Engineering Leadership in Public Policy Resolution

Abstract

Since the mid-1960s it is not unusual for large public projects to be highly controversial. Frequently the conflict is more about the values being supported by the goals of these projects than about their technical aspects. Nevertheless, resolution of pertinent public policy conflicts is essential if a proposed project is to proceed and avoid litigation or termination. The list of interested parties may include a wide range of public entities as well as private citizens. Of the potentially involved parties, it is typically the engineer who is in the best position to understand the project and to identify new alternatives and options to meet the project's goals, while maintaining public confidence. To be successful in this endeavor the engineer must provide leadership, apply “new” tools, and possibly act as a facilitator to hear the issues, seek new approaches, and promote solutions that simultaneously meet the public's concerns and the project's objectives. Without this leadership in a dispute-resolution process, the project can stall and the public benefits it offers lost.