Advice on Responding To Tea Party Members Critical of Smart Growth

The debate in 2011 surrounding planning as it relates to Tea Party members and UN Agenda 21, an 18-year-old UN plan which encourages countries to consider the environmental impacts of human development, has been emotionally-charged.

Discounting or vilifying Tea Party Activists is not the answer, writes Nathan Norris. Instead, Norris recommends understanding this demographic and offers a four-step process to communicate.

"These concerns are no small issue. Rather, they're a formidable distraction capable of sinking years of work and wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars. In an era of diminishing resources, they're something most communities simply can't afford."

"It's a very real challenge, but not an insurmountable one. For planners looking to make progress despite the hurdles of today's political reality, here's a four-step process for successfully navigating the waters."

"Step One: Stop Belittling Objectors. Step Two: Listen. Step Three: Identify. Step Four: Engage."

Thanks to Hazel Borys