We develop leaders, organizations, and partnerships with clients who are working toward a more just world.

Hello,

This summer, Bellwether Consulting is continuing its partnership with the Metropolitan Council and Bolton & Menk by facilitating a work group to integrate equity and community engagement criteria into the Regional Solicitation, which distributes federal funding to cities and counties for transportation projects.

This work draws on the Equity Evaluation of Regional Transportation Investment Processes, which created a community-driven Transportation Equity Framework & Tool to assess decision-making processes. By bringing that tool into the Regional Solicitation, this work is helping turn lessons learned into a real-world change.

Best,

Allison

What We’re Reading

This month’s reads discuss leadership, public service, and Juneteenth.

In grieving Melissa Hortman, let’s show our gratitude to Minnesota’s public servants

• The Minnesota Star Tribune columnist Sheletta Brundidge recounts the dedication of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and urges people to express gratitude for public servants and elected officials now, instead of after a tragedy.

Jacinda Ardern Thinks World Leaders Need More Kindness

• In this New York Times interview, the former prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, makes the case that leading with empathy, generosity, and kindness might be the solution for a range of global challenges.

'This is American history': 'Caste' author Isabel Wilkerson on the meaning of Juneteenth

• This NPR interview with author Isabel Wilkerson reflects on the history and significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, particularly in the context of the Trump administration’s resistance to DEI initiatives.

Opportunities to Learn + Lead

ELGL’s 2025 conference, Camp Govlife, is taking place in Santa Rosa, California, from October 1-3, 2025. Participate in sessions covering pressing topics in local government and connect with likeminded public servants from across the country. Register for the conference here.

The IAP2 North American Conference will be held September 28-30, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference theme is “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Participation,” which is about amplifying diverse perspectives and driving positive change. Register for the conference here.

Jobs for Herocrats

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hiring a Principal Corridor Planner who will help implement policy goals like climate action, healthy equitable communities, and critical connections in the development and prioritization of corridor studies on state highways. Apply here by July 7.

The Iowa Finance Authority in Des Moines is hiring a Homelessness Programs Manager to help lead statewide efforts to address homelessness. Apply here by July 8.

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!

Millicent Kasal is the manager of the Enterprise Project Management Office at Minnesota Housing, and leads a team who aligns IT initiatives with enterprise-wide strategies. She believes leading with compassion helps government employees remain connected to the communities they serve and think creatively in the process. Check out her story!