The Incrementalism 3-step
Yesterday's (June 23) SJ Council vote advancing the idea of Ranked Choice Voting for (special) elections was seen by many as a classic example of Incrementalism. This is a process by which major systemic changes are achieved through a series of small and politically viable steps that camouflage sweeping overhauls likely to be opposed by the populace. Concepts from Thea Snow, LinkedIn.
Step #1: Call it a trial balloon, or just testing the waters.
This is when advocates softly change the current paradigm by introducing an idea that seems small and conditional, even experimental. Claim situational cost- or implementation-benefits while denying any broader goals or expectations. See special taxes.
Step #2: Leverage precedent; expand and adapt.
In this phase, advocates rely upon Step 1's "foot in the door" move to widen the opening, arguing that more incremental changes are simply building upon an agreed-upon strategy ("path dependency") which deserves wider experimentation ("ratchet effect"). See subsidized "affordable" housing.
Step #3: Quietly merge strategy with process.
Incrementalist advocates never claim victory, there is no "grand finale." Rather simply continue tweaking until the new paradigm is operationalized and becomes woven into the fundamental protocols of the organization. See DEI.
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