What makes municipalities a place residents feel positive about? This question needs to be understood within a dynamic frame of societal and environmental developments: With demographic changes, the progressive transformation of social and community structures, and the idea of engaging individuals and interest groups in decisions that affect them, the expectations towards how local decisions are made have dramatically changed. With those increased expectations, the role of decision-makers in local politics has also attracted attention.
In reality, the economic and legal frameworks will not always allow to meet the expectations of everyone. However, if a topic is of importance to residents, politicians can benefit from a constructive exchange with them before decisions are made. A realistic and prudent policy approach will carefully weigh the diversity of interests and opportunities, while maintaining a targeted dialogue with its citizens in order to promote realistic objectives and a development which is acceptable to the general public.
We support municipal decision-makers with studies / plans / analysis, for example regarding the ecological, economic and social situation and the expected impact of municipal projects. The information gained through this work will support sound decisions, with a clear picture of risks and opportunities.
Once the expectations of residents and interest groups are clear and the consequences of potential approaches are identified, we can help decisions makers with targeted communication strategies. Where a broad public has interest and concerns about municipal projects, we can help with the planning and delivery of public participation processes.
In some situations, the support and the actual behaviour of residents and visitors will be crucial to the success of initiatives or simply to keep the peace between interests. For these cases, we can help to provide the necessary knowledge to target groups. Where a change in behaviour is to be achieved, we can help by applying social marketing methodology. If there are already conflicts with users or neighbours, we can help through formal mediation and conflict resolution so the diverse interests can identify mutually accepted ways forward.
We support local councils and administration by facilitating creative processes for process improvement, team development, communication within their organizational structures, team training, and capacity building.