Gov360

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
 
📢 Stay Connected with Gov360
 
🔄 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, 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
📚 Resources & Links
🧠 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
📢 Stay Connected with Gov360
🔄 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, 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
How newly elected officials can avoid the “I gotcha” trap and build meaningful influence
Why micromanaging staff erodes trust and impairs good governance
The value of clear, consistent communication between council and city manager
Why respecting the organizational chart protects staff and improves outcomes
How goal setting, collaboration, and political awareness drive citywide success
 
📚 Featured Topics
Best practices in the council-manager form of government
How city managers and councils can establish healthy working relationships
Goal setting and performance evaluation in municipal organizations
Regional boards, political dynamics, and constituent management
Interview insights: What councilmembers look for when hiring a city manager
 
🔗 Links & Resources
Subscribe to the Gov360 Newsletter
Follow Gov360 on YouTube
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Reach Councilmember Jeremy Smith
 
🛠️ 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.
💡 Key Learnings
Local government is still trusted — and that trust can be leveraged through authentic, human storytelling.
Ignoring negativity online isn’t a strategy; it’s a liability.
The “STPs” (Same Ten People) often dominate the conversation, but they don’t represent the silent majority.
Content culture starts internally — the most effective content comes from staff, not expensive media firms.
Effective social media is strategic — it requires planning, alignment, and platform-specific approaches.
A better Instagram feed can win the recruitment war.
Empowered employees tell better stories — and those stories build morale, credibility, and community connection.
🔍 Featured Topics
The dark side of social media and its impact on local government morale and safety
Why decentralized, uncoordinated accounts are hurting your agency
Platform-specific strategies: why Facebook ≠ Instagram
How to empower internal teams to tell your city’s story
Recruiting the next generation through authentic content
Real-world success stories from cities like Calimesa, CA and Plainville, CT
Why Canva isn’t always your friend — and what to do instead
📚 Resources & Links
📘 The Social Media Playbook for City and County Managers by Sam Toles
Available on Amazon (also free directly from Sam)
🔗 Learn more about CiviSocial
🧠 Follow Sam Toles on LinkedIn for more insights and updates
📢 Stay Connected with Gov360
🔄 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

In this powerful debut guest episode of Gov360, host Chris Mann is joined by Joe Turner — veteran city manager, founder of the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), and host of the highly influential City Manager Unfiltered podcast. Together, they explore how bold communication, authentic leadership, and calculated risk-taking are reshaping the future of local government.
 
From the risks and rewards of stepping into the city manager seat, to navigating career transitions and building personal brands through content creation, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and inspiration for local government professionals at every stage of their journey.
 
What You’ll Learn:
Why bold, transparent communication is essential in today’s public sector
How Joe Turner built the City Manager Unfiltered brand and why more professionals should follow suit
The growing importance of podcasts, digital media, and personal branding in the profession
Strategies for navigating involuntary transitions in city management
The mission behind the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME)
 
Featured Topics:
Risk aversion vs. bold leadership
Communication breakdowns between managers and councils
The myth of “playing it safe” in today’s city management
Turning failure into growth
Building a support system in a lonely profession
 
Links & Resources:
🎙️ City Manager Unfiltered Podcast: https://www.citymanagerunfiltered.com/ 
🏛️ American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME): https://aame.org/ 
📬 Subscribe to the free Gov360 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7320606146577186817 
📺 Watch Gov360 on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOcroiVl0nr6P-VSd6IJq-eVued17bMB&si=yzWUroJ-pBx7ulnw 
 
Connect with Us:
Follow Gov360 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov360/ 
Visit Chris Mann’s website: https://www.chrismann.us/ 
Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
 
Gov360 – 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, Joe Turner, Joseph Turner, City Manager Unfiltered, American Association of Municipal Executives, AAME

🎙️ Gov360 – Episode 1: A Time to Come Together
Host: Chris Mann | City Manager, Public Affairs Pro, Award-Winning Communicator
Welcome to the first-ever episode of Gov360 - Your Full Circle View on Local Government.
In this solo kickoff, host Chris Mann delivers a raw, honest reflection on what it really means to lead in local government today.
This episode isn’t about policy updates or process checklists - it’s about the human side of public service. The pressure. The politics. The isolation. The moments of quiet impact that never make the headlines.
Chris shares his personal journey through city leadership - from being elected to a city council at 23, to serving as a city manager in California - and lays out a bold new vision for how we talk about leadership in the public sector.
🎯 In this episode:
• Why Gov360 was launched - and what makes it different
• The communication crisis in local government (and what to do about it)
• The silent toll of public sector executive-level leadership
• Why podcasts like this are essential in today’s civic landscape
• A call for unity, vulnerability, and peer support in the profession
If you’re a city manager, department head, mid-level leader, or elected official, this podcast was built for you.
Real conversations. Real challenges. Real leadership.
⸻
🔔 Subscribe and follow Gov360:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gov360-coming-soon/id1807649614
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rq8Hxqvx23OVL0H4bQdqa
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOcroiVl0nr6P-VSd6IJq-eVued17bMB&si=EIomKnPZgNOXDbld
Podbean: https://www.gov360podcast.com
 
📲 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov360
 
🛠 Let’s rethink leadership. Let’s build each other up. Let’s govern boldly.
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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

We’re back — and this time, we’re taking it to the next level. Gov360 is the brand-new podcast hosted by Chris Mann, creator and former host of the award-winning Yucaipa 360 Podcast, which just received the 2025 CAPIO EPIC Award for excellence in public information and communications. In this trailer, hear why Gov360 was launched, what sets it apart, and how it’s building on the success of a podcast that redefined how local government connects with its community. If you’re a city manager, public information officer, elected official, or frontline government pro — this podcast is for you.
Real conversations.
Real leaders.
Real solutions.
🔔 Episode 1 drops next week! Subscribe now and join us each episode as we take a full-circle view on the biggest challenges — and opportunities — facing local government professionals today.
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👀 Watch the award-winning Yucaipa 360 Podcast:
🎧 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL47_qzEUJZAA4ZJyE-AT14XtTWTeomlmT
 
🎧 Listen to Gov360
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Rq8Hxqvx23OVL0H4bQdqa
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gov360-coming-soon/id1807649614
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOcroiVl0nr6P-VSd6IJq-eVued17bMB&si=EIomKnPZgNOXDbld
Podbean: https://www.gov360podcast.com
 
📲 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov360
💬 Join the conversation and help reshape the future of local government.
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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
 
 
 

🚨 COMING SOON: Gov360 – Your Full Circle View on Local Government 🎙️
Local government work has never been more important - or more challenging.
Between tight budgets, toxic politics, and keyboard warriors, public service demands resilience, innovation, and better communication than ever before.
That’s why we're launching Gov360 - a new podcast for the people shaping our communities from the inside out.
Hosted by City Manager Chris Mann, Gov360 brings you candid conversations, real-world solutions, and expert insights from local government leaders across the country.
💡If you’re a city manager, policymaker, or public servant striving to lead in this complex environment, this podcast is for you.
🎧 Watch the trailer below, follow Gov360, and be the first to know when we drop Episode 1!
—Tags: Gov360, Local Government, City Manager, Public Sector Leadership, Gov360 Podcast, Civic Engagement, Chris Mann, Public Information, CAPIO, Leading Local Gov