EARNING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LAND USE APPROVALS
REAL ESTATE AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS DON'T FAIL BECAUSE OF ENGINEERING; THEY FAIL BECAUSE OF OPPOSITION.
At Davies Public Affairs, we help developers, property owners and project teams secure land use approvals by building public support, navigating political dynamics and managing risk at every stage of the process. From early planning through the final vote, we design and execute strategies that move projects forward.
LAND USE CHALLENGES WE HELP SOLVE
Land use projects face increasing scrutiny from communities, regulators and advocacy groups. We help clients overcome:
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Community opposition and NIMBY resistance
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Delays in permitting and entitlement approvals
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Organized activist campaigns and misinformation
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Political and stakeholder misalignment
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Environmental and land use-related public pressure
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Reputational risk during contentious projects
THE COMPANY WE KEEP
Winning approvals across California for more than three decades
WHAT IS LAND USE PUBLIC AFFAIRS?
Land use public affairs is the strategic process of building community support, aligning stakeholders and navigating political and regulatory systems to secure approvals for development projects.
It combines communications, community engagement and advocacy to ensure projects are understood, supported and ultimately approved.
FEAR DRIVES MUCH OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR
FEAR OF
THE UNKNOWN
FEAR OF
INSIGNIFIGANCE
FEAR OF
CHANGE
Knowing that fear drives much of human behavior and has continued to be the most influential factor according to nearly every psychological study, including when facing new development.
This can lead to anger, either out of hostility, resistance to change or alignment with a group’s perspective. Others, however, have fears that we can deal with. Knowing how to address fear of change comes down to knowing what type of change is feared. Fear of the unknown can be easily overcome by engagement and sharing our story.
The tough one is fear of insignificance; individuals who expect to be in the know can be driven to rapid opposition when ignored. Again, our approach to strategic engagement equips us to address this fear by ensuring that there are avenues for these individuals to get involved.
A PROVEN STRATEGY
HOW WE HELP GET PROJECTS APPROVED
Our approach is built on real-world experience supporting complex and often controversial projects.
1. Research & Stakeholder Mapping
We identify key decision-makers, influencers and community groups to understand the landscape before opposition forms.
2. Strategic Messaging
We develop clear, credible narratives that resonate with local priorities: economic benefits, environmental stewardship and community value.
3. Community Engagement
We design outreach programs that build trust early, address concerns and create opportunities for meaningful input.
4. Grassroots Advocacy & Activation
We mobilize supporters, residents, business leaders and stakeholders to demonstrate visible, measurable public support.
5. Rapid Response & Crisis Management
When projects face opposition or misinformation, we respond quickly to protect momentum and maintain credibility.
HOW WE CREATE
A PERSUASIVE MESSAGE
ACKNOWLEDGE
and accept there are impacts
CONTRAST
impacts of acting with greater impacts of not acting
EMBRACE
the overall benefits of the project
BRIDGE
your value-based message to an economic message
PROVEN RESULTS IN COMPLEX LAND USE PROJECTS
Davies has supported high-profile land use and development projects across multiple sectors, helping clients:
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Secure approvals for large-scale real estate developments
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Advance infrastructure and energy projects through regulatory processes
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Build durable community support in highly scrutinized environments
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Overcome organized opposition and negative media narratives
WHY LAND USE PROJECTS FAIL, AND HOW TO AVOID IT
Many projects encounter delays or rejection not because they lack merit, but because they lack a proactive public affairs strategy.
Common pitfalls include:
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Engaging the community too late
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Underestimating opposition
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Failing to align with local priorities
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Inconsistent or unclear messaging
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Lack of visible public support
We help clients avoid these risks by building strong foundations early and maintaining momentum throughout the approval process.
START WITH A WINNING APPROVAL STRATEGY
If you’re planning a development project, early strategy can make the difference between delay and approval.
Contact Davies Public Affairs to build a land use strategy that secures support and gets projects approved.
LAND USE PUBLIC AFFAIRS FAQS
How do you overcome community opposition to development?
By engaging early, addressing concerns transparently and building a coalition of supporters who can advocate for the project.
Why do land use projects get delayed?
Delays are often caused by public opposition, political pressure or lack of stakeholder alignment, not just regulatory issues.
What role does community engagement play in permitting?
Community engagement is critical. Projects with visible public support are significantly more likely to gain approvals.
When should public affairs start in a development project?
As early as possible and ideally before a project becomes public or opposition begins to form.
How do you build political support for a project?
By aligning the project with community priorities and clearly demonstrating its benefits to constituents and decision-makers.
Davies
LET'S TALK
Take the Next Step Towards Project Success Schedule Your Consultation
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TO REAL ESTATE ENTITLEMENT
Santa Barbara,CA
Los Angeles, CA
Washington, D.C.
805.963.5929
