The most difficult aspects of sustainability are not technical; they are values and priorities based. Design professionals alone do not have a complete viable solution to resource scarcity. The problem can only be resolved with significant help from the political arena. Progress toward sustainability requires political savvy. An understanding and appreciation of the role that federal, state, and local governments play in regulating land use and other issues like energy usage is required to improve the outcomes. How can design professionals partner with other interest groups to elect progressive, responsible leaders and shape the policies of all elected leaders? How can they leverage limited resources to help put an end to band-aid solutions and become the impetus for bold progress?
    Learning objectives:

• Design a lobbying plan with allied partners to advance sustainability via local, state, and federal elected officials
• Organize media to expose business forces at odds with sustainability
• Identify key segments of the sustainability community and analyze their level of commitment to the core values of sustainability