Advocacy Across the Aisle
Lexington Public Library, Ky.
Innovation Synopsis
Lexington Public Library faced several unique legislative funding threats. Because our issues differed from other public libraries, we worked with local representatives and statewide leaders to showcase LPL as a regional economic catalyst. Bipartisan leaders advocated amongst their legislative colleagues, and we rallied thousands of supporters to share our message.
Challenge/Opportunity
The state legislature, led by a Republican super-majority, proposed to address a statewide pension crisis by means that would have cost LPL up to $1 million annually. Lexington’s legislators, predominately Democrats, lacked authority to prevent the changes, and other state libraries were not as heavily impacted by the specific legislation proposed. We created a legislative platform positioning our libraries as a vehicle for community, economic and youth development, carefully crafting the message for bipartisan appeal.
Key Elements of Innovation
We identified areas of interest for the Republican leadership, determined where and how public libraries support those interests and focused our messaging accordingly. Our language was intentionally inclusive and always respectful, designed to empower both Democrats and Republicans to support our libraries. Lexington’s legislators became our delegates in the state capitol, and we delegated them to speak on our behalf with colleagues from around the state and across the aisle.
Achieved Outcomes
In a tumultuous legislative cycle, LPL’s funding was minimally impacted, and the library gained a reputation for respectful and proactive advocacy at the state level. We will continue to build upon these relationships throughout the year to improve communication with legislators during the 2019 legislative session.
