Regional Collaboration Stewardship Across Boundaries

Moving from Vision to Action

Link to formal decision-making, anticipate obstacles, and take action.

Most (if not all) regional initiatives operate in an environment that is less structured and more uncertain than conventional decision-making forums (i.e., legislative and executive branches at the local, state, and federal levels). By definition, regional collaboration is designed to fill or bridge the gap in governance created by issues that cut across jurisdictions, sectors, and disciplines.

Given that these initiatives supplement and run parallel to formal decision-making systems, it is critical to link ad hoc efforts to the formal systems to facilitate the implementation of a regional vision, plan, or agenda. From the outset, then, it is important to actively engage representatives from the organizations and agencies that may be called upon to help implement any proposed actions.

Recent research suggests that regional initiatives often face a number of challenges:

Implementation Challenges

  • Fragmented decision-making environment.
  • Lack of time and resources due to existing missions, mandates, and responsibilities.
  • Lack of institutional support to work across boundaries.
  • Insufficient political will and leadership to move forward.
  • Alienated or apathetic citizens.

The best strategy to move from vision to action is to make the action an explicit part of the dialogue. Ask the question: how will the regional vision, plan, or agenda be implemented? The following chart presents seven habits for effective implementation of regional visions, plans, and agendas:

Seven Habits to Move from Vision to Action

  1. Think regionally and act at whatever level makes sense.
  2. Anticipate the challenges of implementating regional strategies.
  3. Develop an implementation plan and schedule as part of your regional action plan.
  4. Seek ratification among all relevant constituencies.
  5. Clarify participants' personal commitment to the regional vision, plan, and agenda.
  6. Present the regional vision, plan, or agenda to key decision makers and leaders in the public, private, and non-government sectors.
  7. Celebrate progress and monitor implementation.