In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Rosa Acosta, the city clerk of South San Francisco. Rosa shares her 25-year journey in local government, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community engagement. She discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the transition to virtual meetings and enhancing public records access. Rosa also reflects on her role as a Latina leader and the impact of mentorship on her career. In this conversation, Rosa Govea Acosta discusses the integration of technology in city services, the essential skills required for a city clerk, the importance of ADA compliance, her passion for community service, and pathways for citizens to engage in local government. She emphasizes the need for collaboration, adaptability, and a purpose-driven approach in public service.
Takeaways
- Rosa has 25 years of experience in local government.
- Her journey began as an office specialist and progressed to city clerk.
- Education and experience are crucial for career growth in local government.
- Transparency in local government is a primary goal for Rosa.
- COVID-19 posed significant challenges for local government operations.
- Enhancing public records access was a key project during her tenure.
- Rosa’s experience as a Latina leader has inspired her community.
- Mentorship has played a vital role in Rosa’s career development.
- Community engagement is essential for effective local governance.
- Rosa aims to bridge the gap between local government and the community. Integrating technology is crucial for modern city services.
- Collaboration among departments enhances service delivery.
- Parks and Recreation is a key department for community inquiries.
- A city clerk must be open-minded and have integrity.
- It’s impossible to make everyone happy, but meeting needs is essential