Partners for Public Good with Brent Westergren

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast featured Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good, an organization focused on improving local government operations, particularly procurement processes. Brent shared his background in public policy and government effectiveness, including his work at Harvard Kennedy School and his current role helping cities plan, procure, and deliver infrastructure projects. The discussion covered how procurement systems can be strategic levers rather than just compliance functions, with Brent providing examples from his work in Jackson, Mississippi, where they reformed payment systems and created a vendor self-service portal to improve contractor relationships. They explored the tension between elected officials and staff regarding budget priorities, and discussed how local government's importance continues to grow despite challenges in smaller communities. The conversation concluded with reflections on the future of local government and the role of professional city management in addressing operational challenges.

Introducing Partners for the Public Good

The transcript shows the beginning of a podcast interview between host Jim Hunt and guest Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good. The conversation focused on introducing Brent and his background before diving into the organization's work. Jim expressed interest in hearing about Brent's journey that led him to work in local government, but the specific details of Brent's background were not captured in this transcript portion. The interview was just starting, with plans to discuss Partners for the Public Good and its role in local government in future segments.

 https://partnersforpublicgood.org/

Federal Funding and DEI Challenges

Jim and Brent discussed the upcoming National League of Cities Conference in DC, where Jim will be attending. They reflected on how federal funding priorities have changed over time, particularly comparing the current focus on larger budget items to the previous emphasis on CDBG programs. The conversation concluded with Jim sharing a concerning example of a young employee's limited understanding of DEI requirements, highlighting broader concerns about implementation and oversight in government programs.

Improving Government Procurement Systems

Jim and Brent discussed the importance of effective government systems, particularly procurement processes. Brent explained that Partners for Public Good works to improve these systems in local governments across the country, focusing on back-office functions like procurement, finance, and budgeting. They highlighted how streamlined processes can make a significant impact on both government workers and residents. The conversation touched on the challenges of navigating complex procurement rules, which Brent described as often being viewed as a compliance function rather than a strategic tool for government leaders.

Strategic Procurement and Vendor Relations

Brent discussed how procurement can be used strategically rather than just as a compliance function, using the example of purchasing police cars. He shared his experience working with Jackson, Mississippi, where the city owed $10 million to vendors. The team reworked workflows, streamlined systems, and created a new online vendor self-service portal to address payment issues and improve vendor relationships. As a result, Jackson has established stronger partnerships with local businesses and improved its financial trajectory.

Aligning Staff and Elected Priorities

Brent and Jim discussed the challenges in aligning the priorities of elected officials and city staff, particularly regarding budgeting and project implementation. Jim highlighted a common issue where staff initiatives, like increasing sewage rates, may face resistance from elected officials. Brent emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the city's goals and using data and stakeholder input to align arguments with officials' priorities. Both agreed on the need to find common ground between staff needs and city objectives to ensure effective governance.

Effective Communication in Local Government

Brent and Jim discussed the importance of effective communication between elected officials and staff in local government, particularly regarding budget decisions and public services. They emphasized that providing accurate information to officials helps them make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, such as sewage and water rates, while also maintaining operational systems that residents don't have to think about. Jim shared a quote from Brent's COO, Niha Gupta, highlighting the importance of local government in addressing fundamental community needs like 911 response times, water services, and housing.

Government Innovation and Efficiency Strategies

Brent discussed the challenges in government operations, particularly in areas like emergency response and procurement processes. He highlighted that while governments may not operate like the private sector, they can still be entrepreneurial and innovative in delivering services effectively and efficiently. Brent emphasized the importance of strategic procurement processes and working with contractors to achieve high-quality services within budget constraints. Jim noted the difference between private sector operations and local government budgets, prompting a discussion on how local governments can adopt more efficient practices while working within their financial limitations.

Local Government's Critical Role

Jim and Brent discussed the future of local government and its importance in the coming years. Brent emphasized that city government will remain crucial, with 80% of public infrastructure dollars being spent by state, county, and local governments. They explored challenges facing smaller towns and the role of professional city management in addressing these issues. The conversation also touched on the need for effective procurement processes and the importance of understanding operational deficiencies rather than attributing problems to individuals.