Eight years ago, the Town of Auburn, MA, began a public safety facilities master plan. The initial plan called for a combined public safety facility, but with a relatively new police station already in place and growing concerns over cost, the town recognized the need to listen more closely to its community. Guided by strong leadership, Auburn’s Fire Department and Building Committee invited feedback, responded transparently and leveraged a mix of engagement tools to gather input and share progress with the community. The conversation evolved from debate to collaboration, resulting in a new fire headquarters, now in design, that meets the department’s operational needs while embodying the community’s vision for public safety. This session will explore how responsive leadership, proactive communication and strategic use of engagement tools can move complex municipal projects forward—even in the face of early resistance.