WSB provided comprehensive project management and facilitation services for a stakeholder policy process co-chaired by four state agencies, focused on the evolution of clean fuels and transportation electrification in Minnesota. Our services encompassed developing and managing multiple stakeholder sessions involving public, private, and nonprofit sector stakeholders. We engaged, discussed, and explored statewide policy recommendations, with an emphasis on economic development and industrial decarbonization in an environmentally conscious manner. Our Sustainability Team, with deep expertise in both the subject matter and project management, ensured this fast-moving project, and delivered the Clean Transportation Standard Work Group Report on time and under budget to the MN legislature. Key aspects of our project management included:
Project Planning and Stakeholder Engagement
WSB provided all essential project planning services, including developing a comprehensive project plan with clearly defined scope, objectives, deliverables, tasks, timelines, and resources. We estimated costs, and allocated resources to ensure the project stayed within budget, and detailed timelines with milestones to meet deadlines. Potential risks were identified, mitigation strategies were developed, and a robust communication plan for stakeholders was established to ensure project success. Stakeholder mapping was also completed to identify and prioritize stakeholders based on their influence and interest in the project. This included analyzing stakeholder interests, assessing stakeholder influence, developing engagement strategies, and managing these relationships.
Project Execution and Policy Development
To provide efficient and strategic execution of project items, WSB provided recommendations to the client on next steps, including weighing pros and cons of various scenarios and analyzing tradeoffs to avoid unintended consequences. An executive-level summary was prepared and presented to the projects’ steering team; a group comprised of state agency personnel appointed by their respective state agency’s commissioners. This summary was designed to keep them informed of key project milestones, allowing them to offer strategic input and guidance. This approach ensured that the state agencies remained well-informed about the project’s progress without demanding significant time commitments from them.
The project included WSB identifying technical analyses, modelling and researching topics, developing a stakeholder workshop outline to facilitate information sharing among participants. This workshop outline aided in capturing feedback and finding consensus on complex policy principles.
Project resources were procured and included technical experts and event logistics coordinators. Project activities as outlined in the project plan and monitored project activities were executed to ensure they met established standards written in statute and scope.
Project Monitoring
Comprehensive monitoring services were provided to the client, where our team regularly reviewed project progress against the plan using tools like Gantt charts, dashboards, and status reports. During each phase we assessed performance, and managed changes to the project scope, schedule, and resources when needed. Continuous monitoring quickly identified risks while identifying new comings and taking corrective actions as necessary. We ensured that project deliverables met required standards through rigorous quality control and kept stakeholders informed about project progress, issues, and changes.
Our aim is to support organizations in achieving sustainable growth and positive impact by aligning stakeholder interests with business and project objectives. By leveraging our expertise in stakeholder facilitation and project management, WSB successfully mitigated risks, fostered positive relationships, and drove successful project outcomes for our client.