What are the essential components of a successful affordable housing campaign?

2 Build a coalition and a base

The second step of any campaign is to build a coalition and a base. Who are the allies and stakeholders that share your vision and goals for affordable housing? How can you reach out to them and engage them in your campaign? How can you mobilize and empower the affected residents to become leaders and spokespeople for your campaign? How can you create a common agenda and a shared identity among your coalition members? You need to build relationships and trust, communicate effectively, and foster collaboration and solidarity.

3 Develop a strategy and a plan

The third step of any campaign is to develop a strategy and a plan. Who are the targets and the decision-makers that can influence or implement the solution? What are the opportunities and challenges that you face in your campaign? What are the tactics and actions that you can use to pressure or persuade your targets? How can you measure and evaluate your progress and impact? You need to map out the power dynamics, identify the leverage points, and design a realistic and flexible plan.

4 Execute the plan and adapt to changes

The fourth step of any campaign is to execute the plan and adapt to changes. How can you coordinate and implement your tactics and actions effectively and efficiently? How can you mobilize and motivate your coalition and base to participate and support your campaign? How can you communicate and disseminate your message and demands to the public and the media? How can you monitor and respond to the feedback and reactions from your targets and opponents? You need to organize and manage your resources, logistics, and risks, and be ready to adjust your plan as needed.

5 Negotiate and advocate for the solution

The fifth step of any campaign is to negotiate and advocate for the solution. How can you engage and influence your targets and decision-makers to adopt or support your solution? How can you present and defend your solution with confidence and credibility? How can you address and overcome the objections and resistance from your opponents? How can you leverage and expand your support from the public and the media? You need to prepare and practice your negotiation and advocacy skills, and be prepared to compromise and collaborate.

6 Celebrate and sustain the campaign

The sixth step of any campaign is to celebrate and sustain the campaign. How can you celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of your coalition and base? How can you evaluate and learn from the successes and failures of your campaign? How can you sustain and strengthen the relationships and commitments of your coalition and base? How can you follow up and monitor the implementation and impact of your solution? How can you plan and prepare for the next steps and challenges of your campaign? You need to appreciate and reward your efforts, reflect and improve your practices, and renew and inspire your vision.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?