The FCCMA Podcast

Jacksonville Beach City Manager Mike Staffopoulos joins the FCCMA podcast this week to discuss the transformation of Jax Beach through strategic planning, the draw to the area, and what is to come. All the dynamics involved in urban development with a stable infrastructure are also discussed. 

Are you managing your city’s long-term plan better than you are managing your own? In this episode, we speak with FCCMA Senior Advisor Pam Brangaccio. She discusses her experience planning for retirement and how to get started if you don’t have a plan! 

This episode features City of Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan. She focused on Ecology in college and began her professional career at an environmental consulting firm in St. Augustine. In 2007 she began work with the City of Palm Coast, which recruited her because they wanted someone on staff specifically focused on the environment. Bevan helped develop a land development code for the city.

In this episode, Assistant City Manager Michelle del Valle from Winter Park explores the importance of giving people victories. She discusses various initiatives, including park and library creation, addressing resistance to change within communities and building consensus through feedback from dissenting residents. Michelle recommends starting discussions with concepts to ensure that everyone's voice is valued.

In this episode, Scott Dudley, who recently retired after 22 years with the Florida League of Cities, reflects on his career and shares insights on citizen advocacy. Scott highlights his involvement in the Local Voices United program, which encourages citizens to engage in local issues that directly impact their communities. He emphasizes the importance of home rule and building strong relationships with lawmakers to effectively influence policy. Drawing on his earlier experience in local government, Scott discusses the evolution of advocacy and the role of local leadership in shaping the future. Scott and Steve  Vancore,  FCCMA podcast host, also discuss the ever-changing dynamics of the Florida legislature and how to adapt to these shifts to bring about positive change.

Treasa Brown-Stubbs, City Manager of Lauderdale Lakes, reflects on her 20-year career with the city, starting as a part-time employee at an Alzheimer’s center before climbing the ranks to her current role. Treasa discusses the challenges of working in a high-poverty area and the importance of resourcefulness, leveraging state, federal, and private grants to create opportunities for the city. She also emphasizes youth and family engagement through partnerships and year-round food distribution programs. In addition, she discusses how Lauderdale Lakes piloted a program with Prosperity Broward to conduct a survey of single mothers, identifying and addressing their specific needs to improve the community.  

Erica Dhawan grew up as a shy, introverted girl in Pennsylvania, speaking Hindi at home. In this episode, she discusses “digital body language,” the new form of non-verbal communication in our digital world, which still makes up 70% of how we interact. Erica explains that body language has transformed into cues and signals in digital communications. In her book, she dives into these modern signals and their impact. She also points out that people interpret digital body language differently, just like introverts and extroverts, highlighting two groups: digital natives and digital adapters. Erica’s toolkit, available at hybridtoolkit.com, provides best practices for improving communication in a hybrid work environment, including tips for meeting culture and digital communication.

Ryan Leavengood, the City Manager of Lake Alfred in Polk County, shares his philosophy on public service: success is often measured by invisibility. With a population of around 7,100, Ryan believes that a smooth-running government is one where everything operates behind the scenes, and the public rarely notices because things are going well. He stresses the importance of focusing on core services – the 95% that truly matter. Ryan contrasts this with situations where government fails, like the Flint, Michigan water crisis, where everyone suddenly knows the names of officials when systems break down.

Mike Crow, the Assistant General Manager for Power Delivery for City of Tallahassee Utilities, shares an in-depth account of the recovery efforts following three tornadoes that hit Tallahassee on May 10 and left 80,000 customers without power. Mike discusses the detailed storm plan that guided their response, including the rapid mobilization of 433 additional workers, boosting their workforce to over 700 within hours of the storm. He covers the logistical challenges of weather-related recoveries and the importance of clear communication with city residents. Mike provides valuable advice on developing comprehensive storm plans,  and he emphasizes the need for specific roles and responsibilities rather than broad departmental assignments.

Steve Langley, the Electric Utility Director for Mount Dora, joins us to highlight the importance of mutual aid in disaster recovery. Following the catastrophic tornadoes in Tallahassee on May 10, utilities across the state rallied to support the capital in a coordinated effort led by FMEA. Steve delves into the mutual aid agreement facilitated by the American Public Power Association, which enables municipal utilities not only in Florida but across the nation to assist one another during emergencies. He emphasizes how these agreements are crucial for swift and effective response to large-scale utility disruptions.