Challenges & Obstaces

Small cities face increasing expectations with fewer resources, limited staffing, and little margin for error. I work with communities that need practical, experienced support—not theory, templates, or one-size-fits-all solutions.

I bring hands-on experience as a municipal finance director and clerk, currently serving a small Iowa city while also supporting others during periods of transition. I understand the realities of cash-basis accounting, limited office staff, and the challenges that come with turnover, audits, and compliance deadlines. My work is rooted in the day-to-day operations of small government, not just policy recommendations.

Communities work with me because I provide steady, ethical, and transparent support. I have a proven record of identifying financial risks, strengthening internal controls, and helping cities regain confidence in their financial operations. I communicate clearly with elected officials and staff, translate complex financial information into practical decisions, and focus on building systems that continue working after my engagement ends.

Whether a city needs temporary coverage, financial oversight, staff training, or help planning for the future, I meet communities where they are and scale support to fit their size, budget, and needs.

Key Reasons Cities Choose to Work With Me

Working in small-town government for over a decade, I’ve tackled budget challenges, audit prep, and grant writing firsthand.

I understand small cities
I currently work in small-city government and know the pressures councils and staff face every day.
Hands-on, not theoretical
I don’t just advise—I help implement, document, and stabilize systems.
Experienced with transitions and risk
From staff turnover to investigations and audit findings, I can step in quickly and provide clarity and structure.
Focused on ethical and compliant operations
My approach prioritizes transparency, accountability, and sound internal controls.
Flexible and cost-effective
Cities receive experienced leadership without committing to a full-time hire.
Clear communication with councils and staff
I help bridge gaps between technical finance work and policy-level decision-making.
If I do not have the answer, I will find someone who does
I will not waste your time or effort. Years in the field has given me access to knowledge resources and people who know how to get it done.

Experience Matters

Local Government Workforce Shrinkage

Between March 2020 and March 2022, local governments nationwide lost more than 300,000 jobs — a decline far greater than the broader private sector — leaving many municipal positions unfilled and services strained.

Persistent Difficulty Filling Positions

Over 60 % of local governments report difficulty filling positions, especially in areas such as public works, IT, and finance, due to a limited pool of qualified applicants and slower hiring processes than the private sector.

Vacancies & Timing Barrie

Roughly 1 in 5 public-sector jobs remain vacant, and the average time to hire is about 119 days — more than three times the private-sector average — meaning cities often lose candidates before they can onboard them.

Recruitment & Retention Are Top Concerns

In a recent survey of municipal leaders, over 80 % indicated that recruitment and retention of qualified personnel is a high-priority challenge for their organization.

Small Towns Particularly Hard Hit

Smaller and rural municipalities often cannot compete with larger cities on wages or amenities, and staff shortages are more pronounced in these communities where younger workers are less likely to relocate and retirements further thin the workforce,

Impact on Essential Functions

Staffing shortfalls are not just numbers on paper — they delay projects, reduce service capacity, and overload remaining employees, leading to increased burnout and risk of oversight issues.

A small-town city hall office with a consultant reviewing financial documents alongside city staff.