As a municipal clerk, you're the backbone of local government operations, juggling multiple responsibilities and facing constant demands on your time. Finding a productivity method that suits your work style is crucial for managing your diverse tasks efficiently. Let's explore some approaches that can help you boost your productivity and streamline your workday. Time Blocking: [...]
Poll workers are an essential part of the election process. They're also harder to find than in the past. Concerns regarding low compensation, health concerns, political polarization and threats and harassment are all contributing factors to the decline in people willing to fill these positions. Organizations like Power the Polls, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group, hav3 [...]
September is National Civic Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of informed and engaged citizens. ICMA has been promoting Civic Awareness Month for years, as the municipal clerk's role is crucial in promoting civic awareness. By providing accessible information, organizing community events, and encouraging open dialogue, you can cultivate a more informed and [...]
Summer's here, and with it comes scorching temperatures. Municipal clerks are often the first point of contact for residents seeking information and assistance. Here are some tips to help them stay cool without cranking up the AC! Spreading the Cool Word: Public Cooling Centers: Compile a list of all public cooling centers in your municipality, [...]
By NBC - Original publication: Promotional photograph of Leslie Knope. Immediate source: https://www.pawneeindiana.com/images/parks-and-recreation/staff/leslie-staff-shot.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42011464 July is National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who create and maintain the vital green spaces that are the heart and soul of our communities. As Leslie Knope, our fictional hero [...]
In addition to the governing body - which may also be referred to as a board or council - local governments may establish boards, committees, and commissions. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between them. Local Government Boards Local government boards are bodies established to oversee specific departments or areas [...]
We all know the frustration of hunting through menus with a mouse. But what if there was a faster, more efficient way to navigate your computer? Enter the wonderful world of keyboard shortcuts! These handy key combinations let you perform actions with a few taps, saving you clicks and precious time. Whether you're a PC [...]
Spring is here, and with it comes the urge to get outside and explore. Cycling offers a healthy, eco-friendly way for residents to navigate your municipality, but is your city ready to accommodate them? People for Bikes: A Resource for Your Community People for Bikes, a cycling advocacy group, provides valuable tools for both cyclists [...]
The classic "eat the frog first" method, popularized by Brian Tracy, encourages tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning. While this strategy holds merit, it doesn't always translate perfectly to the dynamic and often unpredictable world of a municipal clerk. A more nuanced approach For municipal clerks, juggling citizen inquiries, managing agendas, [...]
For municipal clerks, protecting sensitive data is paramount. Excel is a popular tool for data management, but its accessibility can pose risks. Luckily, both Windows and Mac versions offer ways to safeguard your spreadsheets with password protection and additional "lock for editing" features. Protecting and Locking on Windows: Open the worksheet you want to secure. [...]