What does it take for a town to truly connect with its residents in today's world? In Episode 47 of the Town Manager Download, join Kevin and Taylor as they take a deep dive into Shrewsbury, Massachusetts's fascinating journey of communication and engagement over the past four years. Discover how they've balanced the ever-evolving expectations of their community with the crucial need for fiscal responsibility, all while working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes. Get ready for valuable insights and the key lessons learned along the way.

In episode 45 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Fire Chief Seth Colby to detail his leadership transition, the department's strategic plan driven by community feedback, and the evolving landscape of modern firefighting. He emphasizes priorities like enhanced public communication, expanded education, and continuous professional development while maintaining the department's core values.

In Episode 44, Kevin and Taylor continue their insightful conversation with Kristina Ordung, focusing on Shrewsbury's innovative approach to employee benefits. Discover how Shrewsbury became the first local government in Massachusetts to offer comprehensive Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) for non-union employees, positioning the Town as a competitive employer in the region. The episode covers how these changes support work-life balance, improve retention, and keep the Town ahead in the evolving public sector landscape.

In Episode 43 of The Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor sit down with Kristina Ordung, Shrewsbury's Human Resources Director, to explore Shrewsbury’s shift from a longevity-based pay model to a performance-based appraisal system designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent. Learn how this transformation is shaping a high-performing workforce and aligning employee success with the Town’s strategic goals.

In Episode 42 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor are joined by Chris Roy, General Manager of SELCO, and Joel Malaver, Director of Broadband Technologies for SELCO, to discuss SELCO’s Fiber to the Home Initiative and fiber infrastructure in general.

In Episode 40 of the Town Manager Download, Kevin and Taylor discuss the 2024 Fall Special Town Meeting warrant and the articles that will be voted on by the Town’s legislative body, Town Meeting.