Rural Jail Initiative
Funding a New Jail A practical, step-by-step roadmap for rural counties to move from need to delivery
A RC H I T EC T U R E | I N T E R I O R D E S I G N | U R BA N D E S I G N & L A N D S C A P E A RC H I T EC T U R E E N G I N E E R I N G | CO N S T R U C T I O N A D M I N I S T R AT I O N | B R A N D E D E N V I RO N M E N T S | S U S TA I N A B L E D E S I G N
A CLEAR PATH TO FUNDING A NEW JAIL A Practical Roadmap for Rural Counties For many counties, the need for a new or updated jail is clear. The challenge is not identifying the problem. The challenge is moving forward with confidence. Uncertainty around cost, public support, and the process itself often delays projects for years. During that time, conditions do not remain static. Costs continue to increase, and operational pressures continue to grow. A successful project requires more than a building solution. It requires a clear, structured path to funding and delivery.
A More Coordinated Appro
A more coordinated approach aligns fac communication into a single process.
1. Due Diligence
Before advancing a funding strategy, co feasibility. This includes:
• Community surveys to gauge support
• Analysis of prior referendums and voti
• Identification of required approval thr
• Stakeholder interviews to understand
Why Projects Stall
Outcome: A clear understanding of wha
Counties consistently face the same barriers:
2. Strategic Planning
• Unclear or evolving project costs • Difficulty communicating need to the public
The next step establishes a coordinated This includes:
• Limited internal capacity to manage a campaign
• Committee structure and leadership r
• Uncertainty about voter support and referendum outcomes
• Campaign budgeting and resource pla
• Lack of alignment between facility planning and funding strategy
• Timeline aligned with election cycles
Without addressing these issues early, even necessary projects struggle to gain traction.
Outcome: A realistic plan that aligns lea
3. Communication Framework
Clear, consistent messaging is critical to includes:
• Defining the core narrative around sa
• Translating facility needs into underst
• Addressing common concerns such as
Outcome: A message the public can und
4. Supporting Materials
Providing clear, consistent tools for com • Fact sheets and summaries
• Presentation materials for boards and
• Visual diagrams explaining operations
• Digital content to support outreach a
Outcome: Materials that support inform
5. Leadership Preparation
Public engagement requires confident, c
• Preparation for presentations and com
• Talking points aligned with messaging
• Ongoing guidance throughout the pro
Outcome: A unified, credible voice thro
oach
Why This Must Align With Delivery
cility planning, funding strategy, and public
Funding strategy alone is not enough. Counties often attempt to advance a referendum or financing plan before the project is fully defined, leading to: • Cost uncertainty
ounties need a clear understanding of
• Changing scope • Loss of public trust
t and concerns
ting patterns
resholds and turnout scenarios
d local dynamics
at it will take to move forward.
For this approach to be effective, it must be aligned with a clearly defined project and delivery strategy.
The Role of the RJI Approach The RJI approach aligns planning, funding, design, construction, and transition into a single, accountable process. This includes:
d path aligned with timing and resources.
• A clearly defined facility program aligned with operational needs
roles
• Integrated funding strategy support, including referendum planning and evaluation of alternative delivery models such as public-private partnerships
anning and project milestones
• A reliable project cost framework to support funding decisions and public approval
adership, resources, and timing.
• Single source responsibility for delivery • Staff training, policy development, and transition support
o public understanding and support. This
By integrating funding strategy with a defined project and cost, counties can communicate with clarity:
afety, operations, and community impact
• What will be built
tandable terms
• What it will cost
s cost, staffing, and long term value
• How it will operate
derstand and trust.
mmunication and decision making includes:
d public meetings
s and benefits
and transparency
med and consistent communication.
consistent delivery. This includes
mmunity discussions
g strategy
ocess
The Result Counties that take this integrated approach gain: • Greater confidence in funding decisions • Clear alignment between need, cost, and communication • Reduced risk of failed referendums or delayed projects • A smoother path from concept through occupancy
MOVING FORWARD Every county is different. The most effective starting point is understanding what a clear and realistic path forward looks like for your specific conditions. In some cases, alternative delivery and financing models such as public-private partnerships (P3) may also support project feasibility. These approaches can be evaluated alongside traditional funding methods as part of an overall strategy.
oughout the process. Scan to learn more:
Se e mo re of our wo r k
B KV G ROUP RURAL JA IL INITIATIV E - LE A DE RSHIP TE A M
KYLE YARDLEY
PAUL MICHELL
DANIEL GILLEN
Justice Practice Leader, Partner Chicago, IL
Government Practice Leader, Partner Minneapolis, MN
Manager of Design, Associate Partner Chicago, IL
MICHAEL MALONEY
BRIAN DOVE
BRIAN REISING
Project Manager Chicago, IL
Project Manager Chicago, IL
Project Manager Chicago, IL
B K V G RO UP RURAL JAI L I NI TIATIV E - REGIONA L LE A DE RSHIP CONTACTS KYLE YARDLEY Justice Practice Leader, Partner
PHIL CALLISON Government Practice Leader, Partner
PAUL MICHELL Government Practice Leader, Partner
MARK MANETTI Government Practice Leader, Partner
C H I C AG O
DALLAS
MINNE APOL IS
WASH I N GTO N , DC
209 South LaSalle Street The Rookery, Suite 920 Chicago, IL 60604
1412 Main Street Adolphus Tower, Suite 700 Dallas, TX 75202
222 North Second Street Long & Kees Building, Suite 101 Minneapolis, MN 55401
1054 31st Street NW Canal Square, Suite 410 Washington, DC 20007
P 312.279.0470
P 469.405.1196
P 612.339.3752
P 202.595.3173
W W W . B K V G R O U P. C O M