On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, WithersRavenel hosted its latest Lunch & Learn webinar, Talking to Elected Officials. The session focused on a critical skill for public works professionals, local government staff, and community leaders: effectively communicating infrastructure and budgetary needs to elected officials.
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht of Cary, NC, and Keith Pugh, PE, PWLF, past APWA President and WithersRavenel Government Information Liaison, led the conversation. Jordan Nelson, MBA, EI, served as host.
Key Takeaways
- Communicating infrastructure needs: Harold and Keith emphasized that clear, consistent communication is vital for ensuring decision-makers understand both the technical and financial realities of public works projects.
- The power of storytelling: Attendees learned that facts and figures alone are not always persuasive; connecting data with real community stories can make presentations resonate with elected bodies.
- Navigating “no”: Presenters reminded participants that a “no” today may not mean “no” forever. Understanding local dynamics and maintaining ongoing dialogue can shift outcomes over time.
- Delivering difficult news: Strategies were shared for presenting budgetary constraints or unwelcome updates in ways that build trust and credibility with officials.
Why It Matters
For public works professionals and local government staff, the ability to communicate effectively with elected officials is essential to advancing infrastructure priorities. As Harold and Keith noted, fostering strong relationships and tailoring communication styles can transform how government bodies perceive and support critical projects.