As I look back on 33 years working in local government organizations like a City or Special District, I remember the different career “paths” which were available to me as a young man. Click here to view my video as I share my thoughts on career paths in municipal / local government, click here, but… Read More »

Smart Development in Spain: Brainstorming Ideas to Address Homelessness in Your Community. I’m from California where homelessness and housing affordability are a top challenge for local governments. These partner with state and federal housing agencies, along with nonprofits that respect the priorities of the local communities where they are invited to support. I know that… Read More »

Dear City Manager’s, please don’t forget the value of Sister City partnerships. My visit to Cadiz, Spain this month allowed me to compare and contrast their City management to the City management of 16 City governments I have served in my home country of America. I can’t help myself, I hold a Master of Public… Read More »

THINK OF YOUR JOB AS YOUR “CRAFT….and take pride in your job as a craftsman. Engage in “the practice of” your craft as a professional who follows “best practices”. My craft is public administration, with an emphasis on financial management and accounting. What is your craft? Whether you are a City Manager or a City… Read More »

Volatile Economic Times Calls for Quarterly Financial Reporting. Mid-Year Budget Reviews are no longer adequate to keep local governments on track financially, especially since the audit of the prior-year’s Budget and financial statements will take over 6 months to prepare and present to the City Council. City governments, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, all recognize how… Read More »

Happy days are here again…thanks to rising interest rates! Are you ready to take an “interest” in cash flow management, to maximize the “interest earnings” revenue in your budget? Today, many people are happy to see the return of interest rates that is turning cash into a valuable commodity once again. I’m sorry for people… Read More »

Don’t panic.  Bank failures, severe weather, economic recessions…yes, these are issues of concern.  But don’t panic. Don’t put your head in the sand, take action, and don’t waste your time worrying. Silicon Valley Bank failed on Friday.  Wow!  This is scary.  Is the banking system going to collapse?  Is our money safe? Don’t panic, be… Read More »

Take Advantage of the Crossover Time You Still Have with Baby Boomers! Just like when you toook over the job from your predecessor, you may have complained that you didn’t get “crossover” enough time, to learn the nuances and finer details of your job, you may do the same with Baby Boomers. You Millenials, Gen… Read More »

I Love My City Hall! During this time, when communities across the United States are facing so many issues and civil unrest, it is more important than ever to take time to remember the excellent job that our local government leaders and their organizations are doing. I just got out of a long City Council… Read More »

In today’s labor market, which is marked by shortages in experienced professionals, an increasing number of organizations are waiving the college degree requirement in lieu of equivalent work experience. Why? Because for many jobs, even important well-paid jobs, you do NOT need a college degree to succeed in serving your organization while also earning a… Read More »