Want to know who oversees development, storm water run off, power plant approvals? How about some help planning meetings and strategy? We are building a toolkit that grassroots activists can use to become more effective in the public policy debate. Included are sample letters, organizing tips, email addresses of officials, and useful Web sites.

This how to compendium includes sample documents, as well as information on developing a strategy, holding public events, honing your message, and more.

To view the PDF files you will need the Acrobat Reader software freely available for download by clicking below:

Document Name

Rules & Procedures - Asheville If you are going to "play on their court" you better know the rules.

City Council - Rules & Procedures (includes rules for city council meeting and the general guidelines for city boards and commisions).

Board of Adjustment (BOA) - Rules & Procedures (BOA hear requests for UDO variances, appeals of administrative decisions, etc).

The Law

Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) - Asheville's Code of Ordinances. Click here for recently approved ordinances which have not incorporated yet.

Book of Interpretations as of May 1, 2008 (not really the law). More than 178 pages of memos, e-mails and handwritten notes that Asheville’s Planning and Development Department uses as a guide when ruling on specific points concerning the Unified Development Ordinance. Click here for the story on its revealing and controversy.

North Carolina Statutes

Government Information

Contact Elected Officials, Boards, and Staff (Let your voice be heard)

School Of Government (TBD)

Planning Approval Process (Flowchart)

How to Appeal a Decision (TBD)

How to file a Protest Petition (TBD)...to require a supermajority of council for a motion to pass)

Sample Freedom of Information Act Letter

Organization Tips

Get Organized

Know How to Win

Inviting People to Your Campaign

Getting People to Help

Run a Good Meeting

Get Your Message Out

Media Contact List (excel)

Think Like a Reporter

Learn to Write Clearly

Framing the Message

How to Write a News Op-Ed

Sample News Release

Writing Testimony and Letters

Force Field Analysis

Sample Letter to Lawmaker on Industrial Development

How to Manage a Letter Writing Campaign

Sample Letter to the Editor (maximum 200-300 words)