Coalitions that Count: Using Local Partnerships to Power Equitable Change

One of the most practical strategies I've found in advocacy is building coalitions that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. This doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentional outreach, relationship-building, and a willingness to meet people where they are. In municipal government, we often rely on formal channels like public hearings or advisory boards, but true advocacy demands we go beyond these structures. Whether it's hosting listening sessions in neighborhood centers, attending community-led events, or collaborating with grassroots organizations, we must create space for authentic dialogue. Doing so not only builds trust but also strengthens the legitimacy of our policy recommendations.

The City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods offers a strong example of this approach. Their Community Liaison program hires trusted local leaders to facilitate engagement between city departments and historically underrepresented populations. This effort has resulted in increased participation in city planning and budgeting processes, especially among immigrant and refugee communities¹. By integrating community members as partners instead of participants, Seattle has managed to institutionalize advocacy that centers lived experience. Municipal practitioners can replicate this model by identifying respected community figures, compensating them fairly, and giving them real authority in shaping outcomes.

Turning Community Input into Policy Action

Advocacy doesn’t end when the conversation is over; in fact, that’s when the real work begins. Moving from community feedback to policy action requires a structured process that tracks commitments, communicates progress, and ensures accountability. In my experience, it’s critical to translate what we hear into tangible deliverables. That means documenting input clearly, aligning it with existing policy frameworks or budget priorities, and then looping back with the community to validate interpretations. Without this follow-through, we risk turning advocacy into a performative exercise rather than a tool for systemic change.

One practical tool that helps bridge this gap is the use of equity impact assessments. Jurisdictions like Portland, Oregon have embedded these assessments into their policy development cycle to evaluate how proposed actions affect different demographic groups². These tools help quantify community concerns and connect them to data-driven decision-making. When used consistently, they enhance transparency and enable staff to advocate internally for policies that reflect community values. Municipal staff should be trained not only in using these tools but also in presenting their findings effectively to elected officials and department leadership.

Advocating Within City Hall

Advocacy is not limited to interactions with the public. As municipal practitioners, we also have a responsibility to advocate within our own institutions. That might mean pushing for inclusive hiring practices, equitable resource allocation, or better support systems for frontline staff. Internal advocacy often requires navigating organizational hierarchies and aligning with political realities, but it can be just as impactful