Voices in Local Government

Latest Episodes:

Analytics to Measure and Improve Customer Experience Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

Specific topics include:

How to standardize customer data and experiences across unique departments and situations.
What resources are needed to implement this kind of program. And why it's important to find small and big wins to show the value of the work.
Forming "CX Core Teams" to keep the framework and process sustainable even without constant support from an analyst.
Working with IT to figure out software solutions.
Reconciling how a disproportionate percentage of feedback is extreme positive or negative compared to the silent middle.
Equity in CX and data analytics.

Customer Experience Measurement Guidebook for a replicatable step by step process about how to implement a measurement framework to get customer feedback.

Resources:

Download the Free EBook: Measure What Matters: Tips for Aligned Strategic Priorities and watch the video on How Minneapolis Prepares for the Future with Strategic Budgeting

How to Plan and Update Code for Solar Energy Projects Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

Charlie Nichols, director of planning & development, Linn County, Iowa joins the show to explain the planning and process needed to turn a decommissioned nuclear plant into a solar farm.

Why the county was interested in solar, and how the project started.
The time and resources needed during the application process, and how that was accounted and paid for.
How to best communicate to the public and remain a-political on a controversial topic.
Lessons learned that other locations can benefit from on their own current or future large-scale energy projects.

Resources

ICMA's Solar@Scale Guidebook

Linn County's solar project webpage. An example on collecting and communicating all the relevant information to the public.

Sponsored by CivicPlus Municipal Websites

2022 ICMA Annual Conference Preview Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

Planning committee co-chairs, Emily Muzzarelli and Alex McIntyre preview this year's ICMA 2022 Annual Conference: Achieving Excellence Together, September 17-22 in Columbus, Ohio.

What they've learned at a previous event that was put into practice at their local government.
Speakers or sessions they're most excited for.
Benefits and tips for attendees other than city/count managers, covering assistant CAOs, department heads, and early to mid-career professionals.
Networking.
Suggestions for Columbus.

Then, Ohio local, ICMA marketing coordinator and host of ICMA Member Spotlights, Jessi Atcheson joins to give more info on the Columbus airport, walking/ride-share situation, best restaurants and bars, and THE Ohio State University Saturday game day experience.

Sponsored by CivicPlus Municipal Websites

Resources

Registration

Agenda and Full Schedule

Conference App

Digital Event

Experience Columbus deals and discounts

Send questions to membership@icma.org or conferenceteam@icma.org

Sessions Referenced During the Episode to Bookmark:

Self-Compassion: A Key to Resilience-Featuring Betty Hart-Sponsored

Governing in a Disruptive Environment: Charting a Course in a Stormy Sea

The Balancing Act of Being a Parent and a Chief Executive

Jessi's recommendations:

OSU Pregame: Little Bar, Midway

Restaurants: Condados, Bakersfield, Standard, Foodhall, Lincoln Social, Hubbard, Local Cantina, Marcella’s, TownHall, The Eagle, Brassica

Breweries: Hoof Hearted, Seventh Son, North High Brewing, Columbus Brewing Company, Ohio Brewing Company, Whistle and Keg, BrewDog, Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus

Other Attractions: COSI, Columbus Zoo, North Market, German Village, Franklin Park Conservatory, Easton Town Center

How to Get Your First Job in Local Government Aug 24, 2022

Show notes

Jeannetta Maxena, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Mary Esther, Florida, explains the frustrations experienced and resiliency needed during her job search. Then she shares five tips for job seekers:

Explore the ICMA Local Government Management Fellowship (LGMF) or similar program on a state level. These don't always mean internship or low pay.
Stay visible. Get published, go to events, and more.
Use a variety of digital platforms to search.
Improve (and sometimes customize) your resume/cover letter.
Establish good working relationships.

Jeannetta then recalls her experience working on ICMA's soon to be released Job Hunting Handbook, and closes the show with final advice to job seekers and decision makers looking to hire them.

Resources

ICMA Local Government Management Fellowship. Applications open September, 2022.

Fellows | Host Organizations

ICMA's Job Hunting Handbook update coming soon!

Career Resource Guides