New Jersey State Council on the Arts

Case Study: Public Policy

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

Location: New Jersey | AMS Team: Michele Walter, Lynette Turner, Meg Friedman, Janet Starke, Rebekah Boggs, Yuwen Shen

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is one of the nation’s best-resourced state arts agencies. In 2022, they needed to develop a strategic plan grounded in public input. It had to address post-pandemic changes in consumer behavior, technology, and social norms. Affirmatively drawing in the voices of a culturally, economically, and geographically diverse population was essential.

The Challenge

The Council partnered with AMS to create a multi-pronged engagement strategy that maximized opportunities for input, while staying committed to an efficient timeline.

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

Location: New Jersey | AMS Team: Michele Walter, Lynette Turner, Meg Friedman, Janet Starke, Rebekah Boggs, Yuwen Shen

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is one of the nation’s best-resourced state arts agencies. In 2022, they needed to develop a strategic plan grounded in public input. It had to address post-pandemic changes in consumer behavior, technology, and social norms. Affirmatively drawing in the voices of a culturally, economically, and geographically diverse population was essential.

The Challenge

The Council partnered with AMS to create a multi-pronged engagement strategy that maximized opportunities for input, while staying committed to an efficient timeline.

Our Approach

AMS designed a process that would draw input from Council staff, state leadership, artists, community members, and arts organizations. Our philosophy throughout was to embrace the ways that New Jerseyans experienced the arts, and to synthesize findings that could help the Council maximize its public value going forward.

Listen to authorizers, beneficiaries, and peers in depth.

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staff and state worker interviews

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peer interviews

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listening sessions

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staff and state worker interviews

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peer interviews

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listening sessions

Engage a broad public by delivering multiple opportunities for state-wide public engagement.

100+ listening session participants
650+ community survey responses
5+ social platforms to share the process
100+ affirmative public comments

Engage a broad public by delivering multiple opportunities for state-wide public engagement.

100+ listening session participants
650+ community survey responses
5+ social platforms to share the process
100+ affirmative public comments

“The experience with AMS to date has been one of both guidance and partnership. It is clear that they prioritized their own learning about our work, our history, and our current priorities, which has been incredibly helpful.”

– Allison Tratner Executive Director

Our Solution

AMS developed the plan with extensive public input and Council engagement, on time and on budget.

We provided an evaluation tool to aid Council staff in testing tactics for alignment with the plan throughout implementation, giving them an easy-to-use accountability tool.

We supported delivery of the plan and supporting documents to the public, synthesizing extensive public comments to ensure alignment with public needs and priorities

AMS developed the plan with extensive public input and Council engagement, on time and on budget.

We provided an evaluation tool to aid Council staff in testing tactics for alignment with the plan throughout implementation, giving them an easy-to-use accountability tool.

We supported delivery of the plan and supporting documents to the public, synthesizing extensive public comments to ensure alignment with public needs and priorities.

Strategic planning is an essential tool. When done well, the process draws in many perspectives and establishes a strong foundation for decision-making. How do you know your agency’s priorities accurately reflect your public’s needs and aspirations? Reach out to AMS to discuss how we can support your planning process – and help maximize the public value you create.

Contact AMS today to talk about how we can co-design a process that delivers a plan – and a meaningful experience for every stakeholder involved in making it.