Sept. 15, 2025
Whether we like to admit it or not, planning is political. Even when we convince ourselves that we're "just following the code" or calibrating data based on assigned direction, our work inevitably sparks community opposition, developer pressure, and media attention. These days, things seem more tense than ever. The truth? We don't get to opt out of politics.
In my previous piece, "Master the Message: 6 Time-Tested Tips for Better Communication," I shared my guiding motto: "Don't play politics, but know the game." In today's climate, ethical lines can be blurred more than we're comfortable with. But we cannot opt out of doing the people's work; we must stand firm and choose to navigate the political landscape with intention. That means understanding the players, anticipating the pressure points, and protecting the integrity of our mission while still getting the work done.
Five things to remember
Here's how to navigate the political landscape, strengthen your credibility, and ride out the storms of disruption and change.
1. Bridge the short and the long game
Planners are trained to think in decades by way of zoning decisions, infrastructure investments, and land use policies that will shape a city for generations. Elected officials, however, often operate within election cycles, where visible wins and quick results can take priority. These timelines don't always align and sometimes conflict.
Our role is to bridge the two: Frame long-term plans in terms of short-term wins that matter to decision-makers and their constituents. Show how today's investment in infrastructure, housing, comprehensive planning, or public space will produce benefits they can point to before the next election, while still advancing the city's broader vision. By connecting future growth to present-day political realities, you keep your long-term goals moving forward without asking politicians to choose between vision and viability.
2. Know the players before you make the move
When I play Monopoly with my family, I already know the players. My husband's mission is always to grab the high-value properties and load them with hotels. My kids, on the other hand, want to "make a deal" the moment the game starts. Knowing this, I play strategically, outpacing my husband on property grabs and saving my "get out of jail free" cards to win over my kids' support. I'll let them in on Mom's tactics when they're older (unless they discover this article first)!
Translation: I establish influence, and I move with purpose.
Before launching an initiative, ask yourself: Who holds the real influence? Who's likely to object? Who has a history with this issue? Then, execute with a clear understanding of stakeholder motivations, alliances, and historical sensitivities. Talk to council staff, review past meeting minutes, and forecast how the issue can evolve. Strategic timing and awareness go a long way toward sidestepping landmines and building support early.
3. Lead with facts, not fire
Let the politicians do the politicking. In moments of tension, it can be tempting to jump into the political debate. But as planners, our role isn't to fight political battles; it's to strategize and earn trust through clarity and data.
While elected officials debate, posture, and weigh competing priorities, it is our responsibility to know when to step back, take a beat, and quietly prepare the facts, recommendations, and strategies that leaders will eventually need to make well-informed policy decisions.
Take the uncertainty that comes with state or federal legislation changes. Leaders need time to sort through what aligns with or conflicts with their priorities. Those are the moments when we rise to the occasion: gather the facts, anticipate outcomes, and get ready to advise with confidence. When you consistently show up as the steady, fact-based advisor instead of the reactive voice in the room, they turn to you first. That's influence. That's impact.
In politics, quiet confidence and sound facts always outlast a loud defense.
4. Build trust before you need it
Relationships are a planner's most valuable asset. Trust isn't built by simply returning calls or answering emails; it's earned through consistent, intentional engagement. Sharing information early and often signals transparency, which lays the groundwork. Use tools like virtual town halls, project updates, or social media campaigns to keep the community informed before official deliberations are set to take place. If the first time someone hears about your policy is at a public hearing, you've already lost their trust.
People are far more likely to engage with, and even support, what they understand, even if they're not totally sold on the approach. Educate, listen, and build rapport early. Think of it like tailgating: the game is always better when there's a pre-game get-together!
5. Don't take it personally ... it's just politics
Politics can get messy, and planning work often draws tension from all sides. Don't take the verbal attacks or opposition personally; they're usually about differing priorities, not your character. Our role isn't to make everyone happy; it's to stay committed to the equitable mission and bring clarity, context, and perspective to every argument. When you stay grounded in facts and fairness, you can navigate even the most charged debates with credibility intact.
Planners don't need to play politics to be politically smart. Navigating the political landscape is about anticipation, preparation, and strategic execution. Mastering the message is step one; understanding the political game with emotional intelligence and savvy is step two. In planning, "winning" isn't about crossing the finish line first; it's about delivering lasting, equitable results that stand the test of time.
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