How can you build strong relationships with local communities?

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step to building strong relationships with local communities is to identify who your stakeholders are. Stakeholders are any individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by your development project. They can include residents, businesses, local authorities, community organizations, environmental groups, media, and others. You need to understand who they are, what they want, what they fear, and how they can influence your project. You can use various methods to identify your stakeholders, such as mapping, surveys, interviews, or focus groups.

2 Engage early and often

The second step to building strong relationships with local communities is to engage them early and often in the development process. Engagement means involving your stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and consultation, listening to their feedback, and addressing their issues. You should engage your stakeholders as soon as possible, even before you finalize your design or submit your planning application. This way, you can build trust, avoid surprises, and incorporate their input into your project. You should also maintain regular communication and engagement throughout the project lifecycle, updating your stakeholders on the progress, challenges, and benefits of your development.

3 Use multiple channels

The third step to building strong relationships with local communities is to use multiple channels to communicate and engage with them. Different stakeholders may prefer different modes and formats of communication, such as face-to-face meetings, online platforms, social media, newsletters, or phone calls. You should use a variety of channels to reach out to your stakeholders, ensuring that they are accessible, inclusive, and transparent. You should also tailor your messages to your audience, using clear, simple, and respectful language, and avoiding jargon or technical terms.

4 Collaborate with partners

The fourth step to building strong relationships with local communities is to collaborate with partners who can help you achieve your development objectives and address your stakeholders' needs. Partners can include local authorities, community organizations, NGOs, or other developers who have expertise, resources, or networks that can complement your own. You should seek to establish mutually beneficial relationships with your partners, sharing your vision, goals, and challenges, and aligning your expectations and responsibilities. You should also leverage your partners' credibility and influence to gain support and trust from your stakeholders.

5 Demonstrate your value

The fifth step to building strong relationships with local communities is to demonstrate your value as a developer and a corporate citizen. Value means not only the economic benefits that your project can generate, such as jobs, taxes, or revenues, but also the social and environmental benefits that it can deliver, such as affordable housing, green spaces, or community facilities. You should measure and communicate your value in tangible and relevant terms, using indicators, stories, or testimonials that show how your project can improve the quality of life and well-being of your stakeholders. You should also seek to create lasting value by supporting local initiatives, causes, or events that align with your values and mission.

6 Respond to feedback

The sixth and final step to building strong relationships with local communities is to respond to feedback from your stakeholders. Feedback can include compliments, complaints, suggestions, or questions that your stakeholders may have about your project. You should acknowledge and appreciate any feedback that you receive, and respond to it in a timely, respectful, and constructive manner. You should also show how you have acted on the feedback, or explain why you have not, and what alternatives or solutions you can offer. By responding to feedback, you can show that you care about your stakeholders' opinions, and that you are willing to learn and improve from them.

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?