In our recent webinar Bringing Information to the People: Transparency Tips for Small/Mid Sized Local Governments, we had a great conversation with Tracey McKenzie from the County of Lennox & Addington, Ontario about how her organization manages to achieve such a high standard of transparency while dealing with limited staff and resources. While a common barrier to organizational change can be finding the budget, staff time and buy-in from other departments or council members, our discussion revealed some compelling reasons why organizations should make improved transparency a priority … [Read more...] about 3 Transparency Tips from the County of Lennox and Addington
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Retaining Organizational Knowledge: An Urgent Issue for Local Government Leaders
When municipal clerks change jobs or retire, local governments can lose much of the valuable organizational knowledge they need to provide essential services, preserve local history, and comply with legislative mandates. Indeed, the biggest threat to local governments’ management and curation of information may be the staff members who built those processes in the first place. Retaining organizational knowledge: Why local governments must act now Many local governments still use manual processes to manage meeting agendas and public records, and frequently file paper documents in manila … [Read more...] about Retaining Organizational Knowledge: An Urgent Issue for Local Government Leaders
Transparency through technology: Scalable, cost-effective and achievable now
If local governments are not investing in technology that makes data more available to the public, they are not investing in transparency. It’s really that simple. Download our Run a Transparent Government white paper here. In today’s highly connected world, transparency has become synonymous with digital access to information. The right digital tools can make transparency achievable, scalable and cost-effective while making local government data accessible to the residents of major cities like Chicago and much smaller communities such as Williamsville, New York. Chicago and … [Read more...] about Transparency through technology: Scalable, cost-effective and achievable now
Run a lean government: Don’t let budget constraints force you to cut critical services
Many local governments today face a difficult dilemma: how to stretch a reduced budget to meet the growing demand for more and better services, comply with new regulatory requirements, and cover escalating pension and infrastructure costs. A range of new technology solutions may hold the key. The financial crisis that devastated many businesses and homeowners also hit local governments hard, according to a report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. By 2009, state aid and property taxes, which typically make up more than half of local revenues nationwide, covered a smaller share of local … [Read more...] about Run a lean government: Don’t let budget constraints force you to cut critical services
Getting the Most Out of Your Agenda Management Team
How important is a Municipal Clerk to the effective management of a local government? In our recent North America Wide Survey of 15,000 Clerks we asked them to share information about their responsibilities outside of agenda and minutes management. Respondents identified nearly 50 unique roles they are taking on in addition to the core duties of being a Clerk. Most Clerks will tell you they ‘wear multiple hats’ in their organization. But for the first time we have a complete picture into just how many Clerks are being asked to go above and beyond. Findings About 50% of Clerks that … [Read more...] about Getting the Most Out of Your Agenda Management Team
New Job, New Municipality – Managing Change as a Clerk
With every new job comes an apprehension of what challenges lie ahead. We all have some reservations or fears of the unknown, especially when taking on the large responsibilities that come with being a Municipal Clerk. Whether it’s your first job or your 5th as a Municipal Clerk, the road to success is long and difficult at times, and change is a necessary part of the journey. With that in mind, here’s my take on 3 challenges to prepare for if you are starting at a new organization. For those just starting your career as a Clerk I think this advice really applies as well. 1. Refresh … [Read more...] about New Job, New Municipality – Managing Change as a Clerk