Partners for the Public Good.

Hello there,

This spring, the Bellwether team completed a strategic planning process with a state government office that works across a broad range of groups. Through a series of facilitated discussions, our team helped the office in clarifying its strategic priorities and language.

Here are a few things we focused on in the process: 

1. Think “bowling ball.” As we recently learned from another consulting group, every statement you make to a person is like a bowling ball you’re asking them to hold. Give them too many bowling balls at once, and they’re going to drop them all! Keep your definitions succinct and meaningful, and people will come back for more.

2. Work with human nature. There’s a lot of work-in-process, and a lot of turf. All of us want to be seen and appreciated for our contributions, and we’re more likely to work together when the benefits of doing so are clear. The more we normalize things like curiosity, care, and responsiveness in our work, the more stakeholders will want to work with us!

3. Be the connection. So much good work is being done across the state. Building up and formalizing long-term “connection infrastructure” will build understanding and trust among stakeholder groups, leading to busted silos and better outcomes over time.

We’ll leave it there with 3 bowling balls! Enjoy this beautiful time of year, all.

Cheers,

Mike

What We’re Reading

Here’s a roundup of new stories we’ve been reading reflecting on community building and community wellness.

A Cattle Ranch is Doing What the Ivy League Can’t

• As many American colleges struggle with enrollment, public trust, and AI usage, a free, two-year liberal arts college on a working cattle ranch is offering students a different experience—leading and sustaining the school itself. This article from The New York Times examines how shared labor, self-governance, and close-knit living contributes to a strong sense of collective responsibility, with a broader lesson on what it takes to build community today.

What My Book Club Has Taught Me About Community

• This article from ELGL reflects on what book clubs can teach us about community. Beyond discussing books, book clubs create spaces for people to listen, share perspectives, build relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations, which reminds us that communities are built through similar small yet consistent acts.

When Is “About The Same” Not Good Enough?

• Minnesota Compass released their Compass Points 2026 dashboard in May, which tracks data annually on Minnesotans’ quality of life. This article notes that community wellness metrics have remained relatively unchanged since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it asks the questions: Is this our “new normal?” Or is “about the same” simply not good enough?

Opportunities to Lead + Learn

The 2026 National Economic Mobility & Opportunity Conference is taking place August 19-21 in Washington, D.C. This conference is hosted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and for practitioners across sectors working to create communities where all residents can thrive. Learn more and register online.

Join the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) for it’s 2026 Annual Conference in Sacramento, September 14-18. AMPO bring together MPOs, and public and private sector partners focused on transportation, housing, economic development, and community engagement. Register online by July 31 for the early bird rate.

Jobs for Herocrats

Minnesota Housing is hiring a Section 811 PRA Program Specialist to help manage a housing assistance program for low-income adults with disabilities by overseeing property compliance, coordinating with housing partners, and managing budgets and contracts. Learn more and apply online by June 3.

The City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods is hiring two Community Engagement Coordinators to connect with local residents and community organizations, and bring community voices into government decision-making processes. Learn more and apply online by June 2.

Fabian Rodriguez's path to working in community engagement wasn’t linear, but it was consistent in one important way: it was always rooted in connection. As a Transit Public Outreach Specialist for GoCary at the Town of Cary in North Carolina, Fabian works to ensure residents can access and trust their transit services.

Give a Herocrat the Spotlight

Know a state or local government employee who’s building relationships and making an impact in their community? Nominate them to be highlighted on our website, newsletter, and social media!