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Commercial Linkage Strategies

  • What is it?
  • Why Use it?
  • How to Use It
  • Key Players
  • Challenges
  • Success Factors
  • Financing
  • Policy
  • Case Studies
  • Resources

    • Key Players

    Core Organizations

    Be creative
    A wide range of organizations might support a linkage fee if they could see how it relate sto their agendas. Linkage advocates should be versed in explaining the different benifits of linkage program (from smart groth to realiable housing funding) to build their list of allies.

    Organizations that advocate for and build affordable housing will play central roles in the campaign for a linkage fee. They have expertise in both the extent of the problem and what it will take to solve it. These organizations can also mobilize residents who are directly affected by the jobs/housing imbalance.

    If the linkage fee will be used to address other community needs as well, then advocacy organizations involved in those issues will also play a core role.

    Other interested organizations

    The mission of many community organizations will b advanced by a linkage fee. Those concerned with regional equity, smart growth, and opportunities for low-income residents will all be valuable allies. The specific organizations will vary according to local circumstances, but could include social service providers, religious organizations, community based organizations, environmental activists, labor unions or job training advocates.

    Citizens

    Well-informed, supportive citizens are always helpful in winning adoption of a linkage program, and they are crucial to its long-term viability. Even if the majority of city council representatives appear supportive of a linkage program, educate and mobilize the public. A ballot referendum, a petition campaign, a candidate questionnaire are all tools that can help build and demonstrate public support.

    Government officials

    At some point, and the earlier the better, a linkage campaign will need the assistance of supportive government officials. City council members can sponsor legislation and talk to their colleagues about the benefits of a linkage program. City staff can be influential as well, because elected officials rely on them for information and advice.

     Planning and development experts

    Because a specific proposal is a core piece of a linkage campaign, people with expertise in law, development, and planning should play an active advisory role along the way. They can help make rate calculations, word ordinances, and prepare reports on the projected results of the program.