What does it really take to lead a city with courage—especially when your path is unconventional, the budget is tight, and the stakes are personal?

In this episode, Gov360 host Chris Mann shares his guest appearance on the Courage Wise Podcast, where he sat down with Gavin Johns for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, resilience, and building a meaningful career in local government.

Together, they explore:

✅ Chris’ untraditional journey to becoming a city manager

✅ Why resilience—not perfection—is the key to lasting leadership

✅ Strategic planning lessons from turning deficits into surpluses

✅ How to build high-performing teams without micromanaging

✅ Faith, family, and finding purpose in public service

They also dive into leadership mindset—how to push forward even when you’re doubted, and why being “ready” isn’t a requirement for taking the first step.

You don’t need a traditional path to lead in local government—you need purpose and perseverance.

Resilient leaders build trust by facing challenges head-on.

Strategic planning is about defining a city’s future—not just checking boxes.

Empowered teams outperform micromanaged ones.

The best leaders serve others and build cultures of ownership.

Nontraditional career paths in local government

Strategic planning in growing cities

Budget turnaround and innovation under pressure

Empowerment-based leadership

Faith and family as leadership foundations

The emotional toll—and rewards—of city management

Organizational culture and trust-building

Wildomar’s vision and long-range planning

🎙️ Courage Wise Podcast on Apple Podcasts

📲 Connect with Gavin Johns on LinkedIn

📲 Connect with Chris Mann on LinkedIn

📬 Subscribe to the Gov360 Newsletter

🎙️ Subscribe to Gov360 on Apple Podcasts

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Gov360 is the show for local government professionals who want to lead with impact, master their craft, and rise to the top of the profession.

Tags: LocalGovernment, CityManager, Leadership, Gov360, ResilientLeadership, PublicAdministration, StrategicPlanning, CityManagement, CivicEngagement, FaithInLeadership, CourageWise, PublicService, GovTech, TeamEmpowerment, WildomarCA

🎙️ Guest Appearance on the City Manager Unfiltered Podcast with Joe Turner

What if you could build a full recording studio in your city without touching your general fund? That’s exactly what I did—and in this episode, I explain how.

I recently joined Joe Turner on the City Manager Unfiltered podcast to unpack how cities can leverage PEG (Public, Educational, and Governmental) access funds to modernize communications, rebuild public trust, and engage the community in ways your website never will.

We cover:

✅ What PEG funds are—and why your city might be sitting on hundreds of thousands of unused dollars

✅ How we turned an underutilized office at City Hall into a studio for an award-winning podcast

✅ Why long-form content + short-form clips can outperform traditional government comms

✅ Candid lessons from launching Yucaipa 360, including one thing I might do very differently

✅ How transparency today means meeting people where they are—not hiding behind “it’s on the website”

We also dive into the leadership mindset required to thrive as a city manager, how to build resilience when facing termination risks, and that understanding the “why” behind your career matters more than ever.

🎥 Note for YouTube Viewers: This episode was recorded for an audio-only podcast, so following a video intro you’ll see a static image while the audio rolls.

🔑 Key Learnings:

🎧 Featured Topics:

📚 Links & Resources:

🗣️ About Gov360:

Gov360 is the show for local government professionals who want to lead with impact, master their craft, and rise to the top of the profession.

Tags: LocalGovernment, CityManager, PEGfunding, PublicCommunications, Gov360, GovTech, CivicEngagement, Transparency, Podcasting, Leadership, CityManagerUnfiltered, Yucaipa360

🚨 Struggling with negativity on social media? Here’s how to take back control.

🎙️ Gov360 Episode 10!

Sam Toles is back—this time in-studio—to dive even deeper into the social media crisis facing local governments and how to fix it.

A former city councilmember turned Hollywood media executive, Sam is the founder of CiviSocial and the author of two game-changing books:

📘 The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers

📗 *New this week:* The Social Media Playbook for Local Elected Officials (forward written by Chris Mann)

💡 Whether you’re a city manager, PIO, department head, or elected official, this episode will shift how you think about public engagement—and show you a better way forward.

In this episode, Chris and Sam unpack:

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🔗 Links & Resources:

📧 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7320606146577186817

⸻

📣 If this episode helped you, hit the like, subscribe, and share buttons to support the show and help other local government leaders find it.

Until next time...govern boldly, my friends!

“Ignoring politics doesn’t make it go away; it only makes local governments less prepared.”

In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Dr. Adam Probolsky, President of Probolsky Research and Senior Research Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, to explore how city leaders can think politically without acting politically.

They unpack why the traditional politics–policy divide holds organizations back and how governments can use politics as an early-warning system to anticipate challenges before they reach the council chambers. At the heart of the conversation is the Political Signals Memo—a simple, one-page weekly briefing that helps executive teams stay ahead of community sentiment, national narratives, and legislative ripples without crossing ethical lines.

This episode provides practical, nonpartisan tools every local government can use to prevent surprises and build trust.

🧭 What You’ll Learn:

The difference between thinking politically and acting politically

How political narratives influence local issues (from tax measures to national debates spilling into council meetings)

Why ignoring online chatter or national narratives can be risky for cities

A practical framework for creating a weekly Political Signals Memo

How transparency and honesty build trust with the community

🔗 Featured Topics:

The politics–policy divide in local government

Politics as an early-warning system

Monitoring narratives without becoming partisan

The Political Signals Memo: format, cadence, and ownership

Guardrails for neutrality, ethics, and public records

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Adam’s ICMA article: “A Strict Politics–Policy Divide Is Holding Your Organization Back” → https://icma.org/blog-posts/strict-politics-policy-divide-holding-your-organization-back

Download the Political Signals Memo Template → https://www.chrismann.us/resources

Learn more about Probolsky Research → https://probolskyresearch.com

📩 Join the Conversation:

💬 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

🔁 Share this episode with a colleague in local government

📧 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn

🎧 Follow Gov360 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite platform

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube → https://youtube.com/@gov360

Tags: Gov360, CityManager, LocalGovernment, PoliticsAndPolicy, PoliticalSignalsMemo, Leadership, PublicEngagement, ProbolskyResearch, ChrisMann, GovernBoldly

“When the numbers go red, that’s when true leadership shows its color.”

Budget deficits are no longer isolated events; they’re becoming the norm in cities and counties across the country. In this candid solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares what he’s learned from leading not one, but two cities through structural budget deficits.

Drawing on over 25 years in and around local government, Chris unpacks the three biggest mistakes city leaders often make when responding to financial crises – and what to do instead.

This episode goes beyond spreadsheets and cuts to the heart of the issue: trust, leadership, and long-term sustainability. From strategic revenue generation and cost recovery, to transparent public communication and rethinking public safety funding models, this is a roadmap for navigating the red without losing your way.

Tags: Gov360, CityManager, LocalGovernment, BudgetDeficit, MunicipalFinance, PublicSafetyFunding, LeadershipInCrisis, ChrisMann, GovernBoldly

Are you burned out, questioning your future in local government, or wondering if there’s a more fulfilling path forward? 

In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann sits down with Jacob Green, a former Assistant City Manager and now CEO of Jacob Green & Associates, to talk candidly about the growing trend of local government professionals transitioning to the private sector.

Drawing on decades of leadership in public service and private consulting, Jacob shares insights on salaries, pensions, stress, work-life balance, and what the pivot to consulting really looks like. This episode offers an honest, practical look at what’s driving so many seasoned professionals to explore life beyond city hall—and how to navigate the shift with clarity and purpose.

Whether you’re early in your career, mid-journey, or contemplating a new chapter, this conversation delivers the clarity and courage to take the next step in your local government journey.

Why burnout, blurred governance roles, keyboard warriors and toxic political climates are pushing many out of public service

What types of opportunities exist for former city managers, department heads, and other local government professionals in the private sector

How private sector compensation structures differ from public sector pensions

Why success in consulting requires humility, curiosity, and client-first mindset

How to evaluate your personal and financial readiness before making the leap

What real work-life balance looks like on the other side—and what it doesn’t

Tactical advice for those considering a transition, including cultural fit and company research

Reflections from Jacob’s personal journey, including lessons from his traumatic brain injury and “brain school”

Career reinvention and professional burnout

City manager and council dynamics

Public vs. private sector leadership

Role clarity and governance tensions

Consulting firm models and compensation

Transition timing and pension considerations

Vulnerability, resilience, and personal impact

Jacob Green on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-green-keynote/-green-keynote

Jacob Green & Associates: jacobgreenandassociates.com

Book: See Change Clearly by Jacob Green – Available on Amazon

Gov360 Newsletter on LinkedIn: Subscribe Here

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

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Tags: Local Government, Public Sector Careers, Career Transition, City Manager, Public Administration, Government Leadership, City Manager Jobs, Public to Private Sector, Government Consulting, Career Reinvention, Management Consulting, Executive Coaching, Burnout, Work Life Balance, Mental Health in Government, Leadership Resilience, Jacob Green, Jacob Green and Associates, See Change Clearly, Chris Mann

Being a City Manager is about more than policy and budgets—it’s about presence, relationships, and the courage to lead when it counts most.

In this solo episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann shares the 7 things he wishes he knew before taking on his first city manager role. After 25 years in and around local government, the last six years managing two cities—through incredible wins and one very difficult loss—Chris reflects on the real, unspoken truths of local government leadership.

This is a personal, unfiltered conversation about what it truly takes to succeed in the city manager seat. From managing pace and political pressure to protecting your inner circle and standing by your values—this episode is packed with real-world advice for those who lead (or aspire to lead) in local government.

Whether you’re a department head preparing to step up, a new city manager looking for solid footing, or a seasoned veteran navigating your own challenges, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a dose of hard-won wisdom.

🔑 Key Learnings:

• Presence matters: “You bring the weather with you.”

• Every conversation counts: There’s no such thing as a small comment in leadership.

• Pace yourself: The private sector mindset often clashes with the public sector process.

• Relationships are everything: Trust is earned, not assumed.

• Invest in your team and council: Go deeper than you think you need to.

• Protect your energy: Keep your inner circle small.

• Lead with courage: Sometimes leadership means risking the title to uphold your values.

📌 Featured Topics:

Emotional intelligence in executive roles

Building trust with council and staff

Navigating professional betrayal

Surviving and thriving after separation

The difference between ethics and job security

Leading with integrity during uncertainty

What it really takes to succeed in city management

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

—

Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Leadership Lessons, Public Administration, Gov360 Podcast, Executive Leadership, Chris Mann, Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Council-Manager Relations, Career in Local Government, ICMA, League of California Cities, Public Sector, Governance, Transition, Resilience, Govern Boldly

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a far-off concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming how local government works.

In this episode, Chris Mann sits down with Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager of Maricopa, Arizona, for a practical, insightful discussion on the role of AI in the public sector. What started as a fun experiment generating dad jokes led Micah to champion AI as a transformational tool in budgeting, policy-making, internal communication, and more.

Together, they explore how city leaders can leverage AI for efficiency while addressing real concerns about job displacement, procurement risks, data governance, and human-centered service delivery. Micah also shares how organizations like AAME are stepping up to equip public administrators for this tech-driven future.

Whether you’re curious about AI’s capabilities, actively using tools like ChatGPT, or figuring out how to train your team—this conversation will leave you with ideas, resources, and a clear understanding of the leadership required to bring AI into local government effectively.

🎯 Key Takeaways

AI is rapidly becoming essential in local government

Generative AI can support policy writing, budgeting, and internal communication

Fear of job loss is common, but often overstated—AI is a tool, not a replacement

Effective AI implementation requires trust, training, and strong leadership

Procurement presents significant risks—governance matters

Existing data and ethics policies may already cover AI use

Strategic alignment is more important than chasing tech trends

AAME is helping city managers stay ahead of innovation

Practical use cases are emerging across departments—from finance to public outreach

🧠 Featured Topics

Real-world use of generative AI by local governments

Organizational change management and culture-building around AI

Balancing automation with the human touch in service delivery

The role of professional associations in preparing civic leaders

Why AI literacy is becoming a core leadership skill for the public sector

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to AI in Local Government

05:07 – Micah’s Journey into AI

09:54 – Understanding AI and Generative AI

14:58 – Applications of AI in Local Government

20:04 – The Future of Jobs in Local Government

25:03 – Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption

29:57 – Exploring AI Tools and Their Functions

35:47 – Understanding AI Policies and Risks

42:08 – The Role of AAME in Supporting City Managers

47:58 – Practical Applications of AI in Local Government

53:51 – Navigating Challenges in Local Government Leadership

🧠 CivicInnovation.ai

📘 Purchase 1001 Prompts for Unlocking Generative AI in Local Government 

🎥 Micah’s AI YouTube Series

🎧 Micah on City Manager Unfiltered with Joe Turner

🎧 Micah on the Local Government Insights Podcast

🔗 Connect with Micah on LinkedIn

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

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Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Micah Gaudet, CivicInnovation.ai, 1001Prompts, AAME

The council-manager form of government is the most widely used system in the United States—and for good reason. When roles are respected and relationships are strong, it provides a framework for effective, accountable local governance. But when the boundaries between policy and administration blur, dysfunction is rarely far behind.

In this episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann welcomes Canyon Lake Councilmember Jeremy Smith for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation about how elected officials and city staff can work together successfully. Drawing from six years on the council—including two as mayor—and experience as a campaign consultant and government staffer, Jeremy shares hard-learned lessons and best practices that every councilmember, city manager, and department head should hear.

They explore what makes the council-manager model work (or fall apart), how to build mutual trust, the importance of political humility, and how to lead effectively in today’s complex and often contentious environment.

🎯 Key Learnings

📚 Featured Topics

🔗 Links & Resources

🛠️ Gov360 - Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Stay informed. Get inspired. Govern boldly.

#gov360 #citymanager #localgovernment #municipalleadership #publicsectorpodcast #chrismann #govcommunication #councilmanagergovernment #citycouncil #jeremysmith #gov360podcast #leadershipinlocalgov #civicleadership #localgovlife

In this episode of Gov360, Chris Mann sits down with nationally recognized digital strategist Sam Toles, the founder and CEO of CiviSocial. Sam shares actionable insights from his travels across the U.S. training cities and counties on how to modernize their social media strategy. They dive deep into why local governments must stop ignoring social media’s influence, the dangers of disengagement, and how to use storytelling to build community trust.

Sam explains why outdated communication approaches are failing and outlines what cities are getting wrong—from fragmented messaging to over-reliance on tools like Canva—and what they can do instead to build public trust and resilience in the face of growing civic disengagement and online hostility. This conversation is both a warning and a roadmap.

Available on Amazon (also free directly from Sam)

🔄 Share this episode with your colleagues who live and breathe local government.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodBean | And All Major Platforms

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn:

Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government

Real Conversations. Real Leaders. Real Solutions.

—

Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Municipal Leadership, Public Information, Civic Engagement, Government Podcast, CAPIO, Public Service, Chris Mann, City Manager Chris Mann, Leading Local Gov, Inside City Hall, Public Service Matters, Local Gov Pros, Podcast for Government, Government Leadership, Sam Toles, CiviSocial, The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers