Books
bY Public sector executives
GREEDY BASTARDS
By Sheryl Sculley
Greedy Bastards recounts Sheryl Sculley’s efforts to turn around San Antonio’s failing city government after she became city manager in 2005. Faced with crumbling infrastructure, poor financial management, vacant executive positions, low public satisfaction, and unsustainable public safety costs, she led a determined effort to save the city from collapse. Sheryl shares her behind-the-scenes strategies for creating solutions to the city’s toughest challenges. Packed with lessons, wins, and setbacks, Greedy Bastards serves as a guide for any city official working to transform a struggling city.
Death of the Public Servant
By Daniel A. Rosemond
Death of a Public Servant tells the true story of a former City Manager who, after 30 years of service, was accused of misconduct, labeled a whistleblower, and publicly terminated. His reputation shattered, he spent six years fighting to clear his name in court. Ultimately, he won a multi-million-dollar jury verdict. This book offers a raw, unfiltered look at the role of local public administrators and exposes the unchecked actions of elected officials. It’s a personal and thought-provoking account that challenges readers to reflect on their civic responsibilities.
The Mayor Married WHO? A look at the lighter side of a 40-year career in city management
By tim casey
The Mayor Married Who? offers a humorous insider’s look at the daily challenges, surprises, and triumphs that local elected officials and administrators face in city and county halls. Through short stories from his 40-year city management career, Tim Casey shares his sense of humor, passion for public service, and compassion for others. Whether you’re a local government official, public administration student, or simply curious about city hall, this book is a fun and insightful read that will leave you smiling.
Strangers and Angels: Finding Family in Unexpected Places
By Gabe Reaume
Strangers and Angels by Gabe Reaume is a collection of heartwarming stories about life, work, and embracing unexpected experiences. From his early days in rural America to an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman, and his rise through his chosen profession, Reaume introduces a cast of memorable characters. This book offers an uplifting look at how hard work and openness to life’s surprises can lead to meaningful connections and unexpected opportunities.
City on the Line
By Andrew Kleine
Former Baltimore budget director, challenges the outdated way governments allocate taxpayer dollars. Blending memoir, manifesto, and manual, the book recounts Baltimore’s shift from traditional line-item budgeting to a results-driven approach focused on improving schools, safety, and neighborhoods during a turbulent decade. It provides a blueprint for elected officials, executives, and citizens to transform budgeting in their cities, states, or any mission-driven organization.
City Management: Keys to Success
By Orville W. Powell
This book provides a comprehensive guide to the rewarding and impactful career of city management. Tackling society’s biggest issues—crime, pollution, urban sprawl, and more—city managers have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities. The book helps readers evaluate city management as a career, outlines the educational and work experience needed, and offers tips for a long and successful career. It also covers handling hate groups, dealing with the media, recognizing trouble signs, navigating job loss, and preparing for retirement. A must-read for aspiring and current public sector managers.
cITY mANAGEMENT sNAPSHOTS: oN THE rUN (tHE bABY bOOMEER’S bETRAYAL sERIES)
By bEN lEITER
City Management Snapshots offers a candid and riveting glimpse into the highs and lows of a 44-year career in municipal government. Through professional-life snapshots, it reveals a world filled with conflict, corruption, betrayal, and scandal, but also courage, heroism, and moments of humanity. From murder and espionage to sex scandals and even a loose monkey, this story captures the chaos and challenges faced in local government. Amidst it all, most days were spent in meetings. It’s a wild ride through the often-overlooked world of city management—dare to take it.
How to Manage a City: A Practitioner’s Perspective
By Ronald L. Olson
How to Manage a City offers an inside look at the profession of city management, a specialized field within public administration. In this book, Mr. Olson shares his management philosophy and lessons learned from his career, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how cities truly function. It explains the role of City Managers, their responsibilities, and how they fit into the broader structure of city governance. Divided into four key areas—leading, advising the City Council, managing city operations, and engaging people—the book is filled with practical insights and personal anecdotes. While city management is not for the faint-hearted, Olson emphasizes the personal rewards and satisfaction that come from serving the community. This book is valuable for both students of public administration and managers in any sector.
On Becoing a City Manager: A Chronicle of Intrigue and Deception
By Carl sTEPHANI AND mARILYN stephani
On Becoming a City Manager tells the true story of a new city manager’s experience during the first years of his tenure. It has garnered praise from top professionals in the field.
The Leaders ToolBox: Applied Concepts of Leadership
By Ted Rogers
The Leaders Toolbox is a concise, practical guide designed for leaders of all levels and industries. Using metaphors to illustrate 23 essential leadership principles, the book offers a quick-reference format that provides clear, actionable insights for enhancing leadership and supervision skills. The author distinguishes leadership as a creative and artistic endeavor, in contrast to the methodical nature of management. Inspiring and direct, this book equips readers with the tools to motivate their teams and unlock their full leadership potential. For more insights, visit the author’s leadership blog at www.toolboxleadership.org.
The Municipal Financial Crisis: A Framework for Understanding and Fixing Government Budgeting
By Mark Moses
City governments are going bankrupt, and even those that aren’t are often in financial chaos. In this groundbreaking book, author Mark Moses, with decades of local government experience, delves deep into the decision-making processes that have led to these crises. Rather than just blaming pensions, leadership, or the economy, Moses reveals that cities are maxing out their budgets by trying to maximize services. This ambitious work, the most radical examination of municipal service delivery since Reinventing Government over 25 years ago, argues that bailouts and trendy budgeting techniques are merely temporary fixes. Moses calls for a disruption in city hall, making this book essential for city council members, government officials, financial analysts, and anyone interested in city policy reform.
Death of the Public Servant
By LeRoy F. Harlow
Without Fear or Favor offers timeless insights into the ethical challenges and dilemmas faced by a city manager in the 1950s and 1960s—many of which are still relevant today. While the ending feels a bit dated, it’s a valuable read for current and aspiring government administrators.
LeRoy F. Harlow, Professor Emeritus at Brigham Young University, had a distinguished career as a city manager in five cities and worked extensively as a management consultant for various government bodies. In addition to Without Fear or Favor, he authored Servants of All and Democracy Efficiently at Work, focusing on improving government operations, integrity, and race relations.
When the Dam Breaks
By John P. Thompson
When The Dam Breaks is a gripping tale of political intrigue and government deceit, past and present, seen through the eyes of veteran city manager Brad Jacks. As he navigates the most controversial private development in his city’s history, Brad uncovers shocking truths about a 1928 disaster and its government cover-up. These revelations challenge his long-held beliefs and threaten his retirement and family secrets.Drawing on his 30-year career in local government, John P. Thompson offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities of city management and community development. Thompson holds degrees in Political Science and Urban Studies, and lives in Northern California with his wife, Diane, enjoying travel and time with their five grandchildren.
