Gov360

🚨 Struggling with negativity on social media? Here’s how to take back control. 🎙️ Gov360 Episode 10! Sam Toles is back—this time in-studio—to dive even deeper into the social media crisis facing local governments and how to fix it. A former city councilmember turned Hollywood media executive, Sam is the founder of CiviSocial and the author of two game-changing books: 📘 The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers 📗 *New this week:* The Social Media Playbook for Local Elected Officials (forward written by Chris Mann) 💡 Whether you’re a city manager, PIO, department head, or elected official, this episode will shift how you think about public engagement—and show you a better way forward. In this episode, Chris and Sam unpack: Why toxic online discourse is driving talent out of local government The mindset shift that empowers staff and changes the game How to reframe your communications around staff, not politics Platform-by-platform do’s and don’ts (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more) Why Canva flyers, press releases, and static posts just don’t cut it anymore The “Mary on the Trails” story and how to turn staff into community heroes How one city went from 30 toxic commenters to just 1 in a matter of months ⸻ 🔗 Links & Resources: CiviSocial: https://civisocial.com The Social Media Playbook for City & County Managers: https://a.co/d/4K3UdBj The Social Media Playbook for Local Elected Officials: https://a.co/d/gO39KYB Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samtoles1/ 📧 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7320606146577186817 ⸻ 📣 If this episode helped you, hit the like, subscribe, and share buttons to support the show and help other local government leaders find it. Until next time...govern boldly, my friends!

“Ignoring politics doesn’t make it go away; it only makes local governments less prepared.”   In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Dr. Adam Probolsky, President of Probolsky Research and Senior Research Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to explore how city leaders can think politically without acting politically.   They unpack why the traditional politics–policy divide holds organizations back and how governments can use politics as an early-warning system to anticipate challenges before they reach the council chambers. At the heart of the conversation is the Political Signals Memo—a simple, one-page weekly briefing that helps executive teams stay ahead of community sentiment, national narratives, and legislative ripples without crossing ethical lines.   This episode provides practical, nonpartisan tools every local government can use to prevent surprises and build trust.     🧭 What You’ll Learn: The difference between thinking politically and acting politically How political narratives influence local issues (from tax measures to national debates spilling into council meetings) Why ignoring online chatter or national narratives can be risky for cities A practical framework for creating a weekly Political Signals Memo How transparency and honesty build trust with the community     🔗 Featured Topics: The politics–policy divide in local government Politics as an early-warning system Monitoring narratives without becoming partisan The Political Signals Memo: format, cadence, and ownership Guardrails for neutrality, ethics, and public records     📌 Resources & Mentions: Adam’s ICMA article: “A Strict Politics–Policy Divide Is Holding Your Organization Back” → https://icma.org/blog-posts/strict-politics-policy-divide-holding-your-organization-back Download the Political Signals Memo Template → https://www.chrismann.us/resources Learn more about Probolsky Research → https://probolskyresearch.com     📩 Join the Conversation: 💬 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn 🔁 Share this episode with a colleague in local government 📧 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn 🎧 Follow Gov360 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite platform 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube → https://youtube.com/@gov360     Tags: Gov360, CityManager, LocalGovernment, PoliticsAndPolicy, PoliticalSignalsMemo, Leadership, PublicEngagement, ProbolskyResearch, ChrisMann, GovernBoldly

“When the numbers go red, that’s when true leadership shows its color.” Budget deficits are no longer isolated events; they’re becoming the norm in cities and counties across the country. In this candid solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares what he’s learned from leading not one, but two cities through structural budget deficits. Drawing on over 25 years in and around local government, Chris unpacks the three biggest mistakes city leaders often make when responding to financial crises – and what to do instead. This episode goes beyond spreadsheets and cuts to the heart of the issue: trust, leadership, and long-term sustainability. From strategic revenue generation and cost recovery, to transparent public communication and rethinking public safety funding models, this is a roadmap for navigating the red without losing your way.   🧭 What You’ll Learn: Why across-the-board cuts often make things worse How to find strategic revenue without raising taxes The role of cost recovery in restoring fiscal health How transparent communication builds trust and support Why cities must rethink how they fund public safety Real-world examples from cities managed by Gov360 host Chris Mann   🔗 Featured Topics: Structural deficits in local government Enterprise strategies and non-tax revenue EMS subscription and rental inspection programs Public safety cost escalation and funding models Building community trust during financial crises   📌 Resources & Mentions: “Yucaipa: Community at a Crossroads” video https://youtu.be/UlaRVHSILM8?si=NGa5eyhGyWNoSeRt Measure S (Yucaipa’s successful 1% sales tax measure) https://yucaipa.gov/financial-fix/ Gov360 Episode 3: Winning at Social Media in Local Government with Sam Toles https://youtu.be/5MgughL1LuA?si=BnPUhKmKhSLIt9WY   📩 Join the Conversation: 💬 Leave a comment or message Chris on LinkedIn 🔁 Share this episode with a fellow local government leader 📧 Subscribe to the Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn 🎧 Follow Gov360 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodBean, or your favorite platform 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube   Tags: Gov360, CityManager, LocalGovernment, BudgetDeficit, MunicipalFinance, PublicSafetyFunding, LeadershipInCrisis, ChrisMann, GovernBoldly

🔍 Episode Summary: Are you burned out, questioning your future in local government, or wondering if there’s a more fulfilling path forward?    In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Jacob Green, a former Assistant City Manager and now CEO of Jacob Green & Associates, to talk candidly about the growing trend of local government professionals transitioning to the private sector.   Drawing on decades of leadership in public service and private consulting, Jacob shares insights on salaries, pensions, stress, work-life balance, and what the pivot to consulting really looks like. This episode offers an honest, practical look at what’s driving so many seasoned professionals to explore life beyond city hall—and how to navigate the shift with clarity and purpose.   Whether you’re early in your career, mid-journey, or contemplating a new chapter, this conversation delivers the clarity and courage to take the next step in your local government journey.   💡 Key Learnings: Why burnout, blurred governance roles, keyboard warriors and toxic political climates are pushing many out of public service What types of opportunities exist for former city managers, department heads, and other local government professionals in the private sector How private sector compensation structures differ from public sector pensions Why success in consulting requires humility, curiosity, and client-first mindset How to evaluate your personal and financial readiness before making the leap What real work-life balance looks like on the other side—and what it doesn’t Tactical advice for those considering a transition, including cultural fit and company research Reflections from Jacob’s personal journey, including lessons from his traumatic brain injury and “brain school”   🔍 Featured Topics: Career reinvention and professional burnout City manager and council dynamics Public vs. private sector leadership Role clarity and governance tensions Consulting firm models and compensation Transition timing and pension considerations Vulnerability, resilience, and personal impact   🔗 Links & Resources: Jacob Green on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-green-keynote/-green-keynote Jacob Green & Associates: jacobgreenandassociates.com Book: See Change Clearly by Jacob Green – Available on Amazon Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: Subscribe Here   📢 Stay Connected with Gov360 🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms 💼 Follow us on LinkedIn   Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions. — Tags: Local Government, Public Sector Careers, Career Transition, City Manager, Public Administration, Government Leadership, City Manager Jobs, Public to Private Sector, Government Consulting, Career Reinvention, Management Consulting, Executive Coaching, Burnout, Work Life Balance, Mental Health in Government, Leadership Resilience, Jacob Green, Jacob Green and Associates, See Change Clearly, Chris Mann

Being a City Manager is about more than policy and budgets—it’s about presence, relationships, and the courage to lead when it counts most.   In this solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares the 7 things he wishes he knew before taking on his first city manager role. After 25 years in and around local government, the last six years managing two cities—through incredible wins and one very difficult loss—Chris reflects on the real, unspoken truths of local government leadership.   This is a personal, unfiltered conversation about what it truly takes to succeed in the city manager seat. From managing pace and political pressure to protecting your inner circle and standing by your values—this episode is packed with real-world advice for those who lead (or aspire to lead) in local government.   Whether you’re a department head preparing to step up, a new city manager looking for solid footing, or a seasoned veteran navigating your own challenges, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a dose of hard-won wisdom.     🔑 Key Learnings: • Presence matters: “You bring the weather with you.” • Every conversation counts: There’s no such thing as a small comment in leadership. • Pace yourself: The private sector mindset often clashes with the public sector process. • Relationships are everything: Trust is earned, not assumed. • Invest in your team and council: Go deeper than you think you need to. • Protect your energy: Keep your inner circle small. • Lead with courage: Sometimes leadership means risking the title to uphold your values.     📌 Featured Topics: Emotional intelligence in executive roles Building trust with council and staff Navigating professional betrayal Surviving and thriving after separation The difference between ethics and job security Leading with integrity during uncertainty What it really takes to succeed in city management   📢 Stay Connected with Gov360   🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms 💼 Follow us on LinkedIn   Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions. — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Leadership Lessons, Public Administration, Gov360 Podcast, Executive Leadership, Chris Mann, Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Council-Manager Relations, Career in Local Government, ICMA, League of California Cities, Public Sector, Governance, Transition, Resilience, Govern Boldly

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a far-off concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming how local government works.   In this episode, Chris Mann sits down with Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager of Maricopa, Arizona, for a practical, insightful discussion on the role of AI in the public sector. What started as a fun experiment generating dad jokes led Micah to champion AI as a transformational tool in budgeting, policy-making, internal communication, and more.   Together, they explore how city leaders can leverage AI for efficiency while addressing real concerns about job displacement, procurement risks, data governance, and human-centered service delivery. Micah also shares how organizations like AAME are stepping up to equip public administrators for this tech-driven future.   Whether you’re curious about AI’s capabilities, actively using tools like ChatGPT, or figuring out how to train your team—this conversation will leave you with ideas, resources, and a clear understanding of the leadership required to bring AI into local government effectively.   🎯 Key Takeaways AI is rapidly becoming essential in local government Generative AI can support policy writing, budgeting, and internal communication Fear of job loss is common, but often overstated—AI is a tool, not a replacement Effective AI implementation requires trust, training, and strong leadership Procurement presents significant risks—governance matters Existing data and ethics policies may already cover AI use Strategic alignment is more important than chasing tech trends AAME is helping city managers stay ahead of innovation Practical use cases are emerging across departments—from finance to public outreach 🧠 Featured Topics Real-world use of generative AI by local governments Organizational change management and culture-building around AI Balancing automation with the human touch in service delivery The role of professional associations in preparing civic leaders Why AI literacy is becoming a core leadership skill for the public sector ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to AI in Local Government 05:07 – Micah’s Journey into AI 09:54 – Understanding AI and Generative AI 14:58 – Applications of AI in Local Government 20:04 – The Future of Jobs in Local Government 25:03 – Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption 29:57 – Exploring AI Tools and Their Functions 35:47 – Understanding AI Policies and Risks 42:08 – The Role of AAME in Supporting City Managers 47:58 – Practical Applications of AI in Local Government 53:51 – Navigating Challenges in Local Government Leadership 📚 Resources & Links 🧠 CivicInnovation.ai 📘 Purchase 1001 Prompts for Unlocking Generative AI in Local Government  🎥 Micah’s AI YouTube Series 🎧 Micah on City Manager Unfiltered with Joe Turner 🎧 Micah on the Local Government Insights Podcast 🔗 Connect with Micah on LinkedIn 📢 Stay Connected with Gov360 🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms 💼 Follow us on LinkedIn   Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions. — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Micah Gaudet, CivicInnovation.ai, 1001Prompts, AAME

The council-manager form of government is the most widely used system in the United States—and for good reason. When roles are respected and relationships are strong, it provides a framework for effective, accountable local governance. But when the boundaries between policy and administration blur, dysfunction is rarely far behind. In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann welcomes Canyon Lake Councilmember Jeremy Smith for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation about how elected officials and city staff can work together successfully. Drawing from six years on the council—including two as mayor—and experience as a campaign consultant and government staffer, Jeremy shares hard-learned lessons and best practices that every councilmember, city manager, and department head should hear. They explore what makes the council-manager model work (or fall apart), how to build mutual trust, the importance of political humility, and how to lead effectively in today’s complex and often contentious environment.   🎯 Key Learnings How newly elected officials can avoid the “I gotcha” trap and build meaningful influence Why micromanaging staff erodes trust and impairs good governance The value of clear, consistent communication between council and city manager Why respecting the organizational chart protects staff and improves outcomes How goal setting, collaboration, and political awareness drive citywide success   📚 Featured Topics Best practices in the council-manager form of government How city managers and councils can establish healthy working relationships Goal setting and performance evaluation in municipal organizations Regional boards, political dynamics, and constituent management Interview insights: What councilmembers look for when hiring a city manager   🔗 Links & Resources Subscribe to the Gov360 Newsletter Follow Gov360 on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Reach Councilmember Jeremy Smith   🛠️ Gov360 - Your Full Circle View on Local Government Stay informed. Get inspired. Govern boldly.   #gov360 #citymanager #localgovernment #municipalleadership #publicsectorpodcast #chrismann #govcommunication #councilmanagergovernment #citycouncil #jeremysmith #gov360podcast #leadershipinlocalgov #civicleadership #localgovlife

In this episode of Gov360, Chris Mann sits down with nationally recognized digital strategist Sam Toles, the founder and CEO of CiviSocial. Sam shares actionable insights from his travels across the U.S. training cities and counties on how to modernize their social media strategy. They dive deep into why local governments must stop ignoring social media’s influence, the dangers of disengagement, and how to use storytelling to build community trust. Sam explains why outdated communication approaches are failing and outlines what cities are getting wrong—from fragmented messaging to over-reliance on tools like Canva—and what they can do instead to build public trust and resilience in the face of growing civic disengagement and online hostility. This conversation is both a warning and a roadmap. 💡 Key Learnings Local government is still trusted — and that trust can be leveraged through authentic, human storytelling. Ignoring negativity online isn’t a strategy; it’s a liability. The “STPs” (Same Ten People) often dominate the conversation, but they don’t represent the silent majority. Content culture starts internally — the most effective content comes from staff, not expensive media firms. Effective social media is strategic — it requires planning, alignment, and platform-specific approaches. A better Instagram feed can win the recruitment war. Empowered employees tell better stories — and those stories build morale, credibility, and community connection. 🔍 Featured Topics The dark side of social media and its impact on local government morale and safety Why decentralized, uncoordinated accounts are hurting your agency Platform-specific strategies: why Facebook ≠ Instagram How to empower internal teams to tell your city’s story Recruiting the next generation through authentic content Real-world success stories from cities like Calimesa, CA and Plainville, CT Why Canva isn’t always your friend — and what to do instead 📚 Resources & Links 📘 The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers by Sam Toles Available on Amazon (also free directly from Sam) 🔗 Learn more about CiviSocial 🧠 Follow Sam Toles on LinkedIn for more insights and updates 📢 Stay Connected with Gov360 🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms 💼 Follow us on LinkedIn:   Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions. — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Sam Toles, CiviSocial, The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers

In this powerful debut guest episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann is joined by Joe Turner — veteran city manager, founder of the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), and host of the highly influential City Manager Unfiltered podcast. Together, they explore how bold communication, authentic leadership, and calculated risk-taking are reshaping the future of local government.   From the risks and rewards of stepping into the city manager seat, to navigating career transitions and building personal brands through content creation, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and inspiration for local government professionals at every stage of their journey.   What You’ll Learn: Why bold, transparent communication is essential in today’s public sector How Joe Turner built the City Manager Unfiltered brand and why more professionals should follow suit The growing importance of podcasts, digital media, and personal branding in the profession Strategies for navigating involuntary transitions in city management The mission behind the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME)   Featured Topics: Risk aversion vs. bold leadership Communication breakdowns between managers and councils The myth of “playing it safe” in today’s city management Turning failure into growth Building a support system in a lonely profession   Links & Resources: 🎙️ City Manager Unfiltered Podcast: https://www.citymanagerunfiltered.com/  🏛️ American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME): https://aame.org/  📬 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7320606146577186817  📺 Watch Gov360 on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOcroiVl0nr6P-VSd6IJq-eVued17bMB&si=yzWUroJ-pBx7ulnw    Connect with Us: Follow Gov360 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov360/  Visit Chris Mann’s website: https://www.chrismann.us/  Subscribe and never miss an episode. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.   Gov360 – Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions. — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Joe Turner, Joseph Turner, City Manager Unfiltered, American Association of Municipal Executives, AAME

🎙️ Gov360 – Episode 1: A Time to Come Together Host: Chris Mann | City Manager, Public Affairs Pro, Award-Winning Communicator Welcome to the first-ever episode of Gov360 - Your Full Circle View on Local Government. In this solo kickoff, host Chris Mann delivers a raw, honest reflection on what it really means to lead in local government today. This episode isn’t about policy updates or process checklists - it’s about the human side of public service. The pressure. The politics. The isolation. The moments of quiet impact that never make the headlines. Chris shares his personal journey through city leadership - from being elected to a city council at 23, to serving as a city manager in California - and lays out a bold new vision for how we talk about leadership in the public sector. 🎯 In this episode: • Why Gov360 was launched - and what makes it different • The communication crisis in local government (and what to do about it) • The silent toll of public sector executive-level leadership • Why podcasts like this are essential in today’s civic landscape • A call for unity, vulnerability, and peer support in the profession If you’re a city manager, department head, mid-level leader, or elected official, this podcast was built for you. Real conversations. Real challenges. Real leadership. ⸻ 🔔 Subscribe and follow Gov360: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gov360-coming-soon/id1807649614 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rq8Hxqvx23OVL0H4bQdqa YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOcroiVl0nr6P-VSd6IJq-eVued17bMB&si=EIomKnPZgNOXDbld Podbean: https://www.gov360podcast.com   📲 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov360   🛠 Let’s rethink leadership. Let’s build each other up. Let’s govern boldly. — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership

We’re back — and this time, we’re taking it to the next level. Gov360 is the brand-new podcast hosted by Chris Mann, creator and former host of the award-winning Yucaipa 360 Podcast, which just received the 2025 CAPIO EPIC Award for excellence in public information and communications. In this trailer, hear why Gov360 was launched, what sets it apart, and how it’s building on the success of a podcast that redefined how local government connects with its community. If you’re a city manager, public information officer, elected official, or frontline government pro — this podcast is for you. Real conversations. Real leaders. Real solutions. 🔔 Episode 1 drops next week! Subscribe now and join us each episode as we take a full-circle view on the biggest challenges — and opportunities — facing local government professionals today. — 👀 Watch the award-winning Yucaipa 360 Podcast: 🎧 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL47_qzEUJZAA4ZJyE-AT14XtTWTeomlmT   🎧 Listen to Gov360 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rq8Hxqvx23OVL0H4bQdqa Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gov360-coming-soon/id1807649614 YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOcroiVl0nr6P-VSd6IJq-eVued17bMB&si=EIomKnPZgNOXDbld Podbean: https://www.gov360podcast.com   📲 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov360 💬 Join the conversation and help reshape the future of local government. — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership      

🚨 COMING SOON: Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government 🎙️ Local government work has never been more important - or more challenging. Between tight budgets, toxic politics, and keyboard warriors, public service demands resilience, innovation, and better communication than ever before. That’s why we're launching Gov360 - a new podcast for the people shaping our communities from the inside out. Hosted by City Manager Chris Mann, Gov360 brings you candid conversations, real-world solutions, and expert insights from local government leaders across the country. 💡If you’re a city manager, policymaker, or public servant striving to lead in this complex environment, this podcast is for you. 🎧 Watch the trailer below, follow Gov360, and be the first to know when we drop Episode 1! — Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Civic Engagement, Chris Mann, Public Information, CAPIO, Leading Local Gov