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Why Mansfield, Texas Lets High Schoolers Make Real Government Decisions (And You Should Too)
"Our purpose is to pinpoint issues or subjects that impact the youth within our community and act on those matters."
14 min read
From Popsicles to Politics: How One Grandfather's Question Sparked a Lifetime of Public Service
“I believe disagreement and the challenge of ideas is not only important, but also absolutely necessary."
9 min read
Creating Space for Every Voice: Pete Iengo's Mission to Transform How Cities Engage with Community Members
"Neighbor to Neighbor is all about making sure people have the opportunity to thrive. The number one-way people have an opportunity to thrive is if they have a stable home."
8 min read
From Insurance Agent to 3-Term Mayor: How One Wife's Challenge Transformed an Entire Texas City
"I think you're making a mistake. She said, 'I think God has given you a gift to work with people, and you need to use it.'"
10 min read
The Uncomfortable Truth About Leadership (You MUST Learn)
The most effective leaders don't just share updates—they share understanding. They distill complex issues into what people actually need to know, then invite them into the conversation.
4 min read
The Hidden Heroes of Local Government: How One Administrator Protects 1.3 million Dallas Residents Daily
No paycheck can match the satisfaction of doing what’s right, strengthening our community, and leaving a legacy that will continue to shape lives for years to come."
12 min read
How Asking "Who's Missing?" is Becoming Colorado Springs' Most Powerful Tool for Building Stronger Neighborhoods
"Someone asked me a while back, what was it like leaving the ministry and I said, I don't know, I have no idea what that's like, I'm doing more ministry now than I've ever done."
9 min read
From Parking Lots to People Places: Kenneth Kettler's work with Livable Harrisonburg
"Think of the smallest possible thing that you can do to effect change and do it right now." Do not wait for perfect solutions or large-scale initiatives.
7 min read
From Special Ops to City Hall: Nate Dyhre's Unconventional Path to Public Service
"When it comes down to it, you have this job so you can make an impact. It’s not about making the biggest deal. It's amazing what can be accomplished when it doesn't matter who gets the credit."
8 min read
Small-Town Leadership, Big Impact: How Saginaw's City Manager Builds Community
“If you want to understand city government, go to a council meeting. Watch how elected officials interact, see how staff presents information, and get a feel for how decisions are made. It is the best education you can get outside of a classroom.”
8 min read
From Case Manager to Nonprofit CEO: Alissa Deaton’s Story of Compassion and Purpose
"We did not miss a single day of delivery, even if it meant putting food on a table outside and modifying our entire approach."
6 min read
Kindness is Free: Shauna Shepherd on Building Public Trust
"Pursue your passion and impact. Don't just pursue a title... because that's not going to provide fulfillment."
8 min read
From West Africa to Colorado: Brady Porterfield-Finn's People-First Approach to Public Service
"There are stepping stones across the water that we don't always know are in front of us, or which direction they're taking us, but they are
7 min read
The Infrastructure of Hope: How Dani Shaw Builds Systems That Work
"I hit the ground running with homelessness, and that led me to the idea that how we help people with housing also impacts homelessness."
11 min read
Creating Healthier, More Resilient Communities: Ellen Young's Journey in Community Engagement and Public Health
"My vision for CHMRC has always been about connecting communities. How do we connect communities so they can be stronger, more resilient...
9 min read
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