At some point in a clerk's or manager's career, you're likely going to find yourself in a meeting where a disagreement builds to disruption and derails the meeting. Dealing with conflict within a city council meeting is never comfortable. When it falls on clerks and managers to be the “adult in the room,” it may [...]
Municipal professionals responsible for preparing meeting agendas and minutes know the value of efficiency and consistency. Microsoft Word, the workhorse of municipal documentation, comes equipped with powerful formatting shortcuts that make document preparation faster and more professional. Here’s a toolkit of the most valuable shortcuts and features for your workflow, according to expert resources. 1. [...]
Why Zoom and Video Meeting Platforms Still Matter for Public Meetings in 2025 The shift to virtual and hybrid meetings is here to stay. For municipal clerks, Zoom and similar platforms remain essential tools for running accessible, transparent, and efficient public meetings. Here’s why these platforms are still a core part of local government—and how [...]
As demands on clerks continue to evolve, innovative problem solving has become an essential skill to successfully navigate today’s dynamic municipal environment. Why Innovative Problem Solving Matters for Clerks Municipal clerks often serve as the bridge between elected officials, government staff, and the public. Their ability to solve problems creatively and efficiently directly impacts transparency, [...]
Summer's here—and you might be peeking out your office window, wishing you could enjoy a little more sunshine and a little less paperwork. Burnout can sneak up, especially in government roles where the demands are high and the resources sometimes feel a little thin. You’re not alone! But with a few smart strategies, you can [...]
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, municipal clerks should prepare for continued-and accelerating-change in the months ahead. The rapid evolution of technology, rising citizen expectations, and ongoing budget and staffing pressures are shaping the landscape for local government professionals. Here’s what to anticipate and how to stay ahead: Upcoming Changes and Trends AI and [...]
updated May 2025 We’ve all been there: you hit send in Outlook, only to realize you forgot an attachment, made a typo, or sent the email to the wrong person. Don’t panic—Outlook now offers more ways than ever to unsend or recall an email, with expanded features across platforms. Here are the current [...]
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 [...]