PM. Public Management

The Two Faces of Social Media

Q. The human resources (HR) director received a packet of information from an anonymous source containing blog entries allegedly written by the assistant city manager. With regard to blogging about nonemployer situations, the committee offered members this guidance: * Use of a pseudonym is OK, but be cognizant that anonymity is never guaranteed. * It is not appropriate to use municipal networks to express personal opinions. * Don't leverage your position or use your title. * Think carefully ...

The Learning Curve

Because I really wanted to impress him, I started most of our meetings by telling him that I had a good idea. Because I learned to work my concepts through to a level of specificity that was not in my nature, this manager and I developed an excellent working relationship and accomplished great things.

@Icma.Org

Visit icma.org to learn more about these topics. 1 PARTNERS IN GREENING Dubuque, lowa-a recognized national leader in sustainability-has partnered with IBM to deliver such vital services as energy and water management and transportation, ali while reducing environmental impact.

Prioritizing Service and Delivery

In response to dramatically declining revenues, the Las Vegas city council asked the city's management team to conduct a fundamental service review (FSR) of all city operations, programs, and services. Delray Beach, Sarasota County, and Virginia Beach each established new citizen events and mechanisms that engaged the public in learning more about local government operations, financial challenges local governments face, or direct prioritization of services and satisfaction with service deliv...

Give Yourself Permission to Manage

[...] one of the most important keys to effective leadership and management is to ask the right questions. [...] a system allows the manager to monitor the results of the organization and ensure that the day-to-day work of the organization is focused on the local government's strategic objectives and long-term goals. Meetings with Direct Reports The most effective way to ensure that people within the organization communicate thoroughly and usefully about both projects and programs is to hav...

Engaging Citizens in the Economic Squeeze

Making Budget Decisions Real Managers also report a conflict in developing a budget that balances the immediate service desires of citizens with the need to invest in the long-term economic sustainability of the community. [...] much of the citizen engagement work by managers has been oriented to public education so that people can understand the budget realities that the city faces.

Calendar of Events

A Sustainable Interest in the New Global Economy

June 2009 represented a key time in the town's and the university's evolution, when turnover in leadership was expected on the town council and on the university's board of trustees. The town had also been moving toward greater sustainability with its recent construction of a new operations facility, enhancement of stormwater management, and council-led land use planning that encourages higher-density infill growth in the community.

An Overhaul in the Making?

In most states, however, all jurisdictions in the county determine their property tax rate and provide that data to the elected county assessor, who then converts it into revenue via the elected county treasurer. The payer of the property tax then is presented with an annual bill for ALL jurisdictions- schools, county, community colleges, public hospitals, storm drainage districts, special improvement assessments, the city, ad nauseam - line by unintelligible line.

Working Smarter

Crush Down the Stress I have found over the years that it's about keeping your perspective, having clear goals and objectives, and showing leadership by example, which means using leave credits annually and strategically to keep yourself energized and fresh and, most important, staying fit and healthy.

Revisiting the Forgotten Third Element: Self Part 1 of 3

The intrusion of electronics, the challenge of dual-career families, and the role of the Internet were addressed specifically. (I have always considered the public manager position similar to a CEO, as both roles report not to one person but to a board.) Every year, Harry also protects some of his time for reflection and introspection.

The Healthy Makeover

Through the parks and recreation department partnering with the engineering department, the city took the lead on redeveloping the two brownfields sites - with little initial success. Next door, the city's preliminary plans for the park include playing fields and playgrounds, a community center with an indoor gym, picnic areas, and pedestrian access to Lynchburg Grows and the nearby stadium.

How Could This Happen On My First Day?

[...] let's start with the very first hour of my management career. Surprises As I sat there wondering where to start, I remembered the envelope. Since he did not mention what it was, I thought I had best open it right away.