City of Columbus’ Post

Portland can’t afford to miss this moment. With a new system at city hall, we need a new kind of mayor: an executive with a track record of getting results. Ballots have arrived, and voters have a choice. Given the performance of Portland city government in recent years, should we favor the political insiders and “promote from within,” or choose a new leader with decades of experience in transformation management, civic engagement, and nonprofit leadership? Here’s the bottom line: I am by far the most experienced candidate for our new system, and I am ready to handle the critical tasks of city leadership from Day One. For me, integrity and accountability isn’t just a promise; it’s a track record. The organizations I lead are committed to excellence, integrity, and inclusion on every level. The people I choose don’t take shortcuts, make excuses, or leave others behind. A city leadership culture that prioritizes everyone is a culture that is capable of achieving anything.

So, what does community-centric development really mean? To us, it’s about building spaces that foster connection and well-being. From mixed-use developments to placemaking initiatives, community-centric development strategies aim to foster vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities where people can live, work, and thrive together! Learn more about our unique approach at https://lnkd.in/et4xTBSB

The best people mean the best results.

The next chapter will begin shortly.

Check out the spotlight below to learn a little bit about my role as a Program Officer. Showing up with and for a purpose!

Warrior to Love: Show-Up I recently had an inspiring meeting with Councilman Michael Boylan from Jacksonville City Council District 6. It reminded me of the power of community engagement and the importance of taking action to drive change. Years ago, I considered a political career, but my wife and I decided it wasn't the right path for us. Instead, I focused on connecting with our local representatives, believing that true change starts with us. During our conversation, we discussed the book "A Quiet Revolution," which explores the history of Jacksonville's consolidation. Jacksonville Historical Society Both Councilman Boylan and I share a passion for history and a vision for progress in our city. We reflected on the challenges and the numerous failed attempts to unite and advance Jacksonville over the years. One of the biggest questions remains: how do you unite a community divided in the largest city by land mass in the USA? While I am still working on the answer, I know that getting involved and building relationships is a significant step forward. As a private citizen, I've had the privilege of connecting with some of the best professionals and actively participating in our community. My passion lies in solving problems and fostering resilience in relationships. Nothing happens unless you make it happen. It takes everyone to participate in creating and sustaining livable communities. Everything starts with you! Let's take action, show up, and work together to make City of Jacksonville the best place to live on earth. #CommunityEngagement #LocalLeadership #Jacksonville #WarriorToLove #ShowUp #Inspiration #TakeAction

Westlake Village is one of the most underrated cities in Southern California. In my most recent video, I talked about why Westlake Village Living is elite. Make sure to check out my recent video for more information. https://lnkd.in/grrh2ayY

Considering a move from NY to SC? 🏞️ There are many reasons to move South nowadays, but at Wilson Associates we want to celebrate the wonders of our city and state. 🎉 If you’re considering moving from New York to South Carolina—in fact if you’re thinking about moving from anywhere in the country to SC—we present you with the 7 top reasons why you should make this move. 💼 Click the link to read the full blog post! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Ua2gXH

Fifteen years ago I was winding up the last meetings of committees of council that I would chair or even be able to attend in the City of North Vancouver. We only had so many meetings, a main one monthly plus subcommittee meetings, and I knew that at the start: appointments were for two years, and there were term limits...you could only be reappointed a couple times and then you had to take a break. For those who haven't had similar experience, being appointed to this kind of position gives you staff, influence on zoning, funding, and the ability to allocate some other resources, and the chance to work with some cool people. I was 27 when this all started, and 33 when it was over. Most of the other appointees were in their 50s and 60s. I had been chair for 4 out of the 6 years, vice chair for the first and last: the final year I could have been elected chair again, but I gave the spot up to a person who really, really wanted it. Was her last year, too. The look on her face, I'll never forget it, as the election process at the beginning of the year was starting and the other members were ready to re-elect me. Crestfallen. And the expression of happiness (and eagle-success "swoop!") after I said, "I'll be vice chair this year, if you want it." We only have so many days doing the things we value. My civic volunteer experience is one of the highest I value, and I had a lot of impact on my home town with it. In one job interview during that period I remember a numnuts factory manager saying, "Why would you do that?" (volunteer) in all seriousness. Yeah, I didn't take the job even though he offered to me. Nowhere near a fit on values. So you...are you taking your roles seriously? Keeping in mind you have only so many "at bats" to make a difference? Nothing lasts forever. What could you do about a subject you love today?

"They're sitting out there waiting to give you the city manager job. Are you gonna take it. Are you man enough to take it?" I have 4 stories that kind of capture the current zeitgeist of the city management profession. ➡️Duncan, OK (pop. 23,000) Chris Deal has spent the last 13+ years leading the Duncan Chamber of Commerce. He has no previous experience in local government. He was just tapped to become the next city manager for Duncan (link: https://lnkd.in/eUVKsxcn) ➡️ Meadowlakes, TX (pop. 1,900) They tried doing an in-house recruitment for city manager and offered $90-120,000. The results were lackluster. They are now spending $20,000 to hire a recruiter. From the story (https://lnkd.in/eQ9zXs8G), Councilmember Bentley Thompson said: "We really just haven't had a real good pool." ➡️ San Juan County, WA (pop. 18,000) San Juan County selected a Jessica Hudson who is currently the Director at Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia (link: https://lnkd.in/exRwZVTv). ➡️ Marysville, KS (pop. 3,400) Joshua Haverkamp was recently hired to be the city administrator. His only real experience is that of a management fellow for Kansas City (link: https://lnkd.in/eKUS5rAk). ---- Please do not misinterpret my post. I am not trying to denigrate anyone. I am simply illustrating time and time again that the market for city managers is wide open. There is so much opportunity. How many of you reading my posts continue to ignore the realities of this market? How many of you continue to tell yourselves that you aren't good enough or that you don't deserve to level up your careers? It is healthy and normal to have self-doubt. It is healthy and normal to be scared. Do not let your fears and self-doubt sabotage you. It is part of the journey. Now -- go out and get them to sign on the line which is dotted! ----- If you are an aspiring city manager -- you should strongly consider joining the American Association of Municipal Executives as a founding member. Be part of a community of professionals who will support and champion you as you strive to accomplish your personal goals. Go to AAME.org to learn more.