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Just like fall signals a new school year, election season opens a new chapter in local governance. Each election ushers in a new governing board, and even if some incumbents return, the dynamics shift with fresh faces and new voter mandates. By establishing a cyclical process aligned with elections, your team can ensure a seamless and successful transition, setting the stage for effective collaboration right from the start.
Why does this matter? Newly elected officials bring fresh energy and perspectives. A clear structure for onboarding and strategic planning can help set them up for success.
That’s why many forward-thinking agencies are adopting a structured governance cycle that aligns with elections, featuring three steps: onboarding, setting norms and strategic planning.
Onboarding. The first few weeks after an election is a critical time to get new council members up to speed. In my experience, newly elected officials appreciate a warm welcome email from the city manager that includes a detailed outline of the onboarding process. An established structure and schedule can help them learn the ropes quickly, from understanding city policies and finances to learning the community’s culture. Early outreach also offers opportunities to establish clear communication channels and build trust.
Establishing Norms & Values. Once new members are onboarded, it’s important to bring everyone together to agree how they’ll work as a team. This includes defining values, norms and communication best practices and advancing a framework for collaboration and mutual respect. Setting expectations early on can increase understanding, build harmony and ensure everyone is on the same page as they serve the community. A council that operates well as a team not only provides effective community service but also fosters a healthy organizational culture with the potential to boost employee hiring, morale and retention.
Strategic Planning. Once the new council has settled in, it’s time to focus on long-term goals. Strategic planning aligned with the election cycle ensures that the council’s priorities reflect the community’s most pressing needs. It helps allocate resources effectively and provides a roadmap for success throughout the council’s term.
By adopting this election-aligned cycle—onboarding, norm-setting and strategic goal-setting—local governments can cultivate a resilient and effective structure. This approach strengthens public trust and ensures smoother operations, leading to strong results for the community.
If you’re ready to take this next step in November, give me a call.
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