Fire Station Project Considerations PRESENTATION PREPARED BY Ernie

Fire Station Project Considerations PRESENTATION PREPARED BY Ernie Polsom Fire. Wise Consulting

Background • Why do projects failsometimes spectacularly? • What is the cause of divisive public commentary? • Why do some go great and others, well, not so much? • How can we better prepare? Fire. Wise Consulting

Understandings • Your residents and stakeholders expect a say. • People have a low confidence in government. • Social media is real and empowering. • The law protects stakeholder rights. • It will only get more challenging Fire. Wise Consulting

Business Case • Why do you need this project? • What does it look like, really? • Where will it go? • How will you pay for it? • How does it reflect community needs? • Link your rationale to facts. Fire. Wise Consulting

Its not just a technical exercise! Plan Strategically Fire. Wise Consulting Plan has to reflect ALL the factors: • Public concerns and thoughts • Funding • Partnerships • Timelines • Community value and benefits • Big P and small P political concerns

Understand • • • Don’t just talk to your supporters Listen carefully to those opposed Ask lots of questions Seek to understand, then to be understood Don’t personalize Fire. Wise Consulting

Engage • Talk to people • Based on Understanding findings • Help them understand • Seek to better understand • Document engagement feedback • Use the knowledge Fire. Wise Consulting

Identify your audience(s) Tailor your message Communicate Understand what you are selling! Be responsive, not reactive! Use all your resources- intelligently! Don’t personalize! Fire. Wise Consulting

Get Help • • Professional support needed early Mistakes are hard to recover from Communications Technical professionals Project management Community engagement Buffer Fire. Wise Consulting

Summary • Big projects = Big challenges • Public is demanding to be a part • Failure is expensive- financially and reputationally • Success will take time and effort • Relatively small investments can reap great rewards • Listen, engage and plan • Seek help early Fire. Wise Consulting

Questions? Fire. Wise Consulting