Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 06, 2026
Attorney Warns: Skipping Public Process Risks Project Delays and Trust
TLDR
- Anthony Galluccio's approach gives developers an advantage by building community trust early to secure faster project approvals and avoid costly delays.
- Galluccio's process involves months of listening before public meetings, treating opposition as part of engagement, and using compromise to transform critics into supporters.
- This method creates better communities by prioritizing neighbor input, reducing conflict through trust-building, and making projects collaborative rather than imposed.
- Studies show 60% of project delays come from poor planning, and skipping community engagement can take years to recover lost trust.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it addresses a critical flaw in how projects—from real estate developments to community initiatives—are often approached, with implications for efficiency, community relations, and long-term success. Galluccio's insights reveal that neglecting public engagement leads to widespread delays, increased stress, and eroded trust, which can derail even well-intentioned efforts. For readers, whether developers, business leaders, or community members, understanding this risk is essential to avoid costly mistakes and build more resilient, accepted projects. In an era where community backlash can stall or cancel ventures, adopting a trust-based, inclusive process not only smooths approvals but also fosters stronger, more collaborative environments. This approach aligns with broader trends toward transparency and stakeholder involvement, making it a vital strategy for anyone involved in planning or decision-making.
Summary
Anthony Galluccio, a prominent land use and permitting attorney and law partner at Galluccio & Watson LLP, is sounding the alarm on a pervasive risk that plagues projects across communities and careers: advancing initiatives without first understanding and engaging in the public process. Drawing from decades of experience in public service, law, youth coaching, and charity leadership, Galluccio emphasizes that the common mistake of rushing forward with internally-deemed "good for the community" projects often backfires. He warns against the "bunker mentality," where teams spend months congratulating themselves without community input, leading to delays, stress, and broken trust. Galluccio's core message is that public process is not a hurdle but the foundation of success; treating community members with respect, actively listening before introducing projects, and building trust are essential. He notes that opposition is a natural part of the process and should not be dismissed, as opponents can become supporters through genuine engagement.
Galluccio highlights that studies show nearly 60% of project delays stem from poor planning or unclear processes, and communities lacking public engagement face higher conflict and longer approval timelines. He cautions against the trap of "drinking your own kool aid," where projects evolve in isolation without real feedback, making recovery of community good faith a lengthy ordeal. His advice includes a self-check for risk factors, such as skipping community process, relying on urgency over preparation, or resenting challenging questions. For those at risk, he offers a decision tree: refine success as feasible entitlements on a reasonable timeline, be fluid with community input, encourage processes that make projects "theirs" not "yours," and remember permits must be earned, not entitled. Galluccio calls for action to comfort communities early, reduce anxiety, and build trust through consistent engagement and responsiveness to concerns.
As a Cambridge-based attorney, Galluccio has driven significant zoning advancements in areas like Kendall Square, the life science epicenter of the world, and has a background as a former Cambridge City Council member, Mayor, and Massachusetts State Senator. His work centers on consensus building, consistency, and community trust, underscoring that "permitting isn't fast work; it's trust-based work." This alert serves as a crucial reminder for developers, leaders, and professionals to prioritize public engagement from the start, avoiding costly setbacks and fostering sustainable community partnerships.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Attorney Warns: Skipping Public Process Risks Project Delays and Trust
