An Engineer’s Guide to Influencing Public Policy - 3 PDH

Engineers often are called upon to interact with public policy makers in the course of their careers, their professional development, and in pursuit of personal interests. There are, however, fundamental differences in what motivates engineers and what motivates public policy makers. This course presents a realistic approach that engineers will need to follow if they hope to have any success in the public policy arena at the local, state and federal levels.

I. An overview of legislative processes

A. A typical state legislative process

B. The federal legislative process

II. Why public policymakers are different from you and me

A. Linear- and non-linear thinkers

B. The hierarchy of people

C. Logical and emotional arguments

D. The hierarchy of people

E. The two most important words in public policy

II. Be issue-focused

A. Find issues and positions that can be winners

B. Establish alliances

C. Form single-issue entities to pursue objectives

III. Money is the root of all politics

A. How much money is needed to be a public policy player?

B. Where to get it

1. Alliance partners

2. Bargaining units?

C. Where to invest it

1. Know who has the power

2. Why your local legislator may not be a good investment

IV. The role of legislative staff

V. Committee hearings

A. Decisions are never made in public hearings

B. Nevertheless, a convincing presentation is important

1. Attention span

2. Presentations should be emotional, not logical

3. The role of handouts

 

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

 

• Learn the importance of “handouts”….and how to use them.

• The importance of forming single-issue alliances to pursue objectives with a realistic understanding of the roles of power

 

Anyone in the construction and infrastructure industries interested in influencing public policymakers will find this seminar valuable. This includes….

Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers

Architects

Contractors

Local public works and infrastructure officials.

 

 

You will learn the “rules” of the public policy game, and how to play within those rules….

 

 

You will learn the fundamental difference between linear thinkers and non-linear thinkers and why it is critical to understand this when undertaking to influence public policy makers. You will learn about the hierarchy of people so you will know who can and cannot help you to achieve your objectives. And this understanding will lead you to learn the two words that must guide everything you do in the public policy arena.

 

 

You will learn the fundamentals of picking your issues and distinguishing between winners and losers. You will learn the importance of single-issue entities and the importance of establishing alliances to pursue them cooperatively. And you will learn why you need to focus your resources and efforts on those policy makers who have the power to help you achieve your objectives….and not waste them on policy makers who are not in a position to move your agenda forward. You will also learn about techniques such as “emotional arguments” and “handouts” that will not win your case but will help you to win it.

 

It is impossible to influence public policy without a realistic appreciation of the interpersonal dynamics of legislative and other government bodies. This course will tell you how engineers need to approach public policy makers if they want to be effective and persuasive. It is from the perspective of a professional engineer who spent nine years as a principal staff member for the California Legislature responsible for making recommendations to the Members on infrastructure issues. In this capacity he prepared reports to the Membership, testified before legislative committees, and provided one-on-one information and recommendations to Members, committee staff and lobbyists. In earlier years, he was also active in the governmental affairs programs of engineering organizations in California. His experience runs contrary to some of the conventional wisdom in the engineering and construction community, and projects dim prospects for engineers to influence public policy unless the profession adopts a realistic approach to dealing with policymakers. Although presented from the perspective of state government, the seminar is equally applicable to the profession’s interests at the local and federal levels.

This course will give you a realistic view of what engineers need to do if they want to be effective in influencing public policy makers at the local, state and federal level. It will give you an understanding of what motivates public policy makers and where engineers need to focus their resources if they hope influence the course of public policy, whether related to your job or your personal interests.