A disaster happens where hazards meet human systems.

My guest today shared that quote and much more about what local governments can do to lay the groundwork for a smooth recovery process should the worst-case scenario occur.

We go deep on what can be done before a disaster strikes. We talk about how to expedite the funding process and the unintended consequences when communities do not make the necessary investments before disaster strikes.

Dustin Hinkel works as a consultant at Guidehouse to helpt state and local governments, schools, nonprofits, find, acquire, spend, and retain grant funding to help them implement their most complex and critical public service projects.

Dustin has an academic background in environmental policy and natural and technological hazards. He began his career in county emergency management but eventually rose to the role of County Executive in Taylor County, Florida.

I met Dustin through his wife Sarah Young who was a previous guest on this podcast. I don’t know their whole backstory but certainly like Sarah, Dustin’s commitment to public service and personal sense of mission is what shines through and makes this episode special.

Check the show notes for more information and please sign up for the Pioneering Change Community Friday newsletter to get inspired and receive updates about the community.

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Connect with Dustin Hinkel on LinkedIN

More information on Guidehouse.com (State and Local Governments)

TIME STAMPS

[00:02:45] Humble beginning in government.

[00:05:00] Effects of hazards on people.

[00:10:26] The impact of insurance agencies.

[00:14:39] Investment in private sector municipalities.

[00:20:01] Community assets for disaster management.

[00:23:57] FEMA disaster declarations.

[00:27:57] Navigating FEMA reimbursement challenges.

[00:32:30] Understanding infrastructure funding recovery.

[00:34:18] Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

[00:38:59] Funding disaster recovery projects.

[00:46:00] Understanding infrastructure investment lifecycle.

[00:48:50] Crisis governance and emergency services.

Welcome to PCC Local Time. This week we have a special episode – the first in a series of episodes created in partnership with APMM, the Association of Professional Municipal Managers. We are talking with the current and upcoming Presidents, Amanda Serock and Dave Pribulka about the topics that are challenging local government today and the municipal manager who is behind the scenes making it all happen.

Follow this podcast and sign up for the newsletter to follow this series and related episodes. But more importantly, check out the APMM conference and ICMA conference this fall. If you have been sitting on the fence, well, we are waiting for you.

Learn more about APMM and sign up to be a volunteer at the ICMA Conference

Amanda Serock (LinkedIn)

Amanda has been working professionally in municipal management for 20 years. She is currently serving as the Township Manager in Concord Township, Delaware County, PA where she was appointed in October of 2017. Prior to that she served as Township Manager and Sewer Authority Manager at Chadd's Ford Township.

She received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Villanova University and her Bachelor’s Degree from LaSalle University.

David Pribulka (LinkedIn)

David is currently serving as the Township Manager in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, PA. since March 2022. Prior to that appointment he served as manager of Ferguson Township for 9.5 years and as Assistant Township Manager at Ferguson prior to that.

He received her Master's Degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and his Bachelor's Degree from Moravian University.

TIME STAMPS:

[00:01:17] Leadership in Local Government.

[00:04:15] Municipal managers sharing technology.

[00:10:16] Generational dynamics in the workplace.

[00:10:48] Changing dynamics in local governments.

[00:16:01] Public safety and crisis.

[00:20:47] Sustainability challenges for managers.

[00:22:11] Professional management and development.

[00:26:02] Finding the Managerial Path.

[00:30:35] Seeking confidence and inclusion.

[00:34:16] Welcoming community in municipal government.

[00:37:43] APMM conference planning excitement.

[00:39:13] Becoming coachable.

[00:42:45] Passing the torch of leadership.

Today, we welcome back Ray Patchett, the former City Manager of Carlsbad, California and now consultant to leadership teams. Ray brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into the organizational principles of city management and teams.

I asked Ray to take a deeper dive into his 8 Traits of High Performing Teams which will soon be out in published form. What stands out to me about Ray is his practical application of theory, direct approach, and insightful understanding of the city manager's role.

Our interview starts by exploring the concepts that influenced his development of these eight traits and concludes with a brief discussion of each trait.

If you like what you hear today, sign up for PCC Local Time Newsletter to get an email in your box every Friday with resources like this.

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Bio

Raymond R. Patchett served as the City Manager for the City of Carlsbad, California, for 20 plus years where he has done extensive implementation of strategic change in a public sector organization. He joined the City in 1985. Prior to his appointment as City Manager in 1987, he served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Carlsbad, and has worked in local government since 1974 with the Cities of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Burbank.

He formed Patchett & Associates in 2006 to offer clients a full spectrum of consulting, coaching and training services that foster community excellence, organizational effectiveness and personal growth.

Patchett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Organization Development from Pepperdine University. He is a Certified Facilitator in Group Facilitation Methods, Participatory Strategic Planning, and Relationship Awareness Theory

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Bruce Tuckman; Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing

• Stanley McChrystal, Team of Teams

Quick summary of the 8 Traits:

1. Set the course and stay on course

2. Shape and energize the culture

3. Get the right people on the team

4. Empower others to manage the results

5. Establish ground rules or a working agreement

6. Do things to foster trust

7. Focus on results and regularly track progress

8. Provide flexible guidelines to produce superior results.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:03:35] Synergy in team building.

[00:04:37] Managing Cross-Functional Teams.

[00:10:04] The mission creates the team.

[00:15:04] City manager as facilitator.

[00:19:18] Facilitation skills in teamwork.

[00:26:20] Bureaucracy in organizations.

[00:27:24] Public service and learning culture.

[00:35:06] Managing resistance and change.

[00:41:30] The ethical obligation to be politically neutral.

[00:44:48] Team development questions.

[00:49:55] Handling resistance in group dynamics.

[00:52:25] Building a safe space.