This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast with host Jim Hunt talks to Mike Conduff, former City Manager and consultant about finances for cities and towns after COVID. NLC research shows virtual all cities surveyed expect a shortfall in revenue due to COVID Ad valorem taxes and the impact of the sudden drop off How rainy day funds can impact bond rating and much more How the City Manager, Finance Director and Elected Officials work together to get through to the other side What is the best way to deal with staffing, hiring freezes and current staff What is the most important role of city government? How decisions can impact union contracts, employee handbooks and other commitments of the city/town Utilize colleagues to help if you're in a difficult situation (NLC, ICMA or State Municipal League) The importance of establishing relationships before the need arises National League of Cities, Cities Are Essential Program  Special Mentions: International City Manager Association (ICMA) National League of Cities (NLC) Clarence Anthony, CEO & Executive Director of NLC 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: On Target Board Member: https://www.amazon.com/OnTarget-Board-Member-Indisputable-Behaviors/dp/097948751X NLC Cities are Essential Program: https://www.nlc.org/article/cities-are-essential-new-campaign-calls-for-immediate-direct-funding-to-support-local-covid http://TheElimGroup.com/ AmazingCities.org LocalGovPodcasts.com  About Mike Conduff:  Michael A. (Mike) Conduff is the President & CEO of The Elim Group, a motivational speaking and organizational consulting firm. Mike has extensive leadership, management and governance experience, having served as the City Manager of four different University communities, and most recently as the City Manager of Denton, Texas. Denton is the home of The University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Located in the dynamic North Texas Corridor, Denton is an innovative and rapidly growing community of 110,000. Prior to assuming the City Manager’s position in Denton in May 2001, Mike was a nine-year City Manager of Bryan, Texas, a 1998 & 1999 All-America City Finalist and the birthplace of Texas A&M University. Before he came to Texas, Mike served as City Manager in Manhattan, Kansas, home of Kansas State University, for five years. He also served as City Manager of Pittsburg, Kansas, home of Pittsburg State University, for 5½ years.   Mr. Conduff earned his B.S. in civil engineering at the University of New Hampshire, graduating Cum Laude. His M.B.A. is from Pittsburg State University. He is also a charter graduate of the Carver Policy Governance® Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, and serves on the Board of Directors and as Secretary of the International Policy Governance® Association. Mike’s clients have included the International City Management Association, The National League of Cities Leadership Training Institute, The National Council on Planned Giving, The Community Associations Institute and many cities, associations, and other non-profit and for-profit corporations. He is the co-author of The OnTarget Board Member – 8 Indisputable Behaviors a book about highly effective board members, and The Policy Governance® Fieldbook, a book on the practical applications of Policy Governance®. He is a frequent keynote speaker at professional and civic events. His is working on another book, Democracy at the Doorstep – True Stories from the Green Beret of Public Administrators. He has published numerous articles in national publications on topics as diverse as neighborhood empowerment to citizen linkages in the governance process.   Mr. Conduff is a Fellow of the prestigious National Academy of Public Administration, a member of Who’s Who Worldwide, and a Paul Harris Fellow in