- Understand the moment: How moratoria emerge from political and social dynamics rather than technical project flaws.
- Reframe the debate: Why shifting from project defense to category-level support changed the outcome.
- Avoid escalation: How listening-first canvassing documented support without mobilizing opposition.
- Reduce political risk: Making support visible in ways that gave decision-makers room to move forward.
- Preserve viability: How disciplined strategy protected a permitting pathway during a highly constrained process.
See how field strategy changes outcomes
During the moratorium period, Bantam designed and managed a countywide canvassing and mobilization effort under a community-facing banner focused on solar broadly. Over three months, the campaign knocked on more than 2,700 doors, engaged nearly 5,000 residents, and collected 355 signed letters of support addressed to county commissioners. Supporters were prepared to participate in public hearings, while hostile conversations were intentionally disengaged to avoid fueling opposition.
At the final hearing, every resident who spoke in favor of solar had been recruited and supported through this effort. Supporters outnumbered opponents, and commissioners unanimously voted to lift the moratorium and adopt an ordinance that preserved a viable path for utility-scale development.
This case illustrates how permitting outcomes are shaped well before formal applications are filed. When engagement is grounded in judgment, restraint, and local reality, developers can move forward with clarity and confidence even in the most challenging environments.
