Talking Transition Miami-Dade & Harris County

Client

Ford Foundation

Expertise
Overview

HR&A created an innovative civic engagement model that has reshaped how incoming governments engage residents in Harris County and Miami-Dade County. Talking Transition brings communities into the transition process through surveys, events, and action workshops, with results informing policies and the Mayor’s Action Plan in Miami-Dade.

Project

HR&A designed and managed Talking Transition, transforming the traditionally closed-door government transition process into broad public engagement in Harris County and Miami-Dade County. This innovative initiative brings residents together to participate in policy conversations and shape government priorities through countywide surveys, community events, and action plan workshops.

The program framework engages residents through civic education and priority-setting opportunities, then convenes county staff, nonprofit service providers, community leaders, and policy experts in action plan workshops to craft recommendations around issues generating the most public traction. HR&A leads teams of collaborators, coordinates with hundreds of stakeholders, and adapts the model to local contexts—including COVID-responsive approaches in Miami-Dade using digital surveying, targeted canvassing, and hybrid community events blending real and virtual participation.

Talking Transition results have informed policies and actions in both jurisdictions. The program shaped the Action Plan for Miami-Dade County’s Mayor and demonstrated how governments can meaningfully engage residents during critical transition periods to build more responsive administration.