INTRODUCTION

I am leaving the Sydney summer and surf to hit the cold northern California and freezing New York weather.  Why? I was selected by the LGMA after an extensive application /interview process to participate in the International Exchange Program.  Each year two NSW local government employees are sponsored by the 'Local Government Manager's Association' (LGMA) and the reciprocal California body 'The League of California Cities' to undertake an exchange program.  The idea is to investigate a topic in your field of expertise -  I will be looking at improvement, innovation and change management ideas and initiatives to share and bring back that may improve productivity in local government. 

It is a fitting time for local government to investigate innovative approaches to services. Councils face increasingly complex issues such as: changing demographics; changing and more challenging community and business expectations; pressures to increase and improve services and increasing fiscal restraints and reform.

My role at Warringah Council, a northern beaches Sydney council, is Business Improvement Facilitator. My home host council is San Jose City Council, capital of Silicon Valley. I am on the lookout for new and innovative approaches to improving the business of local government.  In between meetings and conferences I aim to post creative and innovative ideas I come across on a daily basis for the duration of the 3 week exchange.  I hope you enjoy them and I look forward to your comments and feedback.