Inclusiveness
A second key success factor identified by respondents was inclusiveness, or the
willingness of leaders to work cooperatively on a policy issue. This aided leaders in
achieving both productive and allocative efficiency.
For example, public safety officers in both states have historically made an
effort to include each other in a discussion of public safety policy issues, both formally
and informally. Public safety officers meet quarterly in a formal setting to discuss how to
address public safety needs, and also have informal breakfast meetings throughout the
year to do the same. Furthermore, they mutually work together on emergency planning,
especially in anticipation of a possible natural disaster.
Transportation is another policy area that has benefited from greater
inclusiveness. Although there have been a number of formal and informal governance or
advisory committees that have met over the years to discuss transportation needs, and in
particular, the I-5 corridor, the most successful efforts have been the most recent, where
that has been a concerted effort to be inclusive. As one respondent noted, “The current
bridge committee is doing a good job of making sure that all viewpoints are honored and
discussed.” The same holds true for the Oregon/Washington Bi-State Coordination
Committee, which addresses transportation policy, among others. As with public safety,
efficiencies are achieved, both allocative and productive, when stakeholders are actively
working with one another.
Bi-state efforts on behalf of economic development have also been inclusive, but
less so than public safety and transportation, thus making it more difficult to realize
efficiencies. There have been a number of regional efforts in the past, but this is also a
policy area where each state has its own incentives for attracting business and industry,
so economic development remains competitive and parochial. For instance, each state
and local area still highlights to potential companies key distinctions with respect to taxes
and fees. This is often viewed as a regional strength because it allows the region as a
whole to attract a variety of companies who can choose the tax and fee structure that
works best for its revenue and profit structure. And although jobs in one county benefit
citizens of the others, the competition for jobs is nevertheless fierce due to the
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Convention