Lessons Learned

The cases highlighted on this website vary greatly in size, scope, goals, and location. However, many of the responsible parties cited common elements which helped make their project successful. The most salient of these were partnerships, public engagement, persistence, policy, political support, and timing.

Partnerships

Strong partnerships have proven important at all stages of a project: from preliminary planning, through construction, and into operations and maintenance. In cases involving multiple organizations, land-holding agencies, and jurisdictions, partnerships are necessary to develop and implement a shared vision. Even in cases entirely within one jurisdiction, partnerships can prove fruitful in building capacity, developing ideas, and securing funding for proposed projects. Engaging potential partners early in the process is key to consistent participation and buy-in.

 

Public Engagement

The vast majority of successful cases involved a robust public engagement process. Successful public engagement strategies go beyond basic informational meetings, but rather invite communities to become advocates for the project and help make decisions in the planning and design process. Public engagement should serve not only to present options and assuage fears, but also to generate ideas, grow support, and promote future stewardship of a recreation or conservation project.

 

Persistence

Multiple cases highlight the importance of persistence and determination in achieving results. This can be especially important when working with agencies and organizations that have become accustomed to approaching infrastructure improvement projects in a particular way. Ongoing conversations and hard facts about the infrastructure and community benefits of low-impact development and greenspace can eventually bring initially hesitant parties around to supporting new ideas.

 

Policy

It is important to keep an eye on relevant local, state, and national policies which might affect a project’s legality, requirements for approval, long-term operations and maintenance, and eligibility for funding or assistance. Some projects have to wait decades for policy shifts to occur, which can tip the scales into fiscally sound and legally viable territory. When feasible, the interested organizations and public can advocate for policy supporting the proposed project.

 

Political Support

Gaining support from elected officials can help legitimize an initiative, increase a project’s visibility, and be considered for government funding. Cultivating continued political support is especially important in projects requiring resolutions or legislation for funding and implementation.

 

Timing

Capitalizing on civic and political will is a major factor in the cases consulted. Oftentimes, this willingness to act is linked to events that make communities aware of the risks posed by flooding in their areas. Acting quickly—while the effects and risks remain fresh in the collective memory—is key in cases which require broad public or political support.