Anne Morriss’ TED Talk, “5 Steps to Fix Any Problem at Work,” draws directly from her influential book, Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader’s Guide to Solving Hard Problems, co-authored with Frances Frei. The book—and the talk—challenge the idea that speed and quality are mutually exclusive, especially in environments where trust and accountability [...]
Municipal Clerks Week, celebrated annually during the first full week of May, is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of municipal clerks to local governance and community well-being. In 2025, we continue this tradition, shining a spotlight on these dedicated professionals who ensure transparency, efficiency, and democratic integrity in our towns and cities. Why [...]
Succession planning is a hot topic right now, and it's not surprising. According to ICMA, local governments are experiencing "peak 65" this year. Last month's ClerkBase newsletter auto-responders of "I've retired!" also seem unusually high. In some cases, municipal clerks are also the HR department in their agency. Even if that's not the case for [...]
Municipal clerks are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and transparency in their local governments. Today, we'll see how Martinsville, Virginia, is revolutionizing its approach to board and committee management with OnBoardGOV, a solution offered by ClerkBase. At ClerkBase, we've been a leader in transparency solutions since 1994. Our two core values are Findability [...]
As we approach Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20, it's important for municipalities to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of board and committee members who serve our communities. These volunteers are the backbone of local governance, and recognizing their efforts doesn't have to strain already tight budgets. Here are some impactful, no-cost ways to [...]
Many municipal clerks are in the thick of budget season. For the rest, there's still room to breathe. Either way, it's the right time to revisit some common pitfalls and how to navigate them. The Silo Trap Right now, you might be noticing departments working in isolation. This can lead to inefficient resource allocation and [...]
As a municipal clerk, your leadership style can significantly impact your effectiveness and the overall functioning of your local government. Here's how you can discover and refine your leadership approach: Assess Your Natural Tendencies Consider how you typically handle situations: Do you prefer to involve your team in decision-making? Are you more comfortable making quick [...]
Imagine coming in on a typical Monday morning, when suddenly you find out your town's website is down. You get calls from board and committee members, and members of the public, saying they can't access agendas and other town services online. The Council and a few boards all have meetings tonight. The town solicitor suggests [...]
Spring cleaning is an essential practice that can rejuvenate not just our homes but also our workplaces, particularly for municipal clerks who manage a plethora of documents and responsibilities. As the season changes, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh your office environment, enhance productivity, and promote a healthier workspace. Here’s how you can effectively implement [...]
Ah, spring! The days are getting longer, the birds are singing, and suddenly, your focus is scattered like dandelion seeds in the wind! As municipal clerks, we know that staying sharp is crucial, even when the sunshine is calling to us. Research shows that seasonal transitions can impact productivity, but we've got some tips to [...]