Can we talk…and why don’t we?

Talk helps sustaining and build an economy

Communicationis a necessity for economic growth

“Can we talk?,” can be the introduction to a gossipy conversation, a la comedienne, Joan Rivers. But in a community, it can be the introduction to something that just does not happen enough — communication among stakeholders. With a severe lack of candid, frequent, and meaningful conversations in our communities, as my friend says, “no wonder nothing gets done!”

The lack of truthful and frequent communications is a barrier to sustaining and growing an economy and a quality community. Because we do not frequently and honestly express what we really need and want, necessary residential, commercial and industrial projects are not built; development of transportation lines are stymied; and our hinterlands are destroyed and/or left to the enjoyment of a select few inhabitants.

While speech is something that we all learn at a very early age, over time, we learn to craft what we say and how we say it (or what we don’t say), often for the purpose of influencing decisions. All too often we practice one-ups-manship — who can yell the loudest; get the most press; exaggerate the most; bleed the most hearts; and on and on.

Fortunately, outright lying is rarely seen. Perhaps this is because the truth often can be objectively determined. Exaggeration, however, is all too often prevalent in our circles of communications.

Sometimes we forget the benefits of limiting our discussions to the facts. Exaggerating issues can complicate a decision-maker’s task as he/she has to find a way to justify a constituency pleasing determination that is contrary to the implication of the facts.

The problem of communications in our communities moves both vertically and horizontally. While how we speak to each other is important, we also cannot ignore the problems of not speaking (and listening) enough to one another. What we are really seeking in each other is candid and frequent conversation identifying real concerns and real solutions.

All too often business is viewed as greedy; renters are viewed as pariah; homeowners are viewed as selfish; and decision-makers are viewed as omnipotent. With better communications among all stakeholders (vertically and horizontally), we could cast aside our stereotypes and achieve what we all need and want in our communities.

Vertically, we plead our case to the decision-maker, and he/she pleads it to us. Unfortunately, decision-makers sometimes do not fare too well in this area of communications — promoting ideas/projects developed without candid discussions with their communities. There is no winner in these scenarios.

We also cannot ignore the impact of the typical lack of communications horizontally. While all the stakeholders in the community probably do have many concerns and goals in common, rarely do they communicate them to one another. Too often, when they do speak with each other, it is perfunctory. Talk is for the purpose of information gathering; all to be used to some side’s advantage at another date or time (e.g., at a public hearing on a development project.)

While honesty in words is important, it can only come from honesty in intent. Are we really interested in being honest with one another, or “does the end justify the means?” Do we see the importance of frequent communications, or are we just going through the motions so that we can say that we tried?

Let those of us who want a better and healthier community, characterized by a strong economy and quality of life, commit ourselves to communicate with one another openly and honestly. Let us seek opportunities to discover and discuss areas of mutual concern. Solutions are waiting to be found; and to every problem, there is a solution.

Town councils, bringing together business and residential communities, can formally and semi-formally serve as arenas of communications. Formation of issue oriented forums on topics of mutual interest (e.g., transportation, water) can bring strange bedfellows together for productive relationships.

Informal discussions, among stakeholders, are also useful as well as sensible. Sincere discussions may generate some concessions in a sticky issue.

Providing commentary to decision-makers that is honest and fair builds a credibility that has its value when decisions are made. The decision-maker is more comfortable making a determination based on facts than on the direction of the political winds.

Discussions initiated with a sincere interest in identifying and fostering solutions through cooperation are not impossible. These discussions are often the foundation to creating and/or maintaining the types of communities, in which we all want to live and work (and relocate and expand.) The conversations may be difficult to initiate and maintain, but they seem to be well worth it.

Wendy M. Brogin, AICP, is a principal of the Sherman Oaks-based planning, zoning, and government affairs firm bearing her name. She is an active member of the board of directors of a number of community and citywide based organizations.