State of Tennessee’s Post

HIGH STREET CONVERSATIONS: AUTUMN STATEMENT SPECIAL Huge thanks to all the members of the Association of Town & City Management who took part in our Autumn Statement Special either live or on demand. The feedback you are sending is critical in developing a shared vision for our advocacy ahead of a UK General Election. The biggest impacts for high streets, town centres and city centres do not come from pro-active policy decisions taken by the Chancellor, but come from what has been left out. Think of the impact on consumer spend from the freezing of tax allowances or the impact on public services from the freezing of departmental budgets. The news from Nottingham City Council is yet another warning sign of what is to come with local authority finances put under pressure by an ageing population. To raise the stakes, the Office for Budget Responsibility is adding climate change to the list of risks we face, exacerbated by stretched budgets that do not take adaptation seriously leaving us exposed to the types of economic shocks we have seen in places as far apart as Newry, Hastings and Brechin. If you are up for a weighty and serious analysis of the 2023 Autumn Statement, then let us oblige. Visit https://lnkd.in/dwD6ySUF and enjoy the ride!

Thank you for to LGcomms for the opportunity to share a platform with Will Mapplebeck, Francesca Day and Colm Howard-Lloyd yesterday in Sheffield. As someone who occasionally wears two hats as a public affairs consultant and as an elected member I can see the value of engagement from both sides of the fence. The discussion yesterday was a very important one as we approach an important twelve months, with moving parts and potentially lots of change ahead. Many comms professionals carry out public affairs engagement in their roles without realising it. The main takeaway from yesterday was how important and integral PA can be in your communications mix. Relationships must not be taken for granted, whether they are old, new or yet to exist. Good public affairs can help you achieve your goals if done effectively - identifying your top targets, getting your message right and most importantly understand the context in which you are operating in. Local authorities are surrounded by political stakeholders and decision makers on a daily basis. However, by going beyond your Town Hall you will realise that by investing in public affairs you will see a return on your investment.

⚡ What's next for power generators after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission #Transmission Rule? At the upcoming United States Energy Association Public Policy Forum, EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler will join other energy leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding future transmission infrastructure and what's needed to ensure a resilient, reliable, and sustainable electric grid. #energy #electricity #powergrid #powermarkets

The experts at Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) examine the Sheetz v. El Dorado County decision and its implications for California local governments. Get more expert local government insights at #PublicCEO bit.ly/3w5CHho

As your Iowa League Of Cities Board President, I invite you to join us on Local Leaders Day this March 6, 2024 for a day to celebrate the great work happening throughout Iowa’s munipalities ✨ Local Leaders Day 2024: The Iowa League of Cities Gathers Leaders to Connect and Share the Needs of Cities Across Iowa Iowa cities of all sizes are asking for fiscal predictability, support for efficient governance, and the freedom to align local decisions with local democracy. Des Moines, IA: On March 6, 2024 local leaders from across Iowa will gather together in Des Moines to connect with legislators, discuss legislative priorities, and share their stories. Speakers representing the cities of Cedar Rapids, Atlantic, Bettendorf, and Seymour will join Monte Wyatt of AddingZEROS and Scott Raecker of the Robert D. and BIllie Ray Center at Drake University to converse on how cities can best support Iowans and plan for the future. Immediately following will be a press conference at the State Capitol. “More than 80% of Iowans live in cities. Cities play a critical role in providing and investing in services that impact the daily lives of Iowans including jobs, medical facilities, parks and residences they call home. We need collaboration from the State to support Home Rule, our ability to meet local needs locally, and plan for the future of our incredible Iowa municipalities.” - Ashley Vanorny, League President and Cedar Rapids Council Member How can Iowa serve and support its cities, from communities of 500 people to 200,000? With 940 cities in Iowa of different sizes and conditions, it can be difficult to craft legislation that lifts up all Iowans. Three commonalities the League has heard are: (1) provide fiscal predictability so cities can make longer-term plans to support their citizens; (2) support efficient governance by allowing space for collaboration and innovation; and (3) protect the freedoms to align local decisions with local democracy. Local Leaders Day will host mayors, council members, city staff members, and others to share and discuss current conditions and future needs for Iowa’s cities. Local Leaders Day 2024 March 6, 2024, 8 AM - 2 PM Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown https://lnkd.in/ggxUZyHe Press Conference with Cedar Rapids Council Member and Iowa League of Cities Board President Ashley Vanorny at 1:15 PM on the Capitol Steps.

If you are a local government municipality or a water authority and need accounting/advisory help... If you are behind on audits or struggling to get actionable financial data... reach out to Transcend Finance LLC! They are the experts who can help your government entities have peace of mind regarding your finances!

Navigating the Democratic National Convention's Impact on Chicago Residents As Chicago prepares for the Democratic National Convention (DNC), many local residents have voiced concerns about the lack of communication and the potential disruptions to their daily lives. Here are the key points: Disconnection: Residents, like Dee Henderson, feel left out of planning conversations. Security Perimeters: Homes and businesses near the United Center will experience significant changes in accessibility. Communication Gap: Both local and federal authorities need to bridge the gap and engage with the community effectively. Local Impact: Residents worry about commute disruptions, access to medical services, and the overall effect on their neighborhoods. Ensuring clear and continuous communication with residents is essential for maintaining trust and minimizing disruptions during major events like the DNC.

Coalitions are the driving force behind policy change. In a new Q&A, Partner and Director of Public Affairs Herbie Thiele offers insights into the role coalitions play in shaping and changing policy. Read the full Q&A ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ePFbMVdu

Review key takeaways from week nine in the legislature prior to elected officials returning to their constituencies for Town Meeting Day tomorrow. Read everything you need to know in our latest edition of State to Main: https://lnkd.in/eRB94RGx

Today’s Public Hearing on The Common Strategic Policy with The Chief Minister and Common Strategic Policy Review Panel is on this link https://lnkd.in/etsEf4NG