Latest Posts

2017 #CityHallSelfie Hype Page

Here are the best City Hall Selfie Day promos from 2017. If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll consider becoming an ELGL member.   City of El Paso, Texas Scottsdale Police Department City of University Park, Texas City of Bryan, Texas City of Columbia, Missouri City of San Marcos, Texas City of West Allis, Wisconsin City … Continued

Taking Knowledge to the Bank

Here at ELGL, we’re committed to transparency and sharing information with one another, whether that is across departments or across the country. Transparency engenders trust in government (think: “trust, but verify”) and strengthens democracy by empowering the public with the information needed to make informed decisions. This is central to a democracy, a word that … Continued

Town Clerk to City Clerk – A Conversation About the Transition

Welcome to a new blog series, “The Local Government Nerve Center” — all about the amazing and important work of clerks and recorders. Want to be a contributor? Learn more here. By Abby J. Fitch, City of Aurora, Mayor/Council Management Analyst I am not a City Clerk, nor do I work for the City Clerk’s office. When … Continued

#ELGLPopUps PDX Hotel Information

Inn at Northrup Station ELGL Group Rate Information Dates: Thursday, September 21st, 2017 – Sunday, September 24th, 2017 The Inn at Northrup Station is pleased to offer ELGL 15% off the best available rate at the time of booking. Rooms are available on a first come first-served basis. The earlier the reservation is placed, the … Continued

I Have to Ask You: Most Difficult Personnel Matter

In this series, guest columnists respond to one of three topics selected by ELGL co-founder Kent Wyatt. This week David Clyne, City of Independence, OR City Manager, writes about managing difficult personnel matters.  Question: What is the most complicated or unusual personnel matter that you have addressed in your career? Over a career spanning nearly … Continued

Edible Landscaping at City Hall

By Ben DeClue, City of Lebanon, Missouri One of the first things that I noticed about Lebanon, Missouri’s City Hall when I started here in December 2014 was the presence of edible landscaping.  My time working in a garden center gave me a keen eye for fruit and nut trees. I was  surprised to see … Continued

Classes are Coming: Five Memes to Get You Through Grad School

  By Hannah Lebovits (ELGL Profile, LinkedIn and Twitter) With the fall semester coming up, I took some time to reflect on my grad school experience as an MPA graduate and current PhD student. I am definitely not a grad school pro but with two little kids, various community projects and a city council run, I’ve learned a thing … Continued

2017 Traeger List of Influencers: Top 10

The Chris Traeger List recognizes the top 100 influencers in local government. Chris Traeger was the city manager for the fictional City of Pawnee, Indiana on the show Park and Recreation. He was known for extreme energy and commitment to improving local government. The Traeger List is not based on title or longevity. It’s based … Continued

Chuck, Senior Analyst

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Joey Garcia, City of Torrance, California When I interviewed for a position with City’s Public Works Department I was certain of two things, (1)  I would primarily be working in the “other duties” category of the Analyst position, and (2) Chuck was clearly on his way out. Eighteen months later I can confidently say … Continued

Weekly Update: Pop-Ups, Project Coordinator, Dues, & Software

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear ELGL members, I’m back home (and tired as a dog) after a week with my kids at Mother-Child Camp on the Oregon Coast. It was fun and exhausting. I did hikes that overlooked views like this: …and also ate disgusting camp food, used communal bathrooms, and had zero internet or cell reception. I was … Continued

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