Policy Consensus E-News — Fall 2006
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In this issue:
- Washington Universities Establish Ruckelshaus Center
- Women Legislators Gain New Insights About Collaboration
- Case Study: Interstate Dispute Over Bridge Resolved
- PCI Launches Online Forum
Washington Universities Jointly Establish the Ruckelshaus Center
The
University of Washington and Washington State University have launched
a joint center to resolve social, economic and environmental issues in
Washington State.
The Center's mission, developed after examining efforts in other states and consulting with some 300 leaders, is to assist those already in conflict, as well as those who see one coming. The Center will also provide instruction in conflict resolution, sponsor conferences and forums on emerging issues, and pursue research on conflict resolution practices.
Known during its pilot phase as the Policy Consensus Center, the program has already helped with some water issues and with conflicts among business, labor, and regulatory agencies. It is presently bringing farm interests together with environmental advocates, community leaders, and tribes to identify approaches to farming that can improve profitability and provide environmental benefits and has been invited by the state House of Representatives to conduct a workshop for newly elected legislators.
In their October 17 announcement, Presidents V. Lane Rawlins of WSU and Mark Emmert of UW said that the Center will be named for William D. Ruckelshaus. As Governor Chris Gregoire noted, "Everyone who sees the name William D. Ruckelshaus on these doors will know the Center stands for integrity, respect for all, and civil solutions that make life better for all Washingtonians."
Beyond Bickering: How Women Legislators Can Bridge The Partisan Divide
The
National Conference of State Legislature’s Women’s Legislative
Network held a day-long workshop, co-sponsored by PCI, as part of NCSL's
Annual Meeting.
Over 45 women legislators from 30 states gathered for this day-long workshop that focused on the role legislators can play in promoting collaboration and consensus-building. Faculty led several discussion sessions about the dynamics of conflict, negotiation skills, collaborative processes, convening meetings and engaging the public.
Participants shared their experiences and responded enthusiastically to what they heard. As a result of the discussion, here are just some of the ideas these women legislators said they were taking home:
- “Don’t be the focal point and the speaker at community meetings.”
- “Allow my constituents to talk.”
- “Convene community constituencies.”
- “Bring more groups together in the community”
- “Begin to educate others on how we can work together.”
- ”Try small collaborations and build relationships.”
- “Develop more collaborative relationships with the other side of the aisle.”
- “Try to listen more to my peers.”
Workshop faculty included a team of six women legislators: Arkansas Representative Joyce Elliott; Indiana Senator Beverly Gard; Former Kansas Senate Majority Leader Lana Oleen; and, from Minnesota, Representatives Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Kathy Tingelstad and Senator Sheila Kiscaden. Assisting were Peggy Kerns, Director of NCSL's Center for Ethics in Government, and Chris Carlson, PCI.
Minnesota–Wisconsin Interstate Bridge Dispute Resolved
This
summer, a longstanding controversy over how to improve transportation between
Minnesota and Wisconsin over the St Croix River has been resolved through
mediation. The case highlights both the importance and the challenges of
effectively integrating collaborative problem solving into NEPA review
processes.
Stillwater, Minnesota and Houlton, Wisconsin are connected by an historic lift bridge over the St. Croix River which is part of the national Wild and Scenic River System. The area borders the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan region. Severe traffic congestion was a problem in both communities. Rush hour delays and weekend backups caused by operation of the lift bridge, especially during the tourist season, frustrated residents and visitors alike.
As a result of the mediated agreement, the lift bridge will be retained as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing and a new bridge will be constructed for vehicular traffic. A comprehensive mitigation package was developed that goes wetland replacement and relocation of threatened and endangered species, to include a basin-wide water quality study and other measures.
PCI Launches Online Forums
PCI has launched a bulletin board, PCI Forums, for university-based centers and other programs involved in promoting collaborative governance practices.
Initially, the Forums include:
- Announcements and Postings – There are already a few listed, including an upcoming April 26-27 conference in Seattle co-sponsored by the new Ruckelshaus Center
- Requests for Information
- Discussion Groups – On topics suggested and moderated by members
Contact the PCI webmaster for more information.
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