By Michael Manzo
Elevating diverse voices in decisions that matter isn’t just a core principle of how we operate here at Triad Strategies; it is also the foundation to which our success is anchored. And when it comes to economic development, no decision matters more to our clients than the decision to fund or not fund their project.
Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), or interestingly RCAP, to those who are familiar with it, is probably the single-most sought-after grant program that currently exists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is a key component for developers across the state who have the vision, capability and drive to complete a project but need that “last mile” funding to close the delta. Each year, hundreds of new projects (as well as hundreds of old but still eligible ones) compete for limited funding dollars that the governor awards under the program.
Your Team Matters
When failure is not an option, it is important to build your team to ensure success. Job creators often turn to public affairs firms like Triad for advice, expert guidance, assistance with application development and filing, and governmental relations services to get their application from the “wish” pile onto the “funded” pile.
We have built a reputation for success in the world of Commonwealth economic development programs and has secured tens of millions of dollars over the years not only with RACP, but also multimodal transportation program funds, small water and sewer grants, pipeline grants, tax credits, low-income loans, and other programs in the Commonwealth’s toolbox.
Lobbying is no longer a strategy. It is a tactic.
Our approach is markedly different than what people perceive the process to be. In today’s world, it is no longer a viable strategy to just “know some people” in government and ask them to carry the mantle for your project. If that is your plan, you are tinkering around on the margins and you have not really increased your chances of success.
Instead, our Government Affairs team employs a holistic approach that elevates every voice impacted by your project. It starts with a deep, comprehensive nuts and bolts assessment of what your project is and who will benefit from it, whether it is the people you employ, the people who will be put to work making your dream a reality, or the communities who will work, live, or in any other way benefit from the project coming to fruition. A project is not just concrete, steel and glass. Rather, it is an asset for the community and the Commonwealth that deserves thoughtful consideration.
Amplify Your Story
Our Advocacy and Communications team is composed of experts who know how to take a project on paper and bring it to life. They excel at bringing champions to the table to elevate your voice and your project. They find the right messages and channels to tell your story. And when all those voices are being heard coupled with a great project, chances are you will find that “funded” pile sooner than later. 
Leverage Our Team Approach
Do we always go fourteen for fourteen in successful applications like we did in December? Of course not. There will always be situations where a project just cannot make the cut, whether it’s financials that do not work, unforeseen intangibles that pop up, or a lack of real, tangible impact of the proposed development. But that is where we also provide value to potential clients. We evaluate the entire ecosystem to identify the best path forward. Sometimes, that means turning down an RACP client because the project might not be right at that particular time.
At Triad, we want to partner with our clients to develop a successful economic development plan. Our of government affairs and advocacy and communications professionals will work together with you so there is no “lone voice” trying to advocate for your success, but rather sixteen professionals with diverse backgrounds making your success, and elevating your voice, their number one priority.