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BE a Change agent

Learn how to lead with change and produce results

Mark’s life work has been to improve communities through authentic relationships that build effective local government. After spending decades working as a public sector servant, he’s built a team of like-minded problem solvers to help him extend his work into the private sector.

Focused on work that builds faith in local government, Mark Funkhouser and the Funkhouser & Associates team broker solutions that foster public/private access and collaboration, while prioritizing equity and results for citizens.

Tired of tackling problems on your own? We’re here to help.

Building a more resilient community doesn’t happen overnight

But it doesn’t have to take forever. With decades of experience as a big-city mayor, appointed official, and policy expert, Mark Funkhouser’s signature candid, renegade style has made him a trusted confidante among his local government peers.

Crisis Leadership

Fiscal Stewardship

Strengthening City Foundations

Action through Empathy

Auditing for Equity

Ready to get started?

ELGL: ENGAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS: Co-Founder & Executive Director

“Mark Funkhouser is dedicated to public service. Whether he’s presenting to a packed conference of local government leaders, or writing a column about public sector innovations, Mark is focused and thoughtful about the impact he’s making in the world. I’ve watched him equally give his time and energy to building up young people who are early in their public service careers, as he gives to seasoned managers and mayors. His lack of ego and his focus on excellence, are what make Mark a great leader and friend.”

LIVING CITIES, President & CEO

“Mark Funkhouser has been a great and important partner for Living Cities. His understanding of how cities work, willingness to address tough issues head on and to use his own social and political capital for good, sets him apart from so many others in this space.”

Marianne Steger

WILLIS TOWERS WATSON, Director of Public Sector and Labor Strategy, OHIO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM, Retired Health Care Director and former AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Director of Healthcare and Public Policy

“I have been looking to Mark Funkhouser in my search for best practices and innovation in government for years. If you want to know who the movers and shakers are in a particular city or state, Mark is the person to talk to. Curious about how a state is handling its OPEB liability, Mark can point you the right direction. Mark is an intellectual giant in this field of understanding the complexities of government.”

Richard Coupland

REPUBLIC SERVICES, Vice President, Municipal Sales

“I have had the privilege of working with Mark and would highly recommend him for important projects. With a background straddling elected office and his respected years at Governing, he has the unique ability to bring together thought leaders from public office to discuss, consider and share ideas on critical topics.”

CITY MANAGER, Retired

“Mark Funkhouser has long been one of the most knowledgeable and insightful figures in government and journalism”

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