The policymaking process shapes the laws governing communities across your city, state, country, and even around the globe. As the CEO of Ronald L. Book, P.A., Ron Book is considered an expert in governmental affairs, lobbying, and policymaking. He recently discussed the five stages of that process.
Set the Agenda
Agenda setting is the first stage in the policymaking process. That is when a challenge or problem faced by the community is identified. Government officials, institutions, and often citizens put their ideas forward to find a solution that they hope benefits the majority of the public.
Form the Policy
The next theme is the formation of policy, the most critical step in the process. It is when the government, or the officials tasked with setting policy, put pen to paper and develop options that address and solve the problem.
It typically follows intense debate among the interested parties, and logistically impossible options are usually eliminated through that debate. Opposing sides present the benefits of their solutions while warning of the downfalls of other possible solutions.
Make the Decision
When all sides finish debating their cause, government leaders decide on the best course of action. As a general rule, the goal is to find a solution that benefits the largest amount people in the community.
Ron Book explained that government officials might consult subject matter experts to determine the best solution.
Implement the Policy
Now is the time to implement the new policy. This step can be especially challenging because it may involve backlash from other community members.
When implementing the policy, officials use multiple tools to enforce the new guidelines, distribute services or goods to the public, or take other necessary actions.
Evaluate the Policy
Policymaking is a subjective process that involves many minds collaborating to find a fitting answer to a societal problem. However, the solution they create only sometimes constructs the desired results.
Interested parties must monitor the effectiveness of the policy and make adjustments based on its success or failure. The impact of the first policy may lead to the creation of additional policies. It may also cause the team of policymakers to return to the drawing board in search of a better solution.
The policymaking process needs to be cut and dry. Societal issues are complicated and can take numerous forms. This five-step process is to help policymakers find solutions in the most direct manner possible. The goal is to better the lives of individuals in the community.
Policy Making and Ron Book of Ronald L. Book, P.A.
Ron Book and his team at Ronald L. Book, P.A., are experts in creating and implementing strategic advocacy plans centered around the policy. They help communities find solutions for complex community issues, including growth management, resilience, healthcare, housing, transportation, social services, and more.
As the CEO and President of Ronald L. Book, P.A., Book is a successful lobbyist with decades of experience. He offers unique and invaluable insight into Florida politics that can help institutions, businesses, and citizens address their concerns through government action.