STOPPING NIMBYS SINCE 2009
NIMBY
THE
NEWS
CALVERT
STREET GROUP
WE CREATE WIN-WINS FOR OUR
CLIENTS + COMMUNITIES + PEOPLE
CORPORATE CAMPAIGNS
CALVERT STREET GROUP
THE BEGINNING OF
Winning community support is a component of practically every project involving land use issues. Whether it’s siting, permitting, or rezoning, nearly every development understands the importance of community outreach.
In 2009 when Darden Copeland formed Calvert Street Group, the concept of the corporate campaign (at least in terms of grassroots organizing rather than advertising or branding) was relatively rare. Copeland had cut his teeth on political campaigns, working on then-Richmond, Va. Mayor Tim Kaine’s first statewide race and later working on the presidential campaign of Al Gore. He quickly learned major big box retailers wanted to use his skill and experience in building field campaigns to guide their siting and rezoning efforts across America.
When Copeland left the company he was working for to start Calvert Street, he continued his work for commercial and retail developers, but aggregate and solid waste companies were soon knocking on his door, asking for help in getting quarries and landfills approved as well.
Calvert Street quietly became an important consultant for Fortune 500 companies seeking advice on land use campaigns. Copeland gained prominence in 2011 by literally fighting city hall when he successfully helped racing supporters block an effort by Nashville’s mayor to tear down the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and later raised Calvert Street’s profile even further by managing the winning Vote Yes campaign for a transit referendum in Wake County, NC in 2016.
National press took notice when the Calvert Street team was called to Virginia to rescue the prospects of a 6,000+ acre, 500-megawatt solar development in Spotsylvania County, Va. The developer learned a majority of the county’s board of supervisors would oppose the
multi-million dollar investment only four months before a vote was scheduled. A county-wide campaign was launched by Calvert Street involving more than 12,000 phone calls and door-to-door canvassing that grew the list of supporters from 150 to more than 3,300 in 90 days. Ultimately the project (the largest in the nation at the time) was approved by a 5-to-3 vote. Since that project, Calvert Street Group has managed campaigns for the approval of more than 4 gigawatts of renewable energy.
Major projects continue at Calvert Street, the most recent being the approval of Nashville city government of more than $1.26 billion in public funds for a new enclosed stadium for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Following a campaign to build public support, the city council approved the funding by a vote of 26-11.
Copeland says Calvert Street’s success today is the same as when the company started.
“We want to bring in the best organizers we can find, people who are experienced in campaigning and who pay attention to details,”
Copeland says. “But, above all, we want people who are committed to winning. When a project breaks ground, there’s a tremendous sense of pride in that.”
FINDING A
WAY TO YES
- Calvert Street Fights NIMBYs by Finding
People Who WANT Your Investment
Anyone who’s ever been involved in a public referendum can tell you it's simple to get people to show up at a public meeting. Just scare them. Make them angry. Convince them the value of their home will drop. - But, political campaigns are all about getting people who AGREE with you to act. Make a donation. Put up a yard sign. Vote.
Activating support can be challenging but with the right tools, planning, and a commitment to winning, it can spell the difference between breaking ground on a million-dollar project or going back to square one. That’s why Managing Director Darden Copeland started the Calvert Street Group over a decade ago. He knew that the same skills campaign workers utilize to win elections could be used to convince local planners and elected officials their community supports new investment.
Calvert Street uses the tools a candidate for office would use: direct mail, phone calls, polling, advertising, media management, and old-fashioned door-to-door canvassing to get your message out to stakeholder groups. We tell them how a project will improve a community, contribute to the tax base, and add to their quality of life.
Calvert Street isn’t a traditional public relations firm that gets nervous at the first sign of opposition or controversy. We’ve been there before. We’re experts at turning around public opinion and building coalitions of supporters who will come to the defense of your project and “get the talk right” about why your project is a benefit to the community. Calvert Street doesn’t believe in “astroturf” support. We organize real people and help them make policymakers aware of their support.
Across the political spectrum, we have experienced campaign veterans from both sides of the aisle who know how to identify stakeholder groups and speak to them in
identify stakeholder groups and speak to them in ways that earn their trust. Calvert Street can be in the field gathering information before communities even know your project exists, gaining public perspectives and identifying potential trouble spots before you even file for your entitlement. We listen to your neighbors early in the process so you can build relationships and adapt your strategy to win, reducing risk as you get closer to important votes.
Calvert Street team members are committed to winning and we go anywhere at any time to get the result you need. We’ve successfully completed projects in 46 U.S. states and Canada. Our work has been recognized by the American Association of Political Consultants and by Campaigns & Elections more than 50 times. We’ve won for hundreds of clients, and we can win for you.
NIMBY
SYNDROME
Symptoms
include sudden
fence height
obsession
DOES NOT
one size
fit all
Calvert Street has won enough votes to know that every project is unique. The development team, the community, the local government, and even the site plan determine your approach to bringing your investment to a successful conclusion. That’s why Calvert Street researches each project community thoroughly, then sits down with your team to craft messages and create a campaign plan that fits your timeline and capitalizes on your project’s unique assets.
Our track record of success includes multi-family residential, detached home developments, commercial, retail, and mixed-use. We know which communities give their local city council member veto power over new development and which communities take a consensus approach. Is the community you’re targeting pro-growth or anti-growth? Do they take height limits seriously or are they open to compromise? Calvert Street knows how to tailor a campaign plan to the specific needs of your project and frame it in a way that is likely to build the broadest support possible.
How important will it be to get the local chamber of commerce on your side? Are there business leaders or large employers you need to ask to lunch? Sometimes, a sponsorship of a local community event, town fair, or local sports team can go a long way toward convincing the community you’re committed to putting down roots. Will local groups push for a community benefits agreement? Calvert Street can find answers to all those questions and help guide you in a direction that is cost-effective and makes sense.
CALVERT
STREET WAY
THE
Calvert Street distinguishes itself by using political campaign strategies to navigate land use challenges effectively, directly engaging with communities to build support and mitigate opposition. Our experienced team employs a hands-on approach, initiating early and frequent interactions to understand local dynamics and adapt strategies accordingly. This proactive engagement ensures that our clients secure the necessary entitlements while fostering lasting relationships and support within the communities where projects are located.
Unlike typical public affairs firms, Calvert Street goes beyond surface-level engagement by prioritizing the creation of authentic and organic community coalitions. We engage with stakeholders, including affected neighbors and key influencers, to educate them about the project's positive impact on their community.
By fostering genuine connections and understanding local concerns, we empower communities to take ownership of supporting our clients' projects not just during approval stages but also in the long term.
Our early involvement in projects allows us to address concerns and proactively manage expectations. By listening to neighbors, incorporating feedback, and highlighting project benefits such as tax revenue, job creation, and community partnerships, we create a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders and garners widespread support.
In addition to our grassroots efforts, Calvert Street leverages sophisticated digital strategies to amplify our message and reach targeted audiences effectively. From social media campaigns to online petitions, we utilize digital platforms to engage communities and mobilize support.
When our clients present their cases to local governments or decision-making bodies, we ensure they are well-prepared and equipped with insights gained from our community engagement efforts
We provide guidance on how to connect with decision-makers and navigate media interactions, ensuring a cohesive and persuasive advocacy approach.
One of the hallmarks of our approach is the emphasis on coalition building and community mobilization during key decision-making moments. We rally the coalitions we have cultivated to attend and advocate at relevant meetings, showcasing strong community support that carries significant weight with decision-makers.
Our commitment doesn't end with project approvals. Calvert Street remains involved throughout the construction and operation phases, ensuring that the groundwork laid for community support remains robust and enduring. This continuity allows our clients to focus on their core objectives while being valued and welcomed contributors to the communities they serve.
The Calvert Street Way integrates hands-on community engagement, strategic digital outreach, and sustained advocacy to not only secure project approvals but also to build lasting partnerships and goodwill within communities.