by Mary Egan | Apr 15, 2026 | Governance & Strategy
When City Council meetings break down, it’s often in predictable ways: Members fall into repetition, discussion drifts from topic to topic, the loudest voices in the room dominate the discussion, and decision-making stalls. A Council that can’t—or won’t—hold...
by Mary Egan | Dec 8, 2025 | Leadership Development & Support
Dear Mary, I’m a newly appointed City Manager, and lately I’ve noticed a pattern in my own behavior: When problems come in fast—particularly from Council members—I tend to respond by quickly and decisively taking action. It’s efficient, but I’m starting to realize it...
by Mary Egan | Oct 30, 2025 | Leadership Development & Support
Ask Mary is an advice column for public sector leaders hosted by MRG Co-Founder and CEO Mary Egan. In today’s column, Mary responds to a question received at the Annual MMANC Conference 2025 in Monterey, CA. Dear Mary, I work in a City Manager’s office and oversee...
by Mary Egan | Oct 13, 2025 | Leadership Development & Support
Dear Mary, Our City Manager is retiring. He has been a great leader (from my perspective). He’s also been a champion for several initiatives that are still underway that are important to our community and won us a lot of credibility. I worry that these initiatives...
by Mary Egan | Sep 15, 2025 | Human Resources Services
This is Ask Mary, an advice column dedicated to helping public sector leaders address common issues and challenges with grace, humility and wit. In this column, MRG CEO and founding partner Mary Egan offers her unique perspective and wisdom honed over two decades of...
