Got Political Clout?

Public policy has a huge bearing on economic development competitiveness. Is your organization doing an effective job of influencing public policies that directly and indirectly impact your area's economic competitiveness?

There is a definite learning curve to mount in this arena, as politically savy economic developers know. You have to be very careful in terms of what you do and how you do it, especially if your organization receives public funding. Also, you need to consider how important an issue is and whether the issue is a "sword that you really are willing to fall on."

What are some practical strategies and tactics you might consider to increase your political clout? Here are some of the main ones that we see in use:

* Building consensus about an areawide political agenda.

* Lobbying. ("Education" in some people's terminology.)

* Letter writing and correspondence.

* Speakers' bureaus.

* Financial contributions. (Be VERY careful here!)

* Arbitration and mediation.

* Crisis management.

* Advocacy advertising.

* Image programs.

* Public relations and public affairs work.

* Political candidate reviews.

* Legislative testimony.

* Political risk analysis (Becoming much more important.)

Who should do these things? In many areas, chambers of commerce play the lead role in developing the political clout needed to get things done in the governmental and community arena. Other private sector-based groups also play this role.

What are some of the leading issues? Here are the big ones that we see:

* Securing and maintaining public funding for ED programs. (Major one in the past 12 to 18 months.)

* Raising public investment capital for major development projects, such as a sports arena, a lakeside park, or a major industrial park.

* Shaping public policies with a direct pocketbook impact on businesses, such as workers compensation rules or business tax costs.

* Shaping public policies that influence the general environment for economic development, such as major infrastructure developments or educational funding.

* Ensuring that government finances are reasonable and adequate to meet the area's future economic development needs.

* Competing for governmental resources that directly contribute to economic development, such as retaining or attracting a Federal research lab.

Public policy issues will be more important to your EDO's future performance. Have you thoroughly assessed which public policies will help and hinder your ability to achieve your future goals? We believe this is vitally important.