Selling Elected Officials on Infrastructure Needs
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 2
Abstract
The strong efforts being made by various groups to obtain greater support for rebuilding, rehabilitating, and maintaining the nation's deteriorating infrastructure can succeed only if we can “sell” policy makers on the needs and solutions. Policy officials must be reached through a multifaceted approach designed specifically to develop support through the political process. We must understand some key political factors and develop strategies accordingly. While technical data and logical arguments alone will not be sufficient, they will be critical for reaching new legislators and for communicating effectively with the media and the public. We must emphasize economic stability and development as related to infrastructure, and also the vital role of local agencies in the “selling” process. Most importantly, all interested and affected groups must work closely together.
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References
1.
American Public Works Association; Revenue Shortfall: The Public Works Challenge of the 1980's, Chicago, Ill., 1981.
2.
American Public Works Association; Proceedings of the National Water Symposium, “Changing Directions in Water Management,” Washington, D.C., 1983.
3.
Choate, P., and Walter, S., “America in Ruins: Beyond the Public Works Pork Barrel,” Council of State Planning Agencies, Washington, D.C., 1981.
4.
Congressional Budget Office, “Public Works Infrastructure: Policy Considerations for the 1980's,” Washington, D.C., 1983.
5.
National League of Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors, “Capital Budgeting and Infrastructure in American Cities: An Initial Assessment,” Washington, D.C., 1983.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 110 • Issue 2 • April 1984
Pages: 74 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
History
Published online: Apr 1, 1984
Published in print: Apr 1984
Authors
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