All policymakers want and need to hear from constituents who are impacted by their decisions. Public officials must consider a vast number of issues, many of which they have no prior experience with. Depending on the political level and resources available, these issues could be divided among many—or just a few—staff members that are responsible for following all activity and constituent support for each of their assigned issues. Staff members rely on a multitude of resources to keep them knowledgeable, including groups like NADO and experts like you. 

At the federal level, each Member of Congress has a group of legislative-focused staff who assist the Member in understanding and considering why or how to support a particular policy. They can also serve as subject matter experts and represent the Member at events, among other responsibilities. A staff member in a federal policymaker’s office may be responsible for covering the entire policy portfolio of 3-5 broad issue areas, such as “economic development” or “transportation.” Long story short, they are very busy and have a lot of demands on their time! As a regional development professional, you are “on-the-ground,” and know what is happening within the community and region. They lean on you to be their eyes and ears. 

You must be proactive and offer to serve as a resource to policymakers and their staff. You are in an excellent position to provide them with information about your programs and how these programs affect your community. If you can develop a working relationship with the official and his or her staff, they will look to you more often and ask for your input as issues come forward. By establishing yourself as a reliable source of information, you are improving your access to the policymaker.