Episode #177: Debbie Manns – Balancing the Demands of City Management with Personal Well-Being
In this episode of the FCCMA Podcast, host Steve Vancore sits down with Debbie Manns, City Manager of New Port Richey, to discuss the challenges and importance of maintaining work-life balance in the demanding world of city management.Debbie shares insights from her four-decade career in public service, reflecting on the struggle to balance self-sufficiency with effective delegation. She highlights the role of personal networking, continuous education, and professional development—culminating in her recent achievement of becoming an ICMA Credentialed Manager.Through candid reflections and practical advice, this episode offers valuable lessons on sustainability, resilience, and personal growth in the field of city management.
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29:07
Episode #176: Vince Long - When the Urgent Overtakes the Important for Elected Officials
In this episode, Steve Vancore sits down with Vince Long, County Administrator for Leon County, to discuss the evolving challenges faced by city managers and county administrators over the last two decades. The conversation highlights the significant changes in the role of elected officials, emphasizing how the constant pressure to address urgent issues often sidelines crucial, fundamental responsibilities. Vince reflects on the increased complexity of problems, tighter constraints, and the deeply personal implications of decisions in public office. He offers a stark observation: "This business eats the best and the brightest for breakfast if you don't understand the effective council-manager relationship," underscoring the critical need for effective leadership and strategic foresight in government roles. This episode provides an insightful look into the pressures and responsibilities that define modern public administration.
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59:10
Episode #175: Carmen Rosamonda - Transforming DeBary: A Model of Strategic City Planning Carmen
In this episode, host Steve and guest Carmen Rosamonda explore how DeBary strategically contracted services to improve efficiency and developed a high-density zoning district. They also cover the master plan that turned disorganized growth into a cohesive, vibrant Main Street and discuss community building through public spaces and multimodal transportation. Carmen, transitioning from commissioner to city manager, shares insights on aligning city governance with clear, measurable goals for community safety and development. This episode offers a snapshot of DeBary's innovative approaches to urban planning and governance.
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49:32
Episode #174: Mike Abels - Adaptive Solutions in Modern Organizations
In this episode, podcast host Steve Vancore chats with retired city manager Mike Abels about tackling unconventional challenges in city management. They discuss how modern issues often require adaptive solutions beyond traditional hierarchical methods. Emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and interagency communication, they explore how decentralizing decision-making can help address the societal polarization exacerbated by biased media and a decline in local news consumption. The conversation also touches on the necessity of collaboration in governance, with Mike citing historical successes and failures to illustrate effective and ineffective strategies. They conclude by discussing the challenges posed by disruptive commissioners and the potential role of educational initiatives like citizens' academies in fostering a better understanding of democratic processes. This episode offers a condensed look at innovative management strategies for today's complex governmental landscape.
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45:38
Episode #173: Chris Krepcho - Managing Risk in Local Government
In this episode, Steve Vancore and FLC Chief of Insurance and Financial Services Chris Krepcho delve into the complexities of risk management within local government. They discuss how risk tolerance varies significantly based on factors like city size, financial reserves, and the unpredictability of certain risks like workers' compensation. The conversation highlights the importance of periodically reassessing risk strategies to adapt to changing costs and conditions.The duo also explores the role of leadership in shaping risk tolerance, noting that some city leaders are more willing to accept risks for potential gains, while others prefer to transfer risks entirely. They touch upon the challenges faced by municipalities in managing insurance rates influenced by global events and local disasters like hurricanes.
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