CASE STUDY
Making Policy
Understandable
Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance
Turning a complex consumer-protection policy into an accessible, multi-channel communications campaign about affordability, fairness, and who gets access to savings at the grocery store.
Project Overview
MY ROLE
Communications strategy, message development, media relations, digital campaign, executive communications, and community outreach.
I lead the communications strategy for the Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance, translating a complex policy proposal into clear, accessible messaging for residents, media, and community stakeholders.
THE CHALLENGE
A consumer-protection policy only works if people understand the problem it's trying to solve.
Many San Diegans-especially seniors, working families, and people without reliable internet access-were being locked out of grocery discounts because retailers were shifting deals to digital platforms. We needed to make a technical policy discussion feel relevant to everyday shoppers.
OUR APPROACH
Start with the checkout line-not City Hall.
We built a communications strategy centered on fairness, accessibility, and affordability. We translated the policy into plain language, created engaging digital content, coordinated media outreach, and took the conversation into the community -especially to seniors and older adults.
THE IMPACT
A more informed public and a stronger conversation about affordability and fairness.
Our communications helped carry the ordinance from a City Hall policy discussion to a broader public conversation, with earned media coverage, strong community engagement, and ongoing education as the ordinance went into effect.
About Me
Hi there! I’m Ben (pronouns: they/them), a San Diego-based communications strategist who believes the best communications don't just deliver information, they help people understand why something matters.
My work sits at the intersection of communications, public service, and community. From shaping communications strategies and managing media relations to developing social campaigns, graphics, video, and public-facing messaging, I specialize in turning complicated ideas into accessible stories that connect with people.
Most important to me is advocating for an intersectional approach to justice, one rooted in the belief that our struggles, our communities, and our futures are deeply connected.
Featured Work
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Making Policy Understandable
A digital campaign that helped residents understand a complex policy and how it would impact their community.
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Building a Consistent Digital Voice
Strengthening a digital presence across platforms with clear messaging, consistent visuals, and content that connects.
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Centering Community Voices
A storytelling project that highlighted community voices and the people behind the issues that matter most.
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Designing for Public Understanding
Visual communications that make programs, services, and events easier to understand and more accessible for everyone.