ne of America’s most astute politicians once opined that “all politics is local.” In this new century, he would probably add that “all land use is political.”
Throughout the United States and Europe, citizens are organizing to oppose all forms of new development projects — from shopping malls and office buildings to affordable housing and even churches. The “new jobs and new taxes” that developers traditionally promise no longer have the resonance they once enjoyed. Development is no longer synonymous with progress, nor is growth necessarily perceived as good.
At the same time, many organizations now recognize the value of protecting their interests from highly aggressive competition. Businesses have discovered that it is more cost-effective to use zoning regulations to stop new market entrants than to compete with them after they’ve opened.
In all cases, local elected officials clearly understand that there is no political upside in approving projects that their constituents overwhelmingly oppose. Back room deals and promises made between developers and local officials fall apart when an elected official is faced with a room full of angry constituents or a vigorously curious reporter.
To be successful in this environment, a skillfully crafted and executed land-use campaign must generate widespread grassroots support and appropriate levels of targeted political pressure at critical points in order to win.
hile there is a traditional belief among developers that there are advantages to using well-connected local law or public relations firms, this belief overlooks the reality that widespread grassroots support has become key to winning zoning and land-use battles. In this current climate, people with no local interests to protect can operate more professionally and get the job done more quickly.
We have been in business since 1983. With more than 1,500 engagements completed across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, we have won more than 90 percent of the battles we’ve been called upon to fight.
We welcome your questions and comments about what you are experiencing in your industry and territory, and what we can do to help.
