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

Hello friends,🌸

Recently, we partnered with The Alliance and Bolton & Menk to design and facilitate a workshop for the Metropolitan Council focused on centering community in the Twin Cities region’s transportation projects.

We brought together public servants from across city, county, state, and regional agencies, and advocates from community-based organizations to examine the mindsets that shape our work, reflect on the barriers in our systems and processes to center community needs, and explore practical strategies for working together.

What stood out to us was the energy in the room. People were truly putting their words into action by connecting and listening to another. While community-centered work won’t be solved in a single workshop, it can be strengthened in moments like these when people come together to build shared understanding and begin to align on how to move forward differently.

Best,

Allison

What We’re Reading

Here’s a roundup of new research and stories on government and public service.

An Adorable Stowaway Is Aboard NASA’s Artemis II Mission to the Moon

• The Artemis II Mission captured our imaginations this spring, and highlighted a great activity to get kids interested in government! The New York Times wrote about Rise, a plush toy designed by an 8-year-old that traveled with astronauts into space as part of a NASA-sponsored mascot contest. This is a fun example of how we can make public programs and government more accessible and engaging for youth.

Americans Think Kindness Prevails in the U.S.

• A recent survey from Gallup finds that, despite broader concerns about the state of the world, most Americans still believe kindness prevails. A majority of survey participants report regularly seeing acts of kindness in their communities and experiencing them personally, and nearly three-quarters view people in the U.S. as generally kind. The findings give us a hopeful reminder that kindness is an abundant part of our communities.

Podcast: Gen Z in the Local Government Workplace

• GovLove, a podcast by Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) and hosted by past Herocrat, Meredith Reynolds, interviews two Gen Z government interns about the biggest myths that governments have about their generation and how people of all ages can work better together. It is so critical that we’re paving the way for the next generation of public servants!

Opportunities to Lead + Learn

Code for America Summit 2026 will be held May 7-8, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. This is an opportunity to connect with people who are thinking about how to make government work better for everyone through technology and innovation. There’s still an opportunity to get tickets!

MN StoryCollective is partnering with several State teams to gather personal stories to help their agencies make more responsive, community-informed decisions. Current efforts include: Early Childhood Family Education, which is collecting stories on how the program impacts families; Maternal Child Health, focused on pregnancy and postpartum stories; and Early Childhood Screening, which is seeking to better understand barriers for families accessing screenings. If you or your networks have relevant experiences, take part by sharing a story or spreading the word!

Jobs for Herocrats

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Division of Community Access is hiring an AmeriCorps Seniors Coordinator to recruit volunteers, support volunteer host organizations, and coordinate programming that addresses community needs. Apply online by May 14.

The City of Minneapolis is hiring a Climate Outreach Community Liaison who will plan and implement climate outreach and engagement activities with residents, businesses, and community partners. Apply online by May 15.

George Martinez is a Community Engagement Specialist at VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio. In a role that people don't often associate with data, George brings it to the forefront as a tool to strengthen connection and accountability with the community. Check out his story below!

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!