The appropriate use of feedback to improve performance is a cornerstone of virtually all successful organizations and individuals. While commonly recognized as a coaching and management tool, feedback is also a key element of affecting all types of change and is a pillar of our industry’s advocacy agenda.  

Consumers evaluate products and retailers every day and render their assessment in how dollars are spent. Americans do the same thing when they make their personal mobility choices.

ARTBA members across the nation are continually working to build support for increased federal transportation investment by connecting employees with their congressional representatives. Informing officials about the adverse impact of unmet transportation needs is the essence of both feedback and grassroots activism.

Elections are one of the most direct examples of the relationship between feedback and change. Every two years, we provide elected representatives and the two political parties with report cards by choosing who will make decisions on our behalf at all levels of government. 

To help prepare you for Election Day, ARTBA developed a guide to presidential candidate infrastructure plans and a new Voter Action Center, which can be found in the “Government Affairs” section of artba.org. 

The Center features information on your elected officials, your voter registration status and polling place. In October, we will also be publishing on our website an election preview, highlighting transportation implications of federal elections and state ballot initiatives. 

A new Congress will convene Jan. 4, 2021, bringing potentially dozens of new players to Washington, D.C., but one thing won’t change:  ARTBA’s mission to advocate for strong investment in transportation infrastructure. 

Despite progress and rhetoric from Republicans and Democrats, it is clear we will be starting from scratch next year on a new, multi-year surface transportation program bill.  This means who you elect in November—whether they are a new face or an old hand—will play an important role in shaping federal highway and public transportation investment for years to come.  

Throughout the year ARTBA’s Grassroots Action Center, also available in the “Government Affairs” section of artba.org, provides easy opportunities for you to give feedback to your member of Congress by sending them emails and tweets urging action on key transportation issues. While face-to-face meetings remain the most effective method to convey the transportation construction industry’s priorities to representatives and senators, the Grassroots Action Center allows you to weigh in wherever you are.

The relationship between feedback and progress is clear, but the benefits only result if one party constructively provides it and the other willingly receives it.  As Microsoft founder Bill Gates has said: “We all need people who will give us feedback.  That’s how we improve.” 

Engaging with elected officials at the ballot box or in their offices is essential to securing our desired outcomes.  

We have an immediate opportunity Nov. 3 to ensure Capitol Hill is populated with transportation supporters.  

Do your part and vote.