The FCCMA Podcast

In this episode, host Steve and guest Carmen Rosamonda explore how DeBary strategically contracted services to improve efficiency and developed a high-density zoning district. They also cover the master plan that turned disorganized growth into a cohesive, vibrant Main Street and discuss community building through public spaces and multimodal transportation. Carmen, transitioning from commissioner to city manager, shares insights on aligning city governance with clear, measurable goals for community safety and development. This episode offers a snapshot of DeBary's innovative approaches to urban planning and governance.

In this episode, podcast host Steve Vancore chats with retired city manager Mike Abels about tackling unconventional challenges in city management. They discuss how modern issues often require adaptive solutions beyond traditional hierarchical methods. Emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and interagency communication, they explore how decentralizing decision-making can help address the societal polarization exacerbated by biased media and a decline in local news consumption. The conversation also touches on the necessity of collaboration in governance, with Mike citing historical successes and failures to illustrate effective and ineffective strategies. They conclude by discussing the challenges posed by disruptive commissioners and the potential role of educational initiatives like citizens' academies in fostering a better understanding of democratic processes. This episode offers a condensed look at innovative management strategies for today's complex governmental landscape.

In this episode, Steve Vancore and FLC Chief of Insurance and Financial Services Chris Krepcho delve into the complexities of risk management within local government. They discuss how risk tolerance varies significantly based on factors like city size, financial reserves, and the unpredictability of certain risks like workers' compensation. The conversation highlights the importance of periodically reassessing risk strategies to adapt to changing costs and conditions.The duo also explores the role of leadership in shaping risk tolerance, noting that some city leaders are more willing to accept risks for potential gains, while others prefer to transfer risks entirely. They touch upon the challenges faced by municipalities in managing insurance rates influenced by global events and local disasters like hurricanes.

With an impressive 45-year career in local government, Mark Ryan, who spent 41 of those years as a city manager, shares his journey and insights. Mark, a recipient of the FLC Home Rule Award and a proponent of legislation that has recently allowed cities and counties to regulate smoking in municipal parks, discusses his leadership approach. His main goal has been to ensure that elected officials are well-prepared and equally informed, a strategy that has helped him manage expectations and maintain smooth operations within city governance.

In this engaging episode, Steve talks with Josh Starr, the USF ICMA Student Body President, about the critical role mentorship and professional development play in the realm of city management. They explore how student chapters significantly contribute to shaping future city managers, offering them a platform for growth and professional networking. Josh emphasizes the benefits of ICMA fellowships and other supportive resources that enhance student involvement and learning, preparing them for successful careers in public administration.

John Drury, City Manager of Tavares, discusses his transition from airport director to city manager and his efforts in developing sustainable economic programs for underserved communities. He explains the transformation of Tavares into America's Seaplane City, emphasizing the crucial link between vision and effective implementation.

In this special release episode, we pay tribute to the late Dan Kleman, a revered public administrator whose resume included roles as city manager of Tallahassee and Hillsborough County Administrator. Dan passed away on February 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership in municipal governance.This episode uniquely features excerpts from Dan's participation in the Florida City and County Management Association's Future Manager's Virtual Bootcamp series. Extracted from the video sessions, these segments showcase Dan addressing critical topics in public administration: onboarding new elected officials, managing relationships with elected officials, navigating crises, and handling irreconcilable differences. His strategic and nuanced approach provides invaluable guidance for current and future city managers.

Raoul Lavin has spent three decades in local government, now collaborating with FCCMA and teaching at Florida State University's Askew School of Public Administration. Starting as a budget office analyst in Tallahassee and rising to Assistant City Manager, Raoul joins podcast host Steve Vancore to explore the intergenerational dynamics in the workforce and advise young professionals navigating their local government careers.

Brian R. Moree, City Manager of Atlantis in Palm Beach County,shares his insights on effective delegation. With over six and a half years in this role, following a 20-year tenure by his predecessor, Brian encountered a lack of structure and empowerment among city staff. He discusses his approach to fostering autonomy and capability by being realistic about the responsibilities assigned to his team.

At just 25 years old, Koby Townsend holds the position of City Manager in DeFuniak Springs. Starting as a city clerk at age 22, Koby discusses his rapid career progression and the mentors who believed in him. He reflects with podcast host Steve on the vital role of mistakes in personal and professional growth, offering strategies for effectively managing setbacks. A devoted listener of the FCCMA podcast, Koby shares key lessons from the 40 episodes he's absorbed.

In this episode of the New Council Transition Series, podcast host Steve Vancore speaks with Joseph Yarbrough, a seasoned city manager from Volusia County, focusing on the crucial onboarding process for newly elected officials. Joe discusses his approach to aligning campaign promises with municipal responsibilities and emphasizes the necessity of understanding the roles within local governance. The conversation shares strategies for effective communication and education to ensure that elected officials can successfully navigate their roles and responsibilities, fostering better governance and community service. This episode is a deep dive into the best practices for integrating new leaders into the complex world of local government.

With experience in seven cities, Jamie Titcomb discusses the dynamics of handling city council turnovers. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of each council member while advancing city objectives. Jamie advocates for setting clear goals in initial meetings and adhering strictly to the rules to achieve desired outcomes.

2024 FLC Employee of the Year and recent retiree, Lynn Tipton, explores the challenges of council transitions. Discussing strategies for engaging with newly elected members, Lynn highlights the importance of understanding their communication preferences and goals. She suggests watching other councils' public meetings and utilizing orientation checklists from FCCMA to avoid common pitfalls.

Former Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker discusses the impact of PFAS chemicals from a nearby space force base, the difficulties of remediation and the economic significance of the base to Satellite Beach. Courtney emphasizes the importance of doing things right the first time and discusses measures like implementing paid beach parking driven by community needs.

Jorge Gonzalez, Village Manager of Bal Harbour in Miami-Dade County, shares his experiences managing one of the most successful malls in the world. Jorge believes that being a city manager requires courage, confidence, and conviction – the three Cs. He talks about the challenging positions he has encountered in his career and the importance of adhering to an ethical code.

Olivia Minshew has been the City Manager of Wauchula since 2023 and has been with the City for nearly 20 years. In this episode, Olivia discusses the City's process of moving to direct deposit and the significant time savings it ultimately brought to her employees. She outlines the change steps involved, which included awareness, preparation, and communication. Olivia also talks about breaking down departmental silos, where previously, departments operated independently with little regard for each other's activities. Their strategic planning process now includes an employee recognition program that rewards employees for modeling one of the City's values. 

Crystal Washington works with clients to help them identify potential futures and prepare for them. In this episode, she discusses dealing with current problems while making time for future planning, such as scheduling time to be curious. She emphasizes the importance of horizon scanning, looking for small signals amid the noise, and distinguishing trends. Crystal recommends the book “Factfulness,” which addresses human anxieties and explains why we shouldn't be as worried as we are. She also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in futurism and long-term planning, and she explores the current and future implications of social media with Steve.

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.

In this episode, we talk with Amy Zubaly, the Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), who has been with the organization for 25 years and in her current role since 2017. Amy shares insights into FMEA's pivotal role in supporting Florida's 33 city-owned utilities, particularly during hurricanes and emergencies. As the 2024 hurricane season looms with a dire forecast, Amy emphasizes the importance of preparedness, and notes that it only takes one storm to wreak havoc on a city. She discusses FMEA's function as a mutual aid coordinator, connecting state and federal partners and mobilizing extra assistance for member utilities when disaster strikes. Amy's expertise underscores the necessity for cities to have robust plans in place for any eventuality.

In Episode #144, we meet William Whitson, a seasoned public service professional with a resume that includes a decade in Washington, DC, and frontline experience in nine hurricane recoveries. His pragmatic approach to emergency preparedness, honed by experiences ranging from Hurricanes Erin and Opal to the devastations of Katrina and Harvey, provides a master class for city managers. William's crucial advice: engage proactively with the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (F-ROC) program to navigate the bureaucratic aftermath of disasters confidently.

In this episode, Tim Bolduc, the first City Manager of Crestview, discusses the importance of honesty and transparency in leadership. Tim shares his experiences in transitioning Crestview from a strong mayor-council form of government to a city manager form, explaining the benefits of this governance model. He highlights the challenges and growth Crestview has experienced under his leadership, including a 30% increase in the city's size. Tim also addresses the role of social media in modern management and offers practical advice for handling its potential toxicity, advocating for open communication and accessibility through direct channels such as email.

Suzanne Sherman, the City Manager of Palm Bay, discusses the complexities of ethical decision-making in local government. As Palm Bay has rapidly grown to nearly 100 square miles with a population increase from 20,000 to 140,000 in just 20 years, Suzanne has focused on restoring public trust following past ethics violations and investigations. She emphasizes the importance of continuous ethics training, attending sessions twice a year to stay sharp and aware of the nuances in ethical dilemmas. Suzanne highlights that many decisions in government require careful, deliberative thinking, and consideration of the impact on all parties involved.

Jonathan H. Hayes, formerly the logistics and public works director for Panama City, shares his experiences in managing the city's growth and recovery, particularly following the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael in 2018. He talks about the expansion of the Panama City airport and the broader development in the Florida Panhandle, emphasizing the importance of resilience in public service. Jonathan reflects on his family's deep roots in Panama City and the ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area, balancing modern growth with preserving the city's vintage charm and increasing walkability.

In this episode, Richard Florida, the keynote speaker at the 2024 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, discusses the transformative shift from a physical economy to a creative economy, emphasizing the increasing importance of communities in this new era. He introduces the concept of the “meta-city” and explores its unique impact on Florida. Richard highlights the accessibility of smaller communities to locally owned restaurants and the critical role college towns play in the state's future. He also delves into the rise of digital environments in urban settings, explaining how cities are evolving beyond mere physical spaces to become dynamic, integrated hubs for work and life.

In this episode, Steve sits down with John Curp, the City Manager of Largo in Pinellas County. Largo, a vibrant city with a population of 85,000, is nestled in the densest county in Florida. In Largo, John is pioneering efforts to enhance community livability and walkability. He discusses a partnership with local bars and restaurants to establish an entertainment district with open container allowances. Tune in to discover how John Curp's vision and strategic initiatives are transforming Largo into a dynamic, walkable community that prioritizes local business growth and resident engagement.

Ken Parker, a longtime FCCMA Senior Advisor who has been retired for 10 years, joins us for a live interview at the FCCMA 2024 Annual Conference. Ken moved from Arkansas to Port Orange in Volusia County and discusses his experience in buying 10,000 acres for Port Orange to support the municipality's growth. Additionally, Ken shares the unique experience of having an alien eradication specialist on his staff and provides fascinating insights into his diverse career.

Olivia Minshew has been the City Manager of Wauchula since 2023 and has been with the City for nearly 20 years. In this episode, Olivia discusses the City's process of moving to direct deposit and the significant time savings it ultimately brought to her employees. She outlines the change steps involved, which included awareness, preparation, and communication. Olivia also talks about breaking down departmental silos, where previously, departments operated independently with little regard for each other's activities. Their strategic planning process now includes an employee recognition program that rewards employees for modeling one of the City's values. 

Jorge Gonzalez, Village Manager of Bal Harbour in Miami-Dade County, shares his experiences managing one of the most successful malls in the world. Jorge believes that being a city manager requires courage, confidence, and conviction – the three Cs. He talks about the challenging positions he has encountered in his career and the importance of adhering to an ethical code.

Stephen M.R. Covey, general session speaker at the 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference, draws from his father Stephen R. Covey's legacy, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Stephen discusses the significant changes in the world and how leadership styles must evolve accordingly. He emphasizes that people prefer to be led and trusted rather than managed. He highlights the importance of building trust through character and competence and encourages listeners to focus on their own trustworthiness to foster trust within their teams.

Jeff Civillico, a keynote speaker at the 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference, shares his journey from being a 7-year-old volunteer in a street performance to becoming a performer and producer with his own show in Las Vegas for 10 years, ending in 2020. Jeff encourages listeners to reflect on the people who have influenced them and how they, in turn, can influence others. He emphasizes the impact one can have from their unique platform.

Crystal Washington works with clients to help them identify potential futures and prepare for them. In this episode, she discusses dealing with current problems while making time for future planning, such as scheduling time to be curious. She emphasizes the importance of horizon scanning, looking for small signals amid the noise, and distinguishing trends. Crystal recommends the book “Factfulness,” which addresses human anxieties and explains why we shouldn't be as worried as we are. She also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in futurism and long-term planning, and she explores the current and future implications of social media with Steve.

Mark Zeigler, a long-term professor at Florida State University, delivered a keynote address at the 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference. In his speech, Mark discussed the importance of general communication principles, the current state of society, and our individual roles within our communities. He emphasized conflict resolution, transparency, empathy, and handling challenges and criticisms as city leaders. Mark also tackled the issue of a high need for control, asking, "Can you gather people around you who can provide checks and balances, or who will give you honest feedback when you need to run something by them?"

Today we re-visit Director Guthrie who speaks directly to city and county management with the end goal of saving lives and recovering tens of millions of dollars through FDEM and FEMA.

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.

In this episode, we talk with Amy Zubaly, the Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), who has been with the organization for 25 years and in her current role since 2017. Amy shares insights into FMEA's pivotal role in supporting Florida's 33 city-owned utilities, particularly during hurricanes and emergencies. As the 2024 hurricane season looms with a dire forecast, Amy emphasizes the importance of preparedness, and notes that it only takes one storm to wreak havoc on a city. She discusses FMEA's function as a mutual aid coordinator, connecting state and federal partners and mobilizing extra assistance for member utilities when disaster strikes. Amy's expertise underscores the necessity for cities to have robust plans in place for any eventuality.

In Episode #144, we meet William Whitson, a seasoned public service professional with a resume that includes a decade in Washington, DC, and frontline experience in nine hurricane recoveries. His pragmatic approach to emergency preparedness, honed by experiences ranging from Hurricanes Erin and Opal to the devastations of Katrina and Harvey, provides a master class for city managers. William's crucial advice: engage proactively with the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (F-ROC) program to navigate the bureaucratic aftermath of disasters confidently.

Craig Hunter, with decades of experience and now retired, reflects on his career in Episode #144. He revisits his initial forays into writing zoning codes and integrating them with planning documents. A conversation with Steve reveals Craig's philosophy that crises present opportunities. Through his career, Craig has observed how challenges can serve as catalysts for innovation and progress within the realms of zoning and planning.

Terry Atchley, Hardee County Manager, returns to the show in Episode #142 after his initial appearance in Episode #39. Steve and Terry explore the parallels and distinctions between managing public entities and private businesses. Terry shares the current financial hurdles facing Hardee County's public utilities and the proactive measures being implemented to address these issues, offering a transparent look at public administration's unique challenges.

Charles Chapman, with a rich background in city and county management, and current consultant for the Florida League of Cities, dives into the pivotal role of the Florida Legislature in Episode #141. Drawing from his extensive experience across Gadsden and Hendry Counties and Naples city management, Charles presents insightful case studies from the 2024 Legislative Session. He highlights proposed bills that could have dramatically altered city/county manager contract renewals around election times and scrutinizes enterprise fund transfers and their implications on municipal utilities. Furthermore, he underscores the criticality of municipal officers engaging in the legislative process.

In Episode #140, we hear from Scott Andrews, whose initial career as a fitness trainer in Temple Terrace laid the foundation for a career journey under the guidance of a pivotal mentor. Celebrated with the FCCMA award in 2014, Scott epitomizes the ethos "If you care, you do." Now in Bakersfield, California, Scott reflects on his diverse experiences across Florida, Georgia and California, illuminating the distinct nuances of city government in each state. With an emphasis on the transportability of skills, he cautions that success in one city doesn't guarantee replication elsewhere, underscoring the uniqueness of each community.

Michael Pleus shares insights from his 16-year tenure as the city manager of DeLand, beginning from his initial role as assistant city manager. He contrasts strategic planning with goal setting, describing how individual goals contribute to fulfilling broader strategic objectives. Michael touches upon the importance of resident feedback, obtained through active social media engagement, and the necessity of being open to the responses received. He and Steve discuss DeLand's strategic approach to addressing homelessness, including the creation of The Bridge, a facility aimed at providing solutions for the homeless community.