Gov360

Latest Episodes:

Reclaiming the Narrative: Sam Toles on Fixing Local Government's Social Media Strategy | Ep.10 Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

🚨 Struggling with negativity on social media? Here’s how to take back control.

🎙️ Gov360 Episode 10!

Sam Toles is back—this time in-studio—to dive even deeper into the social media crisis facing local governments and how to fix it.

A former city councilmember turned Hollywood media executive, Sam is the founder of CiviSocial and the author of two game-changing books:

📘 The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers

📗 *New this week:* The Social Media Playbook for Local Elected Officials (forward written by Chris Mann)

💡 Whether you’re a city manager, PIO, department head, or elected official, this episode will shift how you think about public engagement—and show you a better way forward.

In this episode, Chris and Sam unpack:

Why toxic online discourse is driving talent out of local government
The mindset shift that empowers staff and changes the game
How to reframe your communications around staff, not politics
Platform-by-platform do’s and don’ts (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more)
Why Canva flyers, press releases, and static posts just don’t cut it anymore
The “Mary on the Trails” story and how to turn staff into community heroes
How one city went from 30 toxic commenters to just 1 in a matter of months

⸻

🔗 Links & Resources:

CiviSocial: https://civisocial.com
The Social Media Playbook for City & County Managers: https://a.co/d/4K3UdBj
The Social Media Playbook for Local Elected Officials: https://a.co/d/gO39KYB
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samtoles1/

📧 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7320606146577186817

⸻

📣 If this episode helped you, hit the like, subscribe, and share buttons to support the show and help other local government leaders find it.

Until next time...govern boldly, my friends!

Bridging Politics & Policy: Turning Political Signals into Smarter Local Government Strategy with Adam Probolsky | Ep.9 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

“Ignoring politics doesn’t make it go away; it only makes local governments less prepared.”

In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Dr. Adam Probolsky, President of Probolsky Research and Senior Research Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to explore how city leaders can think politically without acting politically.

They unpack why the traditional politics–policy divide holds organizations back and how governments can use politics as an early-warning system to anticipate challenges before they reach the council chambers. At the heart of the conversation is the Political Signals Memo—a simple, one-page weekly briefing that helps executive teams stay ahead of community sentiment, national narratives, and legislative ripples without crossing ethical lines.

This episode provides practical, nonpartisan tools every local government can use to prevent surprises and build trust.

🧭 What You’ll Learn:

The difference between thinking politically and acting politically
How political narratives influence local issues (from tax measures to national debates spilling into council meetings)
Why ignoring online chatter or national narratives can be risky for cities
A practical framework for creating a weekly Political Signals Memo
How transparency and honesty build trust with the community

🔗 Featured Topics:

The politics–policy divide in local government
Politics as an early-warning system
Monitoring narratives without becoming partisan
The Political Signals Memo: format, cadence, and ownership
Guardrails for neutrality, ethics, and public records

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Adam’s ICMA article: “A Strict Politics–Policy Divide Is Holding Your Organization Back” → https://icma.org/blog-posts/strict-politics-policy-divide-holding-your-organization-back
Download the Political Signals Memo Template → https://www.chrismann.us/resources
Learn more about Probolsky Research → https://probolskyresearch.com

📩 Join the Conversation:

💬 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

🔁 Share this episode with a colleague in local government

📧 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn

🎧 Follow Gov360 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite platform

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube → https://youtube.com/@gov360

Tags: Gov360, CityManager, LocalGovernment, PoliticsAndPolicy, PoliticalSignalsMemo, Leadership, PublicEngagement, ProbolskyResearch, ChrisMann, GovernBoldly

Leading Through the Red: Smarter Strategies for Budget Challenges | Ep.8 Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

“When the numbers go red, that’s when true leadership shows its color.”

Budget deficits are no longer isolated events; they’re becoming the norm in cities and counties across the country. In this candid solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares what he’s learned from leading not one, but two cities through structural budget deficits.

Drawing on over 25 years in and around local government, Chris unpacks the three biggest mistakes city leaders often make when responding to financial crises – and what to do instead.

This episode goes beyond spreadsheets and cuts to the heart of the issue: trust, leadership, and long-term sustainability. From strategic revenue generation and cost recovery, to transparent public communication and rethinking public safety funding models, this is a roadmap for navigating the red without losing your way.

🧭 What You’ll Learn:

Why across-the-board cuts often make things worse
How to find strategic revenue without raising taxes
The role of cost recovery in restoring fiscal health
How transparent communication builds trust and support
Why cities must rethink how they fund public safety
Real-world examples from cities managed by Gov360 host Chris Mann

🔗 Featured Topics:

Structural deficits in local government
Enterprise strategies and non-tax revenue
EMS subscription and rental inspection programs
Public safety cost escalation and funding models
Building community trust during financial crises

📌 Resources & Mentions:

“Yucaipa: Community at a Crossroads” video https://youtu.be/UlaRVHSILM8?si=NGa5eyhGyWNoSeRt
Measure S (Yucaipa’s successful 1% sales tax measure) https://yucaipa.gov/financial-fix/
Gov360 Episode 3: Winning at Social Media in Local Government with Sam Toles https://youtu.be/5MgughL1LuA?si=BnPUhKmKhSLIt9WY

📩 Join the Conversation:

💬 Leave a comment or message Chris on LinkedIn
🔁 Share this episode with a fellow local government leader
📧 Subscribe to the Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn
🎧 Follow Gov360 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodBean, or your favorite platform
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

Tags: Gov360, CityManager, LocalGovernment, BudgetDeficit, MunicipalFinance, PublicSafetyFunding, LeadershipInCrisis, ChrisMann, GovernBoldly

Should You Leave Local Government? Exploring Public-to-Private Career Shifts with Jacob Green | Ep.7 Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

🔍 Episode Summary:

Are you burned out, questioning your future in local government, or wondering if there’s a more fulfilling path forward?

In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Jacob Green, a former Assistant City Manager and now CEO of Jacob Green & Associates, to talk candidly about the growing trend of local government professionals transitioning to the private sector.

Drawing on decades of leadership in public service and private consulting, Jacob shares insights on salaries, pensions, stress, work-life balance, and what the pivot to consulting really looks like. This episode offers an honest, practical look at what’s driving so many seasoned professionals to explore life beyond city hall—and how to navigate the shift with clarity and purpose.

Whether you’re early in your career, mid-journey, or contemplating a new chapter, this conversation delivers the clarity and courage to take the next step in your local government journey.

💡 Key Learnings:

Why burnout, blurred governance roles, keyboard warriors and toxic political climates are pushing many out of public service
What types of opportunities exist for former city managers, department heads, and other local government professionals in the private sector
How private sector compensation structures differ from public sector pensions
Why success in consulting requires humility, curiosity, and client-first mindset
How to evaluate your personal and financial readiness before making the leap
What real work-life balance looks like on the other side—and what it doesn’t
Tactical advice for those considering a transition, including cultural fit and company research
Reflections from Jacob’s personal journey, including lessons from his traumatic brain injury and “brain school”

🔍 Featured Topics:

Career reinvention and professional burnout
City manager and council dynamics
Public vs. private sector leadership
Role clarity and governance tensions
Consulting firm models and compensation
Transition timing and pension considerations
Vulnerability, resilience, and personal impact

🔗 Links & Resources:

Jacob Green on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-green-keynote/-green-keynote
Jacob Green & Associates: jacobgreenandassociates.com
Book: See Change Clearly by Jacob Green – Available on Amazon
Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: Subscribe Here

📢 Stay Connected with Gov360

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

—

Tags: Local Government, Public Sector Careers, Career Transition, City Manager, Public Administration, Government Leadership, City Manager Jobs, Public to Private Sector, Government Consulting, Career Reinvention, Management Consulting, Executive Coaching, Burnout, Work Life Balance, Mental Health in Government, Leadership Resilience, Jacob Green, Jacob Green and Associates, See Change Clearly, Chris Mann

7 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First City Manager Role | Ep.6 Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Being a City Manager is about more than policy and budgets—it’s about presence, relationships, and the courage to lead when it counts most.

In this solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares the 7 things he wishes he knew before taking on his first city manager role. After 25 years in and around local government, the last six years managing two cities—through incredible wins and one very difficult loss—Chris reflects on the real, unspoken truths of local government leadership.

This is a personal, unfiltered conversation about what it truly takes to succeed in the city manager seat. From managing pace and political pressure to protecting your inner circle and standing by your values—this episode is packed with real-world advice for those who lead (or aspire to lead) in local government.

Whether you’re a department head preparing to step up, a new city manager looking for solid footing, or a seasoned veteran navigating your own challenges, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a dose of hard-won wisdom.

🔑 Key Learnings:

• Presence matters: “You bring the weather with you.”

• Every conversation counts: There’s no such thing as a small comment in leadership.

• Pace yourself: The private sector mindset often clashes with the public sector process.

• Relationships are everything: Trust is earned, not assumed.

• Invest in your team and council: Go deeper than you think you need to.

• Protect your energy: Keep your inner circle small.

• Lead with courage: Sometimes leadership means risking the title to uphold your values.

📌 Featured Topics:

Emotional intelligence in executive roles
Building trust with council and staff
Navigating professional betrayal
Surviving and thriving after separation
The difference between ethics and job security
Leading with integrity during uncertainty
What it really takes to succeed in city management

📢 Stay Connected with Gov360

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

—

Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Leadership Lessons, Public Administration, Gov360 Podcast, Executive Leadership, Chris Mann, Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Council-Manager Relations, Career in Local Government, ICMA, League of California Cities, Public Sector, Governance, Transition, Resilience, Govern Boldly

Unlocking the Power of AI in Local Government with Micah Gaudet | Ep.5 May 27, 2025

Show notes

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a far-off concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming how local government works.

In this episode, Chris Mann sits down with Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager of Maricopa, Arizona, for a practical, insightful discussion on the role of AI in the public sector. What started as a fun experiment generating dad jokes led Micah to champion AI as a transformational tool in budgeting, policy-making, internal communication, and more.

Together, they explore how city leaders can leverage AI for efficiency while addressing real concerns about job displacement, procurement risks, data governance, and human-centered service delivery. Micah also shares how organizations like AAME are stepping up to equip public administrators for this tech-driven future.

Whether you’re curious about AI’s capabilities, actively using tools like ChatGPT, or figuring out how to train your team—this conversation will leave you with ideas, resources, and a clear understanding of the leadership required to bring AI into local government effectively.

🎯 Key Takeaways

AI is rapidly becoming essential in local government
Generative AI can support policy writing, budgeting, and internal communication
Fear of job loss is common, but often overstated—AI is a tool, not a replacement
Effective AI implementation requires trust, training, and strong leadership
Procurement presents significant risks—governance matters
Existing data and ethics policies may already cover AI use
Strategic alignment is more important than chasing tech trends
AAME is helping city managers stay ahead of innovation
Practical use cases are emerging across departments—from finance to public outreach

🧠 Featured Topics

Real-world use of generative AI by local governments
Organizational change management and culture-building around AI
Balancing automation with the human touch in service delivery
The role of professional associations in preparing civic leaders
Why AI literacy is becoming a core leadership skill for the public sector

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to AI in Local Government

05:07 – Micah’s Journey into AI

09:54 – Understanding AI and Generative AI

14:58 – Applications of AI in Local Government

20:04 – The Future of Jobs in Local Government

25:03 – Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption

29:57 – Exploring AI Tools and Their Functions

35:47 – Understanding AI Policies and Risks

42:08 – The Role of AAME in Supporting City Managers

47:58 – Practical Applications of AI in Local Government

53:51 – Navigating Challenges in Local Government Leadership

📚 Resources & Links

🧠 CivicInnovation.ai

📘 Purchase 1001 Prompts for Unlocking Generative AI in Local Government

🎥 Micah’s AI YouTube Series

🎧 Micah on City Manager Unfiltered with Joe Turner

🎧 Micah on the Local Government Insights Podcast

🔗 Connect with Micah on LinkedIn

📢 Stay Connected with Gov360

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

—

Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Micah Gaudet, CivicInnovation.ai, 1001Prompts, AAME

Navigating the Council-Manager Form of Government with City Councilmember Jeremy Smith | Ep.4 May 20, 2025

Show notes

The council-manager form of government is the most widely used system in the United States—and for good reason. When roles are respected and relationships are strong, it provides a framework for effective, accountable local governance. But when the boundaries between policy and administration blur, dysfunction is rarely far behind.

In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann welcomes Canyon Lake Councilmember Jeremy Smith for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation about how elected officials and city staff can work together successfully. Drawing from six years on the council—including two as mayor—and experience as a campaign consultant and government staffer, Jeremy shares hard-learned lessons and best practices that every councilmember, city manager, and department head should hear.

They explore what makes the council-manager model work (or fall apart), how to build mutual trust, the importance of political humility, and how to lead effectively in today’s complex and often contentious environment.

🎯 Key Learnings

How newly elected officials can avoid the “I gotcha” trap and build meaningful influence
Why micromanaging staff erodes trust and impairs good governance
The value of clear, consistent communication between council and city manager
Why respecting the organizational chart protects staff and improves outcomes
How goal setting, collaboration, and political awareness drive citywide success

📚 Featured Topics

Best practices in the council-manager form of government
How city managers and councils can establish healthy working relationships
Goal setting and performance evaluation in municipal organizations
Regional boards, political dynamics, and constituent management
Interview insights: What councilmembers look for when hiring a city manager

🔗 Links & Resources

Subscribe to the Gov360 Newsletter
Follow Gov360 on YouTube
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Reach Councilmember Jeremy Smith

🛠️ Gov360 - Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Stay informed. Get inspired. Govern boldly.

#gov360 #citymanager #localgovernment #municipalleadership #publicsectorpodcast #chrismann #govcommunication #councilmanagergovernment #citycouncil #jeremysmith #gov360podcast #leadershipinlocalgov #civicleadership #localgovlife

The New Playbook: Winning at Social Media in Local Government with Sam Toles | Ep.3 May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Gov360, Chris Mann sits down with nationally recognized digital strategist Sam Toles, the founder and CEO of CiviSocial. Sam shares actionable insights from his travels across the U.S. training cities and counties on how to modernize their social media strategy. They dive deep into why local governments must stop ignoring social media’s influence, the dangers of disengagement, and how to use storytelling to build community trust.

Sam explains why outdated communication approaches are failing and outlines what cities are getting wrong—from fragmented messaging to over-reliance on tools like Canva—and what they can do instead to build public trust and resilience in the face of growing civic disengagement and online hostility. This conversation is both a warning and a roadmap.

💡 Key Learnings

Local government is still trusted — and that trust can be leveraged through authentic, human storytelling.
Ignoring negativity online isn’t a strategy; it’s a liability.
The “STPs” (Same Ten People) often dominate the conversation, but they don’t represent the silent majority.
Content culture starts internally — the most effective content comes from staff, not expensive media firms.
Effective social media is strategic — it requires planning, alignment, and platform-specific approaches.
A better Instagram feed can win the recruitment war.
Empowered employees tell better stories — and those stories build morale, credibility, and community connection.

🔍 Featured Topics

The dark side of social media and its impact on local government morale and safety
Why decentralized, uncoordinated accounts are hurting your agency
Platform-specific strategies: why Facebook ≠ Instagram
How to empower internal teams to tell your city’s story
Recruiting the next generation through authentic content
Real-world success stories from cities like Calimesa, CA and Plainville, CT
Why Canva isn’t always your friend — and what to do instead

📚 Resources & Links

📘 The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers by Sam Toles

Available on Amazon (also free directly from Sam)

🔗 Learn more about CiviSocial
🧠 Follow Sam Toles on LinkedIn for more insights and updates

📢 Stay Connected with Gov360

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn:

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

—

Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Sam Toles, CiviSocial, The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers

Disrupting Local Government with Joe Turner | Ep.2 May 06, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful debut guest episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann is joined by Joe Turner — veteran city manager, founder of the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), and host of the highly influential City Manager Unfiltered podcast. Together, they explore how bold communication, authentic leadership, and calculated risk-taking are reshaping the future of local government.

From the risks and rewards of stepping into the city manager seat, to navigating career transitions and building personal brands through content creation, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and inspiration for local government professionals at every stage of their journey.

What You’ll Learn:

Why bold, transparent communication is essential in today’s public sector
How Joe Turner built the City Manager Unfiltered brand and why more professionals should follow suit
The growing importance of podcasts, digital media, and personal branding in the profession
Strategies for navigating involuntary transitions in city management
The mission behind the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected