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The Community Positive Project
The Power of Community Engagement
PUBLIC SERVANTS
At the heart of every thriving community are dedicated city, elected and school leaders whose careers are built on meaningful collaboration with the people they serve.
Gain new appreciation for how community engagement fuels the work of local government—creating responsive, effective service for everyone.
How Curiosity, Mentorship, and Passion Built Victor Turner’s Public Service Career
"If you have a passion and want to help folks, there's no better way to do that than public service at the local government level."
7 min read
The Unexpected Career Path: How Public Service Can Change Your Life
"I did not realize that there is a way that you could make a living by improving the quality of life for people."
8 min read
Bridging the Gap: Kayla Herrod’s Mission to Connect Citizens and City Hall
"At the end of the day, our job is to make sure that we transform City Hall from this stoic, sometimes scary building into a place where...
8 min read
Empowering Ontario's Future Public Service Leaders: Erin Donahue's Impact
“By investing in leadership programs, we’re not just building individuals; we’re shaping the future of public service.”
7 min read
Building Community from the Ground Up: Joyce Cox's Vision for a Connected Memphis
"By the time I left, we had helped over 13,000 families secure housing."
5 min read
Shaping Local Government from Within: Strategic Initiatives Manager Jacob Browning
"Cities touch every aspect of our lives. From the streets we drive on to the parks we visit, local government shapes our daily experiences.”
6 min read
The Time Traveler of Fort Worth: How Jerre Tracy Keeps History Alive
Caring passionately about something in our city and then learning how to communicate why it should matter to others is an important skill,"
6 min read
From Campus to Community: How Nancy Tunell Helps Build Communities That Last
"Life is worth celebrating, and milestones are worth celebrating. We don't do enough to acknowledge each other's efforts."
5 min read
Full Circle: Former Youth Council Member Now Leads Next Generation of Civic Leaders
"What makes this program so different is our commitment to utilizing shared leadership as the main principle."
7 min read
CAO Michael Di Lullo: Building Tomorrow's Communities Today
"I tell my staff, if you think of something new and don't voice it, you're holding back progress. We're constantly pushing the envelope to
7 min read
The Power of Second Chances: Dr. Sandra Reyna Stanley's Model for Women's Reentry Success
"The ladies kept saying, ‘I do not know where I am going when I get out - I am writing letters to find resources but nobody's writing back'"
5 min read
From City Hall to University Chancellor: Susan Alanis' Public Service Legacy
“To have listened to those union leaders and learned more about what their legal responsibilities were in representing their members gave me
9 min read
Building Mansfield's Future: Nicolette Ricciuti's Journey from Receptionist to Director
“I did everything from sitting with planners to shadowing the director, marketing and communications, nature education, and special events,”
8 min read
Eric Lopez’s Vision for Advancing Hispanic Leadership in Local Government
“We noticed that while there was a lot of Hispanic representation at the entry level, there was a significant lack of representation...
7 min read
Creating Impact through Corporate and Community Partnerships: Insights from Kathy Marcum
“True collaboration isn’t just working side-by-side. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.”
6 min read
Listen, Design, Transform: How James Lawrence Is Building Better Communities Through Architecture
James Lawrence, AIA, LEEDap, wears two hats in his community - one as a dedicated architect committed to designing spaces that bring people
7 min read
From Psychology to Philanthropy: Tyler Grant's Path to Meaningful Community Impact
Remember sitting in high school, unsure about your future? Tyler Grant was there too. Today, she helps connect generous people with causes
7 min read
From NASA to Urban Oases: Christina Moon's Vision for Greener, Connected Communities
Landscape architects, like Christina Moon, work to connect nature with the needs of communities in urban development. They are skilled in de
6 min read
Ruth Assi’s Path to Purpose: Community-Centered Work
From working as a municipal community engagement liaison to her current role as a mental health clinician, her winding path illustrates the
6 min read
From Fire Safety to City Strategy: Amethyst Sloane's Public Service Playbook
Her path to public service, shaped by family, unexpected opportunities, and a genuine desire to serve, offers a fresh perspective on the...
7 min read
From Global Roots to Local Impact: Tiffany Harris’s Path to Community Vitality
From her early years as a 'military brat' traveling the globe to her current role as Community Vitality Coordinator for the City of San...
6 min read
City Manager Ben Williamson: Champion of Servant Leadership and Sustainability
Ben Williamson's journey started like that of many other college students -confused and in search of their path. A chance encounter with a .
9 min read
People-First Public Service: Monique Hill’s Blueprint for Community Transformation
Imagine a career where your passion for helping others has the power to shape entire communities. That's the inspiring journey of Monique...
8 min read
Behind the Curtain of Local Government: Retired City Secretary Mary J. Kayser
Mary J. Kayser, a retired city secretary with decades of experience serving various Texas municipalities, offers her unique and invaluable
8 min read
The Impact of Commitment and Compassion: Nonprofit Leader Marti Lawrence
In this post, we will take a peek into her world and explore her approach to volunteering, nonprofit board membership, and philanthropy.
6 min read
Unpacking the Vision: Grassroots Guardian Reba Taylor Hill's Drive for Community Engagement
Reba's approach to community engagement is refreshingly hands-on. She firmly believes that true engagement goes beyond the confines of.....
5 min read
Intentional Community Building: Creating Connections and Trust with Barry Cram
Barry Cram has spent the last decade honing his community engagement skills in roles in cities with populations ranging from 100,000 to near
6 min read
Connecting People and Solutions: Simone Peterson’s Community Engagement Insights
Simone has dedicated her career to community engagement, tirelessly working to unite people, address local issues, and facilitate...
7 min read
From Environmental Science to Senior Planner: Isaac Robles’ Path in Public Service
Don't let him fool you! Working for one of the largest cities in the United States isn't as easy as Senior Planner Isaac Robles makes it
6 min read
Unlocking Opportunities: How Municipal Leagues Can Support Your Career Development
Interested in a career in local government or professional development opportunities? Municipal leagues across the United States
6 min read
How a Dispute with the Planning Department Led Mark McAvoy to His Career in Local Government
"I still look back on that experience and wonder how I became the executive director."
6 min read
The Long Game: How Patience and Passion Drive Urban Planner Julia Ryan
Urban and regional planners often work on projects that take years, or even decades, to be fully realized or appreciated by the community.
5 min read
How to Engage and Serve Your Community: Insights from a City Manager
Growing up in the small town of Brock, TX, Candice Edmondson learned the value of having a strong community and the importance it brings to
4 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
Leading by Example: Dr. Carlos Walker's Approach to Public Service and Education
"I look at community engagement as meeting people where they are and coming up with a common vision that will move the needle for the group.
6 min read
Beyond Books: How a Local Library Fueled a Passion for Public Service and Community Engagement
As a child, Corina Sadler was fortunate enough to have lived near a public library, which ended up having a profound impact on her life.
5 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
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