“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