Lower resistance to change by following these 2 simple truths - SmartBrief

One of my first mentors introduced me to the book Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard. While I wasn't in sales, it was still a big influence on how I wanted to engage with members of the public and was a part of my approach to revamping processes within cities. When I saw this post he co-authored with Randy Conley, I flagged it because I knew I'd want to come back to it. While it's written in a way that's geared towards organizational change, I think it's relevant to our work in public engagement as well. These are truths that are part of leading change and building trust. First - people don't resist change; they resist being controlled. We think the pushback is about change, but really, it's about the change process and people feeling helpless. Proactively ask for ideas, explain how the change personally affects them, help them adapt and give them a voice. Second - make them part of the planning process - not just at the end. This gives them the opportunity and reason to get behind the plan. Share information openly and frequently, involve them in finding a way forward, share information about how the change is working, and continue refining so it doesn't feel both sudden AND final. Great tips to keep in mind! – AJ

Transportation For America About the 2021 infrastructure law

Last November, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which now governs all federal transportation policy and funding through 2026. The end result of years of negotiations resulted in a hodge-podge bill that, frankly, missed a huge opportunity to move our country and communities forward. Congress voted to appropriate most of the $1.2 trillion to highways and roads. This is a classic example of SPENDING money that will not close the infrastructure funding gap or improve quality of life for the majority. It was a pretty big letdown for me and many others who have advocated for change at the state and federal level for years.

That said, there are some decent pots of money for transit, rail, and bike/ped projects, and enough wiggle room in the roadway language of the bill for communities to INVEST these funds into projects that do close funding gape and catalyze shifts in development patterns and lifestyles. The bill is long, complex, and full of jargon, so to help city leaders and advocates, Transportation for America has produced this great website that breaks it all down. 

It will be tempting for cities and states to apply for and use this funding to widen and expand roadway systems, but that will just add to future roadway liabilities and widen funding, housing affordability, equity, and environmental gaps. My recommendation to city, regional MPO, and state leaders is to work creatively within the guidelines of the bill to invest this money to truly transform your community. That is what being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars is ultimately about. – KEVIN

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