McGill Minute

In Part 1 of this 3-part series, Joel Storrow's interviews RJ Mozeley, one of McGill's talented wastewater collection and water distribution engineers, on the effects of COVID-19 on utility systems throughout North Carolina. Even though communities are faced with some challenging times, RJ highlights the opportunities available to those operating these systems and reminds us that this is the perfect time to plan, forecast, and re-prioritize for success.

As we wrap up parks and recreation month, we bring on Jim Ford, Parks Planner at McGill, to speak with Gary Jackson, former Asheville City Manager, about what he's learned over the course of the month from discussions with McGill’s parks and recreation clients. Jim shares how local governments have embraced the change associated with the COVID-19 by developing innovative programs to address the difficulties associated with the health crisis, from social distancing on sports fields to registering for events online. We know that Program directors are tackling the difficult realities of having to reduce operational expenditures while leveraging what has become one of the most important resources in this time of social distancing. In this podcast, McGill provides some helpful suggestions and shows the bright spots in the parks and recreation industry.

In this episode, Joel Storrow, Past President of McGill, speaks with Gary Jackson to hear his perspective on the COVID-19 crises based on a successful career of 40 years in city and financial management. Today, managers are asking how to address the uncertainty in city financials, from sales tax revenue to building permits, and how to address the upcoming budget cycle. Given the uncertainty, Gary shares current forecasts and actionable steps you can do today to help navigate through this crises and the uncharted waters ahead.

Our consultants at McGill have over 100 years of collective experience in local government management, including a proven track record for overcoming setbacks from the Great Recession, 9/11, and other difficult times. Together, they have developed six guiding principles for managing through a crisis from their experience. Download the pdf for the helpful advice.

An introduction to the McGill Minute.