Joshua Pack’s Post

Reflecting on my career and the opportunities I’ve had to serve local communities in northern California, I’m thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to explore the potential of Community Choice Aggregation (CCAs) on behalf of our elected leadership to consider cleaner energy options and support our local economy. CCAs are local government programs that empower communities to purchase electricity on behalf of their residents and businesses. This alternative may give us more control over our energy sources and can lead to several benefits, including cleaner energy, lower costs, local economic growth, and increased community empowerment. We're committed to carefully evaluating CCAs' potential benefits and challenges and providing options for our elected leadership that best align with our community's needs. This project aligns with my lifelong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community well-being. I’m eager to work with our elected leadership, engaged stakeholders, and community toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

I’ve been largely absent from LinkedIn for the past month due to the devastating Park Fire. Starting in Chico, the fire has burned over 430,000 acres, making it the fourth-largest and second-largest single-source fire in California history. This is just the latest in a series of significant wildfires in our region, including the Camp Fire in 2018, the North Complex in 2020, and the Dixie Fire in 2021. The constant threat of fires, followed by subsequent floods and debris flows, has taken a toll on our community. It's difficult to remain hopeful when constantly battling the same challenges. I'm grateful for our community's resilience and the tireless efforts of our first responders. I'm looking forward to sharing more updates with you soon.

📢 Serving in local government today is tougher than ever. As someone who's witnessed firsthand the escalating hostility at our public meetings, I can say that civility is in crisis. A review of the San Diego Board of Supervisors' public comment found that incivility skyrocketed a year into the COVID–19 pandemic. In the fall of 2009, KPBS found two incidents. Last year, in the same three-month period, there were 167. Even in smaller cities and counties, meetings have become platforms for insults, profanity, and threats directed at our elected officials and employees. Gone are the days of respectful dialogue. Instead, a vocal minority dominates with disrespectful behavior that disrupts meaningful discussion on vital community issues. This toxic environment undermines our ability to govern effectively and erodes trust in public institutions. Having seen how challenging it is to navigate this landscape, I know firsthand that actions taken are often misunderstood or met with suspicion. As trust in local government erodes, there's no longer any benefit of the doubt. This isn't just about local politics; it's about the health of our democracy. We must reclaim respectful discourse and restore trust in our local governance. https://lnkd.in/gE6ba59J

Appreciation Post: Heroes in Public Works Our employees in municipal public works are the unsung heroes who keep infrastructure supporting our communities running smoothly. Despite facing indifference and sometimes disdain from members of our community, their skills, expertise, and dedication are unparalleled. Many people may not realize the complexity and importance of their work. Societal biases and misconceptions often undervalue their contributions, equating formal education with capability and overlooking the extensive knowledge and hands-on experience these workers bring. While their jobs are highly visible and can sometimes cause temporary inconveniences, such as road closures or construction noise, these disruptions are a testament to the essential maintenance and improvements for everyone's benefit. Cultural stereotypes and economic factors may also play a role in the lack of respect they receive, despite the critical services they provide. Let's take a moment to break these stereotypes and recognize the incredible work they do. Their commitment to ensuring our infrastructure is safe and functional deserves our utmost respect and appreciation. Thank you to our workforce for your unwavering commitment to our community! 🙌🚧👷♂️👷♀️

🚨 Let's set the record straight! 🚨 A recent CNN online article criticized Wells Fargo for firing employees caught using devices to simulate keyboard activity, implying that expecting employees to perform their duties is unreasonable. Last year, I found evidence of an employee utilizing software designed to emulate keystrokes and simulate working while an employee was away from their desk in a remote environment. This software was removed from our system, but we could never determine how many employees utilized this software. Let's be clear: 💼 Employers have every right to expect honest work from their employees. This is reasonable, ethical, and necessary for maintaining trust and productivity in the workplace. 🔍 Faking work is a form of dishonesty. It's deceptive and undermines the integrity of the work environment. 📊 Employers - especially public-sector agencies - should uphold high standards and ethical behavior. 🌐 Accountability is key in any organization, especially in highly regulated industries like the public sector. Expecting employees to perform their jobs genuinely isn't just appropriate—it's essential for a fair and functional workplace. https://lnkd.in/g-qymmnQ

Last week, I enjoyed attending a well-organized Public Works conference hosted by a respected non-profit professional organization. The experience was enriching, filled with insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities. However, a less enjoyable aftermath was the sudden influx of vendor emails. It appears that my contact information, along with that of other attendees, was shared without explicit consent. This practice prompts a broader conversation about privacy and ethics in the non-profit sector. Should non-profits leverage attendee information in this manner? Where should we draw the line between necessary communication and respecting personal data privacy? As professional community members, we trust non-profits to lead in their mission areas and set standards for integrity and ethical conduct. These organizations must provide clear, opt-in consent forms that specify if and how our data might be shared. Transparency in these practices is not just beneficial; it’s imperative. What are your thoughts on non-profits sharing conference attendee contact information with vendors? What best practices would you recommend to ensure data privacy while maintaining essential conference networking opportunities?

This week, Senate Democrats called for Congress to pass a bill mandating a 32-hour workweek, citing advances in AI and automation and a 400% increase in American worker productivity since the 1940s. While the bill is unlikely to become law, I wonder about its application to local governments struggling to attract and retain talent. Shifting to a 32-hour workweek could offer local government agencies a strategic solution to talent attraction and retention challenges. By providing a more balanced work-life structure, agencies could become more appealing to job seekers seeking quality of life. This change could significantly enhance retention rates, as employees would be less likely to experience burnout and turnover. Moreover, shorter workweeks could increase staff morale and productivity, translating to better outcomes for the agency and the community. Flexible arrangements could also attract a more diverse pool of candidates, fostering inclusivity and bringing in varied perspectives. Recognizing that many local government agencies lack the traditional resources to compete for talented employees, could a 32-hour workweek address recruitment and retention hurdles while promoting employee well-being and organizational success? https://lnkd.in/g47xzQzY https://lnkd.in/gH94PA9b

Reflecting on the insights from a recently completed employee survey, I've been moved by the depth of our collective journey. These surveys are far more than a tally of experiences; they are a mirror reflecting our shared struggles and the resilience that binds us. This year, honest feedback illuminated the nuanced ways our team's morale intertwines with the world beyond our office doors. The echoes of external pressures - economic fluctuations, political landscapes, and societal shifts - have not just whispered into our lives; they have roared, challenging us to find stability amidst the chaos. As I ponder these revelations, I am struck by the weight of what we carry into our workspace, not just as professionals but as individuals navigating an ever-changing world. Acknowledging these pressures, I am reminded of our shared humanity. While we may not hold the power to reshape the external forces at play, we possess something far more potent: the ability to uplift one another, to foster a haven of support and understanding within the confines of our work. I invite you to join me in this introspective journey, to share your thoughts and suggestions, as we craft a path forward that honors our shared experiences and the external influences that shape them. Your voice is pivotal in sculpting our collective response to these challenges.

Did you know that recruiting technical professionals, especially engineers and surveyors, for public sector roles is becoming increasingly challenging? Here at Butte County Public Works, we're feeling this pinch more than ever. For every single applicant we get for positions like engineers and surveyors, we need an astounding 550 people to view the job announcement. This is a stark contrast to our overall rate, where we typically see 1 job applicant for every 70 views. That's almost 8 times more effort for these specialized roles! This gap highlights the unique challenges public sector agencies face in attracting technical talent. The reasons range from a competitive job market to a lack of awareness about the fulfilling opportunities in public service. Engineers and surveyors are crucial to our communities. They design our infrastructure, ensure safety, and help shape the future of communities. Your skills could contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference in people's lives. We're reaching out to professionals and recent graduates in engineering and surveying – your community needs you! Check out local government job postings, spread the word, and consider joining a team where your work has a lasting impact!

"🚧🤔 Local vs. State Priorities: A Balancing Act 🚗💰 In our local government, we face daily challenges in maintaining basic infrastructure. From climate change-induced disasters to decades of deferred maintenance, the hurdles are mounting. Recently, a stark contrast caught our eye: the State's purchase of hundreds of Tesla and other luxury electric vehicles for Caltrans, as reported by local TV. Yes, sustainable transport is crucial, but is it timely? 👷♂️ In our community, we're juggling funds just to keep roads safe, public services running, and health programs afloat. 🔍 Yet, seeing these luxury EVs roll out, we ponder: Are we overlooking essential services for a flashier, yet less immediate need? 🤔 What do you think? Is now the right time for such state expenditure? ✍️ Share your thoughts and let's discuss how we can better balance local necessities with broader state initiatives. https://lnkd.in/gH4W74Tn. #LocalInfrastructure #SustainableTransport #CommunityNeeds #GovernmentSpending