Michael Hancock was elected Mayor of Denver Colorado in 2011. Hancock has established a vision of creating a world-class city where everyone matters by focusing on three priorities for his administration: kids, jobs and a safety net for the less fortunate. To achieve success Mayor Hancock has developed a Peak Performance initiative. The goal ofRead… Read more »
Technology is rapidly changing how people communicate with each other. Private sector businesses are utilizing technology as a tool to interact with and empower citizens through their products and services. Many local governments are behind the times as far as utilizing the power of the Internet and social media to engage citizens. California Lt. Gov.Read… Read more »
In a recent article Warren Berger writes about the importance of leaders asking the right questions. Berger interviewed several innovation experts and as a result developed 5 key questions that leaders of a business should ask. Local government leaders can also benefit from asking Berger’s questions. I have modified the business focused questions so that theyRead… Read more »
The Albany Times Union newspaper recently raised an interesting question: Do we need more artists in public office? Editor Rex Smith points that given how dysfunctional government often seems to be, that perhaps we are choosing leaders with the wrong skill sets. Instead of lawyers and business owners maybe we should be electing writers andRead… Read more »
Ontario Canada has implemented a Lean initiative to improve how government services are provided. I recently obtained a copy of a PowerPoint presentation by Art Daniels, which contains some great information about the implementation of Lean in Ontario. Mr. Daniels has over 40 years of experience in leading change initiatives as a Canadian government officialRead… Read more »
Six months ago New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg started a Business Customer Service Initiative to streamline the process of opening a business. A key element of the new initiative was to determine how long it was taking businesses to obtain permits needed prior to opening. Paying rent and other expenses while waiting for cityRead… Read more »
With a New Year upon us, many people will resolve to make improvements in their lives as far as exercise, diet, relationships, and career. Successful people set goals and track their progress in achieving them. Successful organizations also set goals and track their progress in achieving them. As the old saying goes, “What gets measuredRead… Read more »
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is the poster child for our broken campaign finance system. Cuomo has $22 million in his campaign account. While some people donate to political campaigns in an effort to support a candidate who espouses ideas they believe in, most campaign donors are seeking influence and favors. Most political donations areRead… Read more »
Democracy should be about discussion and debate where differing viewpoints are allowed to be heard. Certainly at some point a vote needs to occur and the majority will prevail. The New York State Constitution and the New York State Legislature have a required process for addressing legislation. Whether one supports the Marriage Equality Act passedRead… Read more »
According to Newsweek Magazine the five most innovative Mayors in the U.S. are: Mitch Landrieu – (New Orleans for his education efforts)Michael Bloomberg – (New York for his public safety efforts)Rahm Emanuel – (Chicago for his open data efforts)Sly James – (Kansas City for his entreprenuer efforts)Mick Cornett – (Oklahoma City for his quality ofRead… Read more »