BOSTON MUNICIPAL RESEARCH BUREAU
Building Stakeholder Support in Changing Times

The Boston Municipal Research Bureau (BMRB) is an independent organization supported by business and civic leaders with the mission of promoting a healthy business and residential climate by advocating for stability and predictability in the basics of city government—tax policies, service delivery and public education.

In 2008 the Bureau, anticipating a possible loss in member dues in the worsening economy, hired Solomon McCown, recognizing that our Discovery would be the perfect tool to build member support. Discovery was an opportunity to engage key stakeholders through confidential, one-on-one interviews and see the BMRB value proposition through the eyes of members, lapsed and prospective members, the media and the Mayor’s staff.

The Discovery interviews highlighted where there was consensus and provided clarity about the strategic direction necessary in 2009 to maintain current members and recruit new members. As a result, the March 2009 Annual Meeting was a standing room only event, attended by the city’s top leaders.