{"id":455,"date":"2026-07-14T10:30:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phonelive.io\/blog\/?p=455"},"modified":"2026-07-14T14:47:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T19:47:20","slug":"gfg_ep91","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phonelive.io\/blog\/gfg_ep91\/","title":{"rendered":"The Journey of a City Administrator (with Jeff Fiegenschuh) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 91"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Jeff Fiegenschuh, the City Administrator of Washington, Illinois. They discuss Jeff’s journey into local government, the dynamics of working in smaller communities, and the challenges faced during unexpected events like COVID-19. Jeff shares insights on the importance of budgeting as a policy tool, the impact of community projects, and the significance of transparency and collaboration in local government. He also offers advice for those considering a career in public service, emphasizing the importance of relationship building and mentorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to explore your own local government career options?<\/strong> Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https:\/\/icma.org\/documents\/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Local government careers can impact communities positively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Service and community involvement are key motivators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Working in smaller communities allows for diverse responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. COVID-19 presented unique challenges for local governments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Successful projects leave lasting impacts on communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Budgeting is a strategic priority plan for local governments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Infrastructure planning is crucial for long-term community health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Transparency and communication are vital for community trust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Building relationships is essential for effective governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Mentorship can guide new professionals in local government.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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