MRSC Insight Blog

Posts by Bob Jean

March 25, 2019 by Bob Jean
Category: Legislative Body

This blog post provides an overview of the Roundtable Public Hearing process, a tool local governments can use to move the public hearing process from a divisive “win/lose” result to a much preferable “consensus/compromise” result.

Communications in 10-5-1

September 18, 2017 by Bob Jean
Category: Public Participation

Just as in our personal relations, communications are essential for fostering good community relations. Council/Commission Advisor Bob Jean looks at the role of the message, messenger, and media in local government communications efforts.

Are You Communicating Your Goals?

February 10, 2017 by Bob Jean
Category: Governance , Council-Commission Advisor

Are you communicating your goals effectively? How do you cut through all the noise and clutter to reach the people you need to reach? This post gives you a Road Map to help.

Time for a Change in Your Local Government Organization?

March 29, 2016 by Bob Jean
Category: Legislative Body , Council-Commission Advisor

Changes to the form or organization of a city presents both a leadership challenge and opportunity for the city council. Make sure to handle the transition properly.

Municipal Management Model: Leading an Action Agenda

November 24, 2015 by Bob Jean
Category: Management , Council-Commission Advisor

Are you frustrated by the seemingly endless studies and discussion, yet no action? Have you ever heard, “How can government run like a business and get things done?” Well government is different and while it should run in a businesslike manner, we are not in business to make a profit. Cities don’t build things; we build community. So, how can we better put our plans into an Ac...

Communication, Communication, Communication

April 2, 2015 by Bob Jean
Category: Management , Council-Commission Advisor

In real estate or economic development discussions we hear it’s all about location, location, location. When it comes to good governance, whether in Council-Manager or Mayor-Council-Administrator forms of local government, it’s all about communication, communication, communication.

Who's Your CEO - “Chief ENGAGEMENT Officer”?

October 12, 2014 by Bob Jean
Category: Public Participation , Council-Commission Advisor

Coming out of the “Great Recession” these past 4 years, what percentage of all money measures submitted to voters by local governments nationwide (cities, counties, schools, etc) do you think passed? 30%? 40%? More? Less? According to research by the International City County Management Association (ICMA), from 2010-2013 over 70% of local money referendums were approved by voters! And those initiated by direct community engagement passed by 90%!

Happy but Looking??? Staff Retention, Training and Development

May 1, 2014 by Bob Jean
Category: Administration and Management

According to an article in a recent International City/County Management Association newsletter, 83% of employees are happy BUT looking for another job. Even though satisfied with their current jobs, employees are looking for: