Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept. It's quickly becoming a vital tool that local governments embracing to improve efficiency, decision-making, and resident services. As municipal clerks, understanding the benefits and responsibilities of AI can empower your community to innovate safely and effectively. Why AI Guidelines Matter for Municipalities Local governments face [...]
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. [...]
If you’ve read the recent ELGL blog post, “10 Questions GovTech Vendors Hope You Don’t Ask” (and you should), you know how vital it is to dig deep before committing to a new software partner. These aren’t just good questions—they’re essential for making sure your agency gets real value, transparency, and long-term support from any [...]
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 [...]
updated June 26, 2025 As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more sophisticated and accessible, they offer new opportunities—and new challenges—for clerks striving to serve their communities better. Here’s what you need to know about integrating AI-generated content into your daily operations. The Power of AI in the Clerk’s Office Enhanced Communication: AI can generate personalized [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
We often receive notice from a client that they're transitioning their website from .com or .org to .gov. What are the benefits and drawbacks of transitioning to a .gov domain, and is it the right choice for your municipality? The Allure of a .gov Domain A .gov domain is a powerful tool for building trust [...]
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 [...]
updated 7/23/2025 Traditional outreach—press releases, official websites, and bulletin boards—still matters. But the real engagement game-changer for local governments today is social media influencers. From viral memes to viral policy, influencers are making City Hall the talk of the town. The Port of Seattle Story: Turning the Tide on "Boring Government" The Port of Seattle’s [...]