As state and local governments celebrate the latest federal stimulus package, I’m struck by what I heard recently from Uri Monson, CFO of the Philadelphia School District: “The hardest thing to do in government,” Uri told me, “is to deal with one-time money and not waste it.”
If you’re looking for ways to improve social equity and racial justice in your community, you may find support in an ally you likely haven’t considered: your local nerd.
Local governments are going through a series of unprecedented crises. A once-in-a-century global pandemic has led to lockdowns and a massive economic crisis already more severe than the Great Recession.
If you work in local government, you’re facing a responsibility you never signed up for: Today, you’re the last firewall against your residents’ cynicism toward government.
In the 1990s, political scientist Robert Putnam documented a worrisome trend: Fewer Americans were members of groups that formed the very fabric of American life, such as unions, PTAs and even bowling leagues. As the bonds connecting us eroded, he argued, the foundations of democracy were under threat.
The pandemic has shown governments that they and their workforce are more agile and adaptive than they realized.
GovLove interviews Mark about his career as an auditor, running for Kansas City Mayor, and more.
Mark and innovation expert Nick Kittle talk about how community leaders can both create their own sources of innovation and adapt their organization to existing ones.
Mark joins an expert panel discussing the lessons states and localities have learned from the 2020 Cares Act.
