One of the biggest surprises I’ve encountered over the years watching local governments operate is how often they function without a focused plan. I don't mean the kind of chaos that arises from clashing personalities or political disagreements. That’ll happen from time-to-time. What I’m talking about is the absence of structure, direction, or vision in some village, town, or county governments. It’s shocking how frequently residents are left scratching their heads asking, What exactly did we just watch? How did we get here?
And yet, that lack of direction is often met with more cynicism than reform. The trend these days is to dismiss government wholesale as “bad” or “ineffective.” But that’s a poor strategy. If anything, it's a defeatist one. The truth is, effective local government is the closest thing we have to “power by the people.” And where it works, it doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders plan. They set goals, communicate their vision, and follow through. They build communities that not only function well but are prepared to weather inevitable challenges, whether it's a question or statement on social media that goes locally-viral or a contentious topic at a meeting.
The difference is palpable between communities that plan and those that don’t.
People notice when planning works.
Communities that thrive are often led by boards and councils that understand the value of consistent, structured planning. This can take the form of comprehensive plans, project lists, or goal-setting exercises led by elected officials. The common thread is the process: Leaders setting objectives, communicating those objectives, executing them, and then keeping their communities updated along the way. When this happens, residents might not always show up at meetings or flood inboxes with praise, but their silence often indicates trust.
Of course, it’s easy for elected leaders to fall into the trap of assuming that trust is permanent. I've heard many say, “Well, if people cared, they’d show up to meetings.” But here’s the thing: No one cares until they do. And in an era where misinformation can spread in seconds, the absence of clear communication can quickly snowball into chaos. Communities that have clear, transparent plans are better equipped to manage these moments.
Unfortunately, for those that don't, the opposite is true. The lack of planning and communication turns every issue into a flashpoint. Public meetings become spectacles, social media turns into a battleground, and misinformation wins the day. These communities often fall into a pattern of “hero governance” where one or two charismatic figures attempt to carry the load. That can work, for a while. But eventually, even the strongest “hero” gets worn down by the demands of governing without structure.
There’s a line from The Dark Knight that sums it up best: “You either die a hero or you live long enough to become the villain.” Hero governance works—until it doesn’t.
Don’t set yourself up for failure.
This is why my message to anyone in local government is simple: Stop winging it. Develop a plan. Communicate it clearly and often. Track your progress and share your results.
This isn’t just about making life easier for your board members or your staff (though it will). It’s about ensuring your community can trust you to lead effectively. For too long, government communication has leaned on the outdated belief that “less is more.” That may have worked decades ago, but today, when everyone has a microphone and a platform, it’s a recipe for disaster. If you aren’t telling your community what’s going on, someone else will—and odds are, they won’t have the full story.
So, lean into your strengths. Be proactive. And most importantly, lead.
Good governance isn’t flashy. It doesn’t make headlines. But over time, it builds something far more valuable: Communities that trust their leaders to guide them through both success and crisis. That’s how you break the cycle of chaos. That’s how you win the long game. That’s how you make communities better.
In Case You Missed It
A couple weeks ago I wrote about the devastating fire in downtown Ovid, which destroyed an important part of South Seneca’s economy. It was one of the most-read columns this newsletter has produced to date. So, for that—thanks! And, if you haven’t given it a read—tap the link right below.
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