As we prepare for the ELGL & ICMA joint event at the ICMA Conference, attendees describe the current state of local government, their mentors, ways to strengthen local government, and of course, their dream six-pack. Link: Raise Your Hand If You’re Going “Back to the Future” with ELGL and ICMA.
Jason Damweber
Town of Chapel Hill, NC
Assistant to the Town Manager
1. Name your career mentors.
Bruce Heflin, Retired Chapel Hill Assistant Town Manager and former longtime Public Works Director
Steve Stewart, Retired Carrboro Town Manager
Flo Miller, Chapel Hill Deputy Town Manager
2. Describe the current state of local government.
With ever-tightening budgets and political uncertainties at the federal and state levels, rapidly evolving technologies, aging infrastructure, etc., etc., local governments face more challenges now than ever before. At the same time and for the same reasons, local government is also more important in the lives of people who rely on the services provided than ever before. It’s a turbulent time for local governments to say the least, with shrinking budgets and growing accountability. For this reason, transparent and data-informed decision-making is absolutely critical for successful local government management.
3. During her presidency, Bonnie Svrcek encouraged ICMA members to do “Just One Thing” for the organization. What can we do to strengthen local government?
Use analytics to make data-informed decisions.
4. In keeping with the beer tasting theme, tell us what we’d find in your ideal six pack.
4 IPAs, 2 Stouts
Supplemental Reading
- Students | Master of Public Administration
- On Campus with the Carolina MPA Program
- Stewart closes out tenure as town manager
- In the Spotlight – Town of Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill looks to tackle needs of town departments
Quick Takes
- John Stefanski, City of Hayward, CA
- Karen Pinkos, City of El Cerrito, CA
- Chris Morrill, City of Roanoke, VA
- Matthew Hawkesworth, City of Rosemead, CA
- Heather Geyer, City of Wheat Ridge, CO
- Greg Larson, Town of Los Gatos, CA
- Jeff Towery, City of Springfield, OR
- Elisabeth Wright, Village of Gilberts, IL
- Mitch Foster, Kingsley, MI, Village Manager
- C. James Ervin, Town of Rocky Mount, VA
- Tamara Lynn Schaps, Evans School of Public Affairs
- Eric Norenberg, Oberlin (OH) City Manager
- Joe Casey, Henrico County, VA, Deputy County Manager
- Jason Escareno, San Mateo County, CA
- Ann Janda, Milton, VT
- Lee Worsley, Durham County
- Dan Weinheimer, Fort Collins, CO
