlight for informed decision-making. This is what I'm aiming to achieve in my field.
Austin Chen
over 1 year ago
Hi Keith! As a heads up, I don't think your project looks like a good fit for any of the regrantors on our platform (we are primarily interested in AI safety or other longtermist causes), so I think it's fairly unlikely you'll receive funding at this time. Cheers~
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Keith Wilkinson
over 1 year ago
Thank you for the feedback! I understand really appreciate the effort. I'm trying to do what i can in my field and and hoping to put the idea out there about conventional projects government projects. I appreciate being challenged because justification and actionable tasks will require more thought.
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Keith Wilkinson
over 1 year ago
Hi, being in the industry myself I feel like it is a subject that desperately needs updated ideas. While this is probably true in many areas of government, this the area in which I have the most resources and thus the most impact. My intent to work to incentivize agents from within their systems and provide new prospectives on existing and soon to be federally released resources.