The Next 12 Months: 3 Threats That Will Define Your Public Affairs Strategy

It’s late April. Roughly half of state legislatures have adjourned. For public affairs pros, this creates a false sense of quiet.

But there are 3 big threats lurking over the next 12 months…

1. Midterms Will Increase Scrutiny on Affordability

As the midterm elections near, we’re already seeing candidates/political groups blaming corporations on the affordability issue. If your industry has already been in crosshairs (energy, tech, healthcare)…. your specific company may be too.

Get Ahead:

- Identify geographic or partisan gaps where you lack credible voices. Then build a validator bench before you need it.

- Prioritize list-building and supporter infrastructure in Q2–Q3. Election season is not when you want to start from zero. But you’ll want advocates in 2027.

- Time spending appropriately: There’s a window now before the tsunami of Election ads break, but then save broad messaging for after the election.

2. Next Year's Legislative Sessions will force Budget Cuts

New federal constraints and slower revenue growth are setting up 2027 budget fights at both state and federal levels. Expect noisy sessions with lots of competition, many groups clamoring for fewer gov’t dollars.

Get Ahead:

- Pre-build a fiscal value package: 2–3 specific efficiency or reform options tied to credible savings logic.

- Have draft language and proof points ready, plus economic validators (employers, institutions, community leaders) who make your position politically usable.

- Start building a story/proof bank. Find strong voices and source local data. (This takes months)

3. Populist Attacks on Business Structures & Pricing Models

We’re seeing growing anger against both corporate structures (i.e. private equity, vertical integration, competition) as well as fees and pricing mechanics (surcharges, mandatory add-ons, drip pricing).

Get Ahead:

- Pre-write response frameworks and a short FAQ for predictable attacks (pricing, profits, structure).

- Stand up a rapid response system that can move in hours.

- Consider transparency offers to impacted communities paired with an independent check (audit, scorecard, advisory council) - “Here’s what we are promising and the proof we are delivering.”

BOTTOM LINE:

We know the threats are coming.

So build the repeatable, scalable public affairs systems now that create influence equity before it is needed.

If you’re building your public affairs plans for 2026/2027 and want a second opinion, happy to talk.

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