governments are under unprecedented financial challenges. The old way of providing government services simply won't work in the new economy, and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight.
However, there are ways that local governments can find success when faced with important decisions that impact the communities they serve.
Two years ago, the city of Vancouver began to debate the construction of a new city hall with the opportunity to acquire and retrofit the former Columbian building in downtown Vancouver. Instead of operating under the status quo and making a decision on their own, city leaders brought together a group of respected local business professionals. These experts had demonstrated expertise in commercial construction, real estate and financing.
As one of six members of this Business Leadership Advisory Council, I am very proud of the contributions we made in helping the city of Vancouver arrive at a solution that worked for everyone involved – and there are several reasons why it worked.
First, the city council trusted all six members. Second, they listened carefully and followed our recommendations. Finally, city officials didn't have an agenda or predetermined end game. They sincerely wanted to make a good business decision given the opportunity that existed in the marketplace.
The final outcome was that our committee not only provided direction for the city, but we all publicly supported the purchase. In addition, the anxiety many in our community felt over the future of the iconic downtown building changed to relief when the purchase was made.
As our community moves forward through the rest of the year and into 2011, the challenges look to be greater, not less, than what we have faced in the past two years. Local governments should use Vancouver's model and seek the advice of knowledgeable local business people when faced with difficult decisions that will affect the community.
Trusting a small group of business leaders and being open to private sector business principles and ideas can help governments make good decisions. Every community has different needs and these types of business leadership councils should be structured accordingly. Councils should be organized around specific issues so that expertise can be drawn from a wide range of business leaders.
Local governments will benefit from more collaboration with local businesses. This recent opportunity to purchase the former Columbian building is proof that the process can work. By leveraging the expertise that already exists in the community, local government can make better decisions on behalf of the taxpayers, encourage job creation and do their part to help get the economy moving forward again.
Ron Frederiksen is the president and owner of RSV Building Solutions. He can be reached at 360-693-8830 or ron@rsvbuilding.com
