Date of Award

Summer 6-13-2017

Document Type

Dissertation - University of Massachusetts Global access only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Tamerin Capellino, Ed.D

Second Advisor

Jeffrey Lee, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

John Cascamo, Ph.D.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the strategies Monterey community leaders employed and which strategies they perceive contributed to the city of Monterey’s successfully averting base closure and/or realignment in 1995 and 2005. The study raised an important research question: what strategies do community leaders perceive contributed to the city of Monterey’s successfully averting base closure and/or realignment in 1995 and 2005?

Methodology: The research used both personal interviews of key leaders in the Monterey community with connections to the BRAC process in the last 20 years and examination of artifacts and documents used in the process of defending against base closure. Data were analyzed and organized into themes to reach conclusions on what strategies helped the city of Monterey be successful in averting the threat of military base closure in the last two rounds of BRAC.

Findings: The Monterey community has developed an ability to navigate the BRAC process through lessons learned from going through multiple closure rounds. The community was able to align BRAC defense with what is good for the military mission. The city of Monterey took a central role in defending against BRAC by communicating with stakeholders and creating a strong web of interdependencies. Through building long-term partnerships, the Monterey Model was instrumental in defending against BRAC in the last two rounds as a cost-saving force multiplier. Monterey community leaders established a connection between the local efforts and the national decision makers through building coalitions and networks. Finally, the Monterey community is constantly vigilant and continually improving its ability to defend against future BRAC rounds.

Conclusions: Monterey’s successful strategies developed by the community included three elements. First, vigilant defense communities plan early. Second, smart communities align BRAC defense with the military mission. Third, practical BRAC communities build lasting partnerships.

Recommendations: Other defense communities can duplicate the successful Monterey BRAC experience through early planning defense efforts both locally, state level, and nationally. Measurable cost-savings partnership is a winning strategy for any defense community. Integrating military personnel and their families into the community is essential to building true long-term partnerships.

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