Engaging Local Government Leaders

Why does local government love a good policy so much?

This week’s Morning Buzz from Kayla Barber, of City of Albany Oregon, takes a closer look at one of our favorite government habits and asks us to think a little differently about how we document the way we work.

It might have you looking at your own organization’s policies with a slightly more suspicious eye. 👀

👉 Read the latest and join the conversation.

It is wild to think that the ELGL Gov Grand Prix is over. The whole conference was a blur of big ideas, big conversations, new connections (and, naturally, a little friendly competition. 🏁)

Throughout the conference, artist Cal Brackin sketched sessions in real time, turning conversations about leadership, AI, organizational culture, values, and ELGL’s future into colorful visual stories.

The result is something pretty special: a snapshot of not just what we talked about, but how we think, learn, challenge each other, and connect.

From “Winning the Race Without Losing Your Way” to “Under the Hood: A Hands-on Test Drive of AI Tools” and “Pit Stop: It’s All in the Manual,” these sketches capture the energy and personality that made Gov Grand Prix feel like so much more than a conference.

They’re a reminder that the best conference moments aren't always found in the slides. Sometimes they're in the scribbled notes. Sometimes they're found in the person you met for the first time who somehow felt like an old friend.

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And the Gov Grand Prix was a pretty great reminder of what happens when we get together, share what we know, and make a little room for each other to learn.

Take a lap through Gov Grand Prix—artist edition. 🏎️🎨

…And now we’re making the final turn! 🏎️💨
Our second day of the Gov Grand Prix was full of optimism, humility and a whole lot of learning around with a side of board games. ♟️

Board members Mike Ekey , Kassandra Aleskova, MPA, CPM , Sarah Nissen MPA, CPM and Johncito “John” Peraza, M.A. led our racers through a meaningful feedback session on what it means to be an ELGL member.

Then Robert Fierro, MPA hosted a panel of veteran city leaders who shared what it means to face the tough challenges, but still be true to yourself and set healthy boundaries.

Then - to round out this time trial - Meredith Reynolds brought her best game show host energy as everyone played a round of the City Hall Game of Life.

AND THEY’RE OFF! 🏎️ 🍃
Our racers hit the ground running this morning at the ELGL Gov Grand Prix in Indianapolis!

💯 We started the day learning about slang from each generation led by Meredith Reynolds.

🤪 Sam Toles with CiviSocial took us through a crash-course of media data and what it means when it comes to handling the next social media crisis (or what our elected officials perceive as a crisis!)

🤖 Josie Peery and Zencity took racers into the first turn by hosting an honest conversation and hands-on session about AI in .

🪄 We are firing on all cylinders after a quick reminder of mindfulness and some stretching by Sarah Nissen MPA, CPM to start the race. We also took a pit stop with Kellye Mazzoli and City Boss Coaching, LLC as she led a quick activity that encouraged us to write postcard to those who bring us Joy and make us feel like we belong in !

Every city manager, HR director, and department head is familiar with this scenario. When budget season comes, training expenses are often the first to be cut. How does invest in training at low or no cost and make it valuable to employees and the organization? In today's ELGL Morning Buzz, Bill Brantley tells us that some of the most effective training may come from within.

Read on below in the comments to get educated on the details 👇 👍

First of the ELGL Gov Grand Prix conference is in the books! We will see you all Thursday as we hit the starting line to prepare for the greatest race of 2026!
🏎️💨🏛️👁️👄👁️

ONE MORE SLEEP until the ELGL Government Grand Prix in Indianapolis!
🏎️ 👁️ 👄 👁️ 🤳

Of course, this conference would not be possible without the AMAZING Sponsors helping support our pit crew for this race! Please share and rev your engines for those partners who are helping make this Race Day possible!

Gold Sponsors
EverStrive Solutions
Zencity

Silver Sponsor
Raftelis

Food & Beverage Sponsors
City Boss Coaching, LLC
CiviSocial

Day is not a numbers game. It's a chance to see some of our friends celebrate and share the joy they have for their work!

Of course... there are SOME numbers we like to count... Like how Kent, Washington had the MOST people in one selfie. Or how Wake County, North Carolina, had the MOST facts in one selfie. Or how Whittier, California, had (hands-down) the MOST comments on their selfie video!

Out of more than 20,000 selfies and videos on Day, these were the three that MAXED out their numbers and made it a special day, for sure!

City of Kent Government Wake County Government Wake County Government

We continue to highlight some of our favorite, funny and downright furry from our most favorite Day.

More than 20,000 selfies from across the country came pouring in the three we are highlighting today have some fun faces that really set them apart! 🤣

From furry friends serving as stand-ins, to making City Hall staff sign 'vintage' photos, to one City Manager serving as a literal Lady Liberty, these were some of our favorite faces.

City of Newberg , City of Dubuque Government , Village of Glencoe, Illinois – Government