Implementation Reflections

Phase 1 of the Step-change Cities Partnership included the implementation of Studio THI's Urban Change Readiness Index with 4 partner LGAs. Throughout implementation, Studio THI and LGA teams reflected on the process of implementing the Index, discussed the implications of results and explored lessons learnt.

Shift in Community Sentiment

The Index survey gauges community sentiment towards urban consolidation at the start and end of the questionnaire with substantial education about each LGA's urban change agenda in between. This enabled the project team to identify any shift in sentiment resulting from completing the survey.

We recorded up to a 57% positive shift in sentiment towards urban consolidation. This highlights a key benefit of the Index methodology.

By including well-structured and LGA-specific educational content within the community survey we are able to significantly influence sentiment while generating valuable insights.

Whole-of-community View

The Index gathers a wide range of community opinions which helps gain a deeper understanding of a community's urban change needs and issues. All LGA teams emphasised the significance of having an evidence-based understanding of their entire community's views on change and how this could enhance decision-making. Although some queries were raised about the validity of results due to the sample size, it was recognised that the Index still provided more evidence than current processes.

Actionable Insights

Participating LGAs are now using the insights to formulate responsive change initiatives. This includes progressing initiatives such as Councillor Training Programs, Community Education Programs (targeting specific urban change literacy needs), and establishing Community Panels or MiniPublics to inform planning processes.

Organisational involvement
builds capability

The LGAs that engaged their councillors and staff in the implementation of the Index noted a shift in their conversations, becoming more focused on finding opportunities to build community preparedness. The following implementation activities were noted as being critical in supporting this shift:

  • Participation in defining the criteria for participant recruitment (highlighting overlooked audiences in their current processes)

  • Completing the survey themselves

  • Participating in cross-department preparedness workshops

Customised Change Narrative

Customising the Index survey for each LGA resulted in the development of a consolidated urban change narrative and educational content. This has now proven to be a resource teams can draw on for engagement and education programs with community members, staff and councillors.

Detailed outcomes can be found in the PDF