Gabe Gabrielsen
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05/22/2013
Warning:  Read with care. The thought shared below are not intended for everyone. The ideas that follow are meant for career professionals and local government public officials who really want to make a difference.  People often comment on the significant accomplishments I have made in my life. Though I am not sure any of my accomplishments are significant, I am proud of what I have been able to do.  One thing I can say for certain is that I would not have accomplished much if it had not been for the seven mentors who...
Rick Aronhalt
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12/19/2012
Studies show that the annual performance appraisal is met with trepidation by many employees -- and their bosses. One reason is that the majority of organizations fail to create and deliver performance appraisals that are constructive to the employee and to the organization. On 1/17 at 1:30 pm ET, Scott Letourneau, president of NEOGOV (an ICMA Strategic Partner) joins Karen McLaughlin, city manager of Manteca, California, and Joe Kriskovich, director of human resources and risk management for Manteca, California, to share best practices of Manteca and teach you how to use performance appraisals to build a better organization. ...
Katharine Greenlee
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11/19/2012
Another Monday brings you another episode of In The Know, your blog for keeping up with the Knowledge Network! Check out the following new blog posts: Bonnie's Blog...notes from the ICMA President - Bonnie highlights what she has been up to in her first month as President. Be sure to follow her on her journey as the ICMA President. International Dispatches - Nate Engle, an ICMA Senior Program Manager, fills us in on a municipal service delivery project in Ethiopia. Join the conversation by sharing your experieces with how...
Peter Dunn
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08/13/2012
Last week saw plenty of new conversations and helpful resources for local government professionals on the Knowledge Network. Check out some of the highlights below. Many new questions  last week focused on a few categories:  Emergency Management What’s the first thing to do when FEMA declares a disaster area ? How do you get information to the community during a power outage ? Police How should the police department counteract lost productivity when an officer is injured ? With the Crown...
Rick Aronhalt
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07/11/2012
Sheryl Sculley          Rollie Waters      Brain drain: That's what organizations are facing as baby boomers - many in senior management positions - go off to start an encore career. This realization has many local governments following the lead of major corporations in developing succession plans. If you have members in your organization that you "can't live without," this ICMA webconference is a must. Rollie Waters, president and founder of Waters Consulting Group (ICMA Strategic Partner) will team up with Sheryl Sculley, city manager of San Antonio, TX, for a no-nonsense approach to succession planning. They will present survey results...
Peter Dunn
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04/30/2012
There was a great range of new conversations and resources on the Knowledge Network last week. Here's a quick sample: Questions  If you have an answer, sign in and share your experience! How should someone with business experience get into management or economic development in the public sector ? What’s the best way to get input from citizen advisory groups on key local services? What’s the process for your capital improvement plan ? How do you study compensation and benefits strategy ? Can...
Peter Dunn
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04/23/2012
In case you missed it, here’s a quick look at some of the highlights from the Knowledge Network last week. There are plenty of great questions that are still looking for answers, so jump right in if you have any insight to share! New Questions Should a city annex property with failing infrastructure ? Is it time to get rid of the manual punch clock ? How should a recent MPA grad get started in the public sector ? Is there federal money available for counties generating wind...
Peter Dunn
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04/13/2012
Filled with sample contracts, job descriptions, RFPs, articles, reports, and more, the Knowledge Network's document library is your first stop for local government research. But with more than 7,000 documents , which ones rise to the top? In March 2012, our 42 most popular documents, listed below, were each viewed an average of at least once per day. They come from cities, towns, and counties large and small; from industry and association partners; and of course from the Knowledge Network partners, ICMA and the Alliance for Innovation. Covering a wide range of topics, including career resources ,...
Amanda Relyea
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09/13/2011
Don’t let the session title fool you. “Managers in Transition: Perspectives and Strategies” is not just for those currently between jobs. It is for every manager or aspiring manager who may face transition in the future, who are not quite sure what the next council or commission meeting will bring, or who are currently in transition. In other words, this session is for everyone! Join our panelists to hear their stories and ask questions. As one panelist said on a recent conference call, transition was nothing like he expected. Come to learn what to watch for, how...
Pooja Varma
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05/20/2011
An ICMA member posed a recent question on the Knowledge Network on how to pursue a career as a city manager. The responses from a range of local government professionals offered valuable advice and discussion on the merits of practical experience, graduate education, and using personal accounts to increase marketability. Here are some of their thoughts: While public sector experience with city administration is valuable, be flexible and consider non-government organizations, as they also provide leadership and management experience. Possible routes to explore include interning with the office of the City Manger, or working...
Stephen Seidel
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10/18/2010
Welcome to San Jose! This is my first blog entry this year, and for those who have read my postings in the past I tend to talk about more general topics rather than specific sessions. Many topics are derived from conversations with friends at dinner or outside the exhibit hall. My first conference topic is one that I hope will generate feedback and discussion. The topic is Work-Life Balance. Most everyone is familiar with the I Am Second advertising campaign. If you are not familiar, the premise is that relatively famous people have changed their lives and direction to...