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Exclusive Think Tanks for City Managers and County Administrators

Join a confidential network of peers who understand the unique pressures and challenges you face as a leader.

Conflicting Priorities and goals

Facing the Pressures Alone: Find Support Among Peers

As a City or County Manager, every decision impacts your community. Balancing public expectations, political pressures, and complex responsibilities can feel isolating. Our Think Tanks provide a trusted circle of peers to share insights, build confidence, and tackle challenges together.

Why Join a Think Tank?

Structured, facilitated meetings where city and county managers share challenges, gain insights, and find actionable solutions.

Proactive Learning Advantage

Gain insight into peers’ challenges, allowing strategic preparation without firsthand pitfalls. This approach ensures readiness and effective problem-solving.

Confidentiality & Trust

Address sensitive issues in a secure, supportive environment where confidentiality is upheld, fostering open and honest dialogue with fellow leaders.

Member-Driven Topics

Each member brings a topic or challenge to discuss, ensuring everyone gains insights on a key issue specific to their role.

Personalized Feedback & Solutions

Get tailored feedback from leaders who understand your challenges, offering insights you can apply directly. Leverage collective experience to develop practical solutions for your community.

Support Between Sessions

Access additional support through emergency Think Tank sessions for urgent issues, along with a private online platform for ongoing discussions and advice. This ensures continuous support when you need it most.

Exclusive Network and Community

Connect with peers nationwide in small, 12-member groups that foster deep connections, providing an intimate, supportive community for professional growth.


What Our Members Are Saying

Confidentiality is our top priority. We protect member privacy to ensure a safe space for sharing insights. Here’s what some of our members have to say about their experience. 


How the Think Tank Works

Solve Real Problems. Meet Real Peers. Find Real Solutions.

Virtual City Manager and County Administrator Think Tanks

Confidential, Monthly Virtual Meetings

Join a select group of City and County Managers each month for a 90-minute, confidential session. You’ll have a trusted space to share insights and tackle issues alongside peers who understand your challenges. Guided by a skilled facilitator, each meeting delivers actionable strategies for real-world problems.

Focused, Actionable Insights

Each session is structured to dive deep into specific challenges faced by members, allowing you to walk away with concrete steps and strategies that you can apply directly to your leadership role.

Small Group Dynamics

With no more than 12 members per Think Tank, each session offers an intimate environment where every voice is heard, and relationships are strengthened. This format allows for meaningful conversations and real connection.


Professional Facilitator

Navigating Political Dynamics

Learn strategies for managing relationships with elected officials and adapting to election outcomes. Benefit from collective experiences to handle department head dynamics effectively.


How to Join Think Tank

We offer a simple, no-pressure process for joining our Think Tanks.

1. Schedule a Introductory Call

We’ll discuss your challenges and confirm whether the Think Tank is the right fit for you.

2. Attend a Free Session

Participate in a Think Tank session at no cost to experience our community’s dynamics and value firsthand.

3. De-Brief with Facilitator

After your trial session, meet again with the facilitator to discuss the outcomes of the trial session and decide on long-term participation.

4. Commitment & Membership

Members commit to attending at least 10 sessions per year and upholding confidentiality. Once committed, an invoice finalizes your membership.

Our selective process ensures each Think Tank member is a dedicated city manager or county administrator, committed to leadership and continuous improvement—upholding the high standards that define our Think Tanks.

Get Started with a
Free Introductory Session

Take the First Step Toward Transformative Leadership

Sign up for a free, no-commitment introductory call and discover firsthand how confidential, collaborative discussions can drive real results for City and County Managers like you. See if our Think Tank is the right fit for your leadership journey.

Think Tank FAQs

When are the City Manager and County Administrator Think Tanks?

Think Tanks are scheduled monthly at a set time the same way a council/commission meeting would be. So, for example, one group meets every Third Friday at 2pm.

There are multiple groups already on a set schedule.

Who will be in my Think Tank group?

Your group will have both City Managers and County Administrators from various locations, creating a divergent group perspective. Each County Administrator and City Manager Think Tank is carefully cultivated to ensure diversity within the group while also ensuring quality participants.

Who chooses what will be discussed?

Each City Manager and County Administrator will have the opportunity to bring forward at least one topic, opportunity or problem to discuss each year. This will ensure all members have the opportunity to gain insight on a specific item once a year.

What if I change jobs?

A Think Tank member will be encouraged to continue to participate if in transition or upon securing a position that is not deemed a conflict of interest to the group.

What can I expect from the introductory call?

Our introductory call is a no-pressure, no-commitment opportunity to discover how a Think Tank can support your leadership journey. You’ll get a deeper understanding of what Think Tanks offer, explore how they address challenges unique to your role, and see the kind of support you can expect. It’s your chance to ask questions, learn something new, and see if Think Tank membership might be a good fit. Whether you’re ready to join or simply want to learn more, we’re here to help.

Why confidential Think Tanks?

It has gotten dangerous to talk. This is a significant challenge for any figure who operates in public. People getting canceled or censored is on a significant rise. In local government, residents and staff have publicly released private conversations about challenges within the organization. There has never been a more challenging time to be a city manager or county administrator than it is today.

Our think tanks provide a safe space for these leaders to authentically speak their mind with true vulnerability. Not enough places exist in the world today for county administrators or city managers to be able to do that.

Rob Duncan

Is there support between Think Tanks session.

The Think Tanks community goes beyond monthly meetings, offering continuous support through Emergency Think Tank Sessions for urgent issues—often available within the same day. Members also have access to a private online platform for real-time chat, secure information sharing, and ongoing peer support, fostering open communication and rapid problem-solving between sessions. This comprehensive support system empowers members with immediate resources and expert insights to navigate challenges effectively.

Membership Details:

$99

Per Month/Billed Annually

As a Think Tank member, you’ll gain:

  • ✔ Exclusive Monthly Sessions
    Confidential, facilitated meetings focused on real-time challenges and solutions.
  • ✔ Network of Peers
    Exclusive group of city and county managers who understand your role.
  • ✔ Confidential Support
    A secure space to address sensitive issues.
  • ✔ Ongoing Access
    Emergency sessions and a private online community.

Not Ready to Join?
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Sign up for valuable resources, peer-driven insights, and exclusive community invites to support your leadership journey.

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