"I believe that we as professionals are the disciples of democracy..." - Hannes Zacharias Former City & County Manager (Hays, KS; Lawrence, KS; Boonville, MO; Johnson County, KS) KU Faculty Member & Lifelong Public Servant

"Today, our council-manager city governments are seen as beacons of fairness and efficiency around the world." - Joe Aistrup Professor, Political Science, Auburn University Senior Fellow, Docking Institute of Public Affairs Fort Hays State University

The City of Austin was recently home to an initiative (Proposition F) to move its government from a council-manager form to council-mayor form. This initiative FAILED 86% to 14%. This is exciting news and a win for #ProfessionalManagement in government. kxan.com/election-results/

Kansas Health Foundation Board Member Matt Allen is honored for his nine years of service to the board, including serving as chair since 2019. During his service, Allen approved 97 grants totaling $125 million. @kansashealthorg @gcksmallen kansashealth.org/2021/06/14/…

What is your community doing to keep up with its diversity commitment? Check out these tips for keeping your commitment a priority: ow.ly/Dxgx50F1v8E

Congratulations Dennis Kissinger, the newest life member of KACM! The former City Manager of Salina, KS, Dennis served local govs in Kansas for 30+ years and was an active member of KACM. Thank you Dennis for your contribution to KACM and to Kansas! ow.ly/oY2k50F5LIl

Need help explaining the benefits of a Council-Manager form of government? Check out @ICMA’s brochure: Council-Manager Form of Government: What it is, how it works, and the benefits to your community. ow.ly/CKcf50F1v3U

Check out this #ProfessionalManagement testimonial from Sandy Jacobs, City Commissioner/Mayor in Hays, Kansas. “Our City Manager is a knowledgeable, informed, creative and efficient leader…” Click image to read more!

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable financial impact on local governments. In some cases, budget cuts were required. This new report from What Works Cities explores how to think about budget cuts while protecting vulnerable populations. ow.ly/9Ghh50EJkoK

Wonder how and why to inventory your municipality’s capital assets? A well-planned physical observation of capital assets will avoid “sticky wickets” in the future… ow.ly/JXnd50EJklK

We applaud city and county leaders of Kansas communities for their service through the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep your community’s finances in check with these helpful tips from @ICMA’s podcast series: ow.ly/2ogE50EJkiR

Are you ready for your American Rescue Plan Act funding? Make sure all of your boxes are checked, especially if you’re a small community: nlc.org/article/2021/04/29/w…

Did you catch this month’s #ManagementInAction? Lucas Goff, County Administrator for Cowley County, shares about his management experience. “Making mistakes is not considered a failure - it is considered an opportunity to learn and grow.” Read more: kacm.us/news/management-acti…

There's always talk about what the public sector can learn from the private sector... what about the other way around? Businesses would do well to study the public sector’s ability to convene partners, look long term and strive for positive social impact. ow.ly/QhAn50E8KEJ

Public Service Recognition Week (May 2-8) will be here soon! Who inspired you this year? Do you have any words of encouragement? Let @WSUPPMC know on the following form and they'll share it during #PSRW! ow.ly/JfD950EtgOV

Are you registered for #KCCM2021 yet? Join us for a one-day virtual Kansas City/County Manager Conference on Friday 4/30 from 9:00-4:30 PM. From keynotes to networking opportunities, we are excited about this event sponsored by the University of Kansas. ow.ly/we6a50E8KzH

Check out this #GrantOpportunity! The Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program is offering $100,000 and use of Kubota equipment to revitalize a public space. Any community project (playgrounds, community gardens, baseball fields, etc.) are invited to enter. KubotaHometownProud.com

No April fool’s joke here! KACM’s Rising Star scholarship applications are due today! Each year KACM budgets $3,000 for these Rising Star Scholarships with amounts awarded based on applications received. For more information, visit: ow.ly/ABRC50E8Kto

Mark your calendars! The KCCM Spring Conference will take place virtually on April 30! kacm.us/page/conferences