In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we dive into the many challenges of local government finance with Lindsay Miller, the Finance Director of Junction City, Kansas. With a passion for numbers that propelled her to the active public service industry, Lindsay shares her trajectory of growth through the ranks, culminating in her current role where she's reshaping the fiscal landscape of Junction City.

Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he uncovers the strategic challenges and triumphs of

managing a city's finances amidst the ebbs and flows of military population changes. Discover how Junction City dealt with the repercussions of a stalled troop movement that left the city with a $133 million debt load.

Lindsay's insights into the nuances of local government finance, from the intricacies of staffing to the foresight in crisis management, are as educational as they are inspiring. This episode is not just a journey through the ledgers and spreadsheets of city finance but a narrative of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of progress.

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 “We want to make sure that we’re getting as much return as we can while ensuring we never put the public’s money at risk.” – Matthew Hastedt 

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we discover how the country’s 5th fastest-growing city manages more than a billion dollars in debt to improve communities in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen along as Matthew Hastedt, Charlotte’s Treasurer, speaks on forecasting city revenues and how strategic legislation lobbying protects both urban and rural interests. Matthew takes you into the $200 million Spectrum Center improvements, the city’s partnership with the Charlotte Hornets basketball team, and how he faces the delicate balance of directing hospitality taxes.  

Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he uncovers how billions in draw programs are managed, saving millions in interest on massive infrastructure projects and keeping municipal services like water and sewer affordable.  

Learn how Matthew’s commitment to city department collaboration and his advocacy for draw programs have revolutionized Charlotte’s strategy for appropriately allocating the city’s funds toward competing projects.

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“You want a community where people want to live here, work here, and play here, and to know you had a part of that is pretty important.” - Lee Plunkett

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we unravel the unseen world of public finance through the compelling journey of Lee Plunkett, Assistant CFO at Forsyth County in North Carolina. Discover the diverse path our guest has taken in his finance career, as Lee shares his unique story—from the Illinois Department of Corrections to a stint in retail banking, and a pivotal role in the Governor’s Office. Lee takes you into the strategic financial management practices of Forsyth County, exploring detailed approaches to debt financing, the significance of two-thirds bonds, and crucial decisions in the realm of investments. 

Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he uncovers the challenges faced by public finance teams, including staff turnover and the impending retirement cliff, while highlighting the rewarding role of delivering essential services and progress to communities. 

Lee’s insights, from his excitement for budgets to the creation of a centralized grants program, offer a behind-the-scenes look into the often-unseen world of public finance. 

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