Guides

This guide is designed for public owners and capital program managers seeking to strengthen risk management, transparency, and strategic foresight through scenario planning. It explains how agencies can model multiple futures, assess the impacts of funding and delivery, and prepare adaptive strategies to navigate uncertainty confidently. 

It also explores how modern technology supports data-driven planning by integrating forecasting, analytics, and collaboration tools to help agencies respond effectively to change. 

By leveraging scenario planning early in the capital planning process, organizations can strengthen resilience, maintain accountability, and ensure long-term program success. 

This guide covers the following key topics: 

• The role and value of scenario planning in capital programs 
• Key benefits and common pitfalls to avoid 
• A step-by-step framework for effective scenario planning 
• A real-world example from the California Water Plan 
• Strategies and technologies to build program resilience 
• Practical steps to advance scenario planning in your organization