Davies Group | Land Use

Earning Public Support for Land Use Approvals

A PROVEN STRATEGY

When new developments, both commercial and residential, become public, they are often perceived as a threat by those that live in the area. Whether it’s a fear of change, the unknown or a feeling that their opinion does not matter in the decision, these fears create personal

consternation and often elicit vocal opposition.

At Davies, we have mastered the blueprint to overcome these emotional reactions. First, we uncover a true north and local message. Then we develop award-winning creative materials and reach out to the right people in the right way to cultivate supporters while pacifying detractors.

WINNING APPROVALS
FOR MORE THAN
THREE DECADES

Davies has been at the forefront of California’s most challenging real estate projects. We’ve earned a reputation for building community support when it seemed impossible, overcoming massive opposition and creating programs to avoid controversy and earn timely entitlements. Here’s a map of major real estate approvals that we have been honored to work on over

the past decades. This includes residential, retail and commercial, as well as education and other institution master.

THE COMPANY WE KEEP

Winning approvals across California for more than three decades

FEAR OF

THE UNKNOWN

FEAR OF

INSIGNIFIGANCE

FEAR OF

CHANGE

Fear drives much of human behavior and has continued to be the most influential factor according to nearly every psychological study. When faced with new development, we have found that individual perspectives are often shaped by prevailing political ideologies. This can lead to them reacting with 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

SIX STEPS TO

EARNING APPROVAL

1.
LISTEN FIRST

Outreach begins with listening. Through research, interviews and on-the-ground conversations, we uncover how neighbors view the project and what matters most to them.

2.
TARGET AUDIENCES

We identify key groups within the community— from nearby residents and local officials to thought leaders and civic organizations Tailored messaging ensures each group hears what matters to them.

3.
ADDRESS DREAMS
+ FEARS

We build messages that speak to local hopes (economic opportunity, reliability, energy independence) and directly address fears (visual impacts, noise, safety).

4.
TELL YOUR STORY

With strategic content — from storybooks and videos to project websites — we introduce the project and educate the community in approachable, relatable terms.

5.
CULTIVATE ADVOCATES

Early supporters are nurtured into vocal advocates through relationship building, regular updates, and empowerment to share their stories.

6.
ASK FOR HELP

When it matters most — at hearings, community meetings and public comment periods — we activate advocates to publicly support the project. This process is not about selling — it’s about creating authentic connection and informed.