In this conversation, Andrew Kleine discusses his journey in local government finance, particularly his experiences in Baltimore during the Great Recession. He emphasizes the importance of innovative budgeting strategies, community engagement, and outcome-based budgeting to effectively manage city finances. Andrew shares insights on the skills necessary for success in local government and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the field. The discussion highlights the impact of local government work on communities and the importance of aligning budgets with community priorities.
Takeaways
- Finance is crucial for the functioning of cities.
- Transitioning from federal to local government can be rewarding.
- Innovative budgeting can help navigate financial crises.
- Community engagement is essential in the budgeting process.
- Outcome-based budgeting aligns financial resources with community priorities.
- Skills in communication and collaboration are vital for budget analysts.
- Local government work has a direct impact on community well-being.
- Taking initiative can lead to significant policy changes.
- Engaging the public in budgeting can make the process more transparent.
- Understanding the whole organization enhances career prospects in local government.