Terms and Conditions II
The relentless self-centered lust for power over, dominance of, people, places and the resources they represent is inherently destructive. Quests for a god like form of control, one that elevates your every desire and whim and seeks to ensure your every impulse becomes a commandment – well, that hunger for control exists a bit in […]
Beginnings and Endings
Today I will begin a new chapter – and I’m looking forward to it. It has been rewarding to serve as the City of Houston’s Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer. And to work on important projects aimed at making Houston safer for everyone. The task of enhancing the resilience of this region is not […]
Why Government Matters
Since the launch of the Department of Government Efficiency, I’ve been meaning to write a piece about, well, “government efficiency.” For those people who have had the privilege to work in the public sector, we know the breadth and depth of the challenges that our country faces and the commitment to service that enables public […]
Good Morning
Today is another full day of work and challenges. In a weird way I’m looking forward to it all. In another way my brain is saying “for goodness sake, you should be in your garden. What is all this stressful working nonsense?” Working at the city is a huge challenge. The biggest adjustment and most […]
Community Development and Engagement
Keith Downey always has something good to share – because he’s busy setting an example for everyone who cares about neighborhoods and community. Keith’s advice regarding the activation of the City of Houston Superneighborhood organization is so important. As people seek to interact with city government, using the available structures matters. When ideas and feedback […]
Angels and Hogs
Growing older comes with nine kinds of losses. I often find myself sad. Unaccountably sad. Inexplicably sad. The rate of loss is such that I can’t quite keep up with the mourning. And then I remember. None of this was meant to last forever. I remember infinity and that there are angels amongst us. People […]
Resilience and Strength.
What do they mean? Houston is seen as resilient. As a city. As a feature of our identity. As I explore the ways we need to become stronger and better protect ourselves from inevitable upheaval, I ground myself in climate realities and accept the uncertainty that comes with our position on the Gulf Coast and […]
Deficit Based Systems and Determination
This is a long post – take your time or just pass by. I’m learning a new role and trying to understand how to get things done in an arena that is irrational. Cynics say a lot about government. Some think we deliberately under-resource it so it can’t be effective. Others think it’s all mediocre […]
Serving Houston
Dear Social Sector Leaders, I have stopped calling you “nonprofit” leaders because what kind of nonsense category is that? I am going to “out” you right now. Not by name. But here’s what you say over the late night calls, or after a glass of wine, or when you are so worn out you can’t […]
Handle Your Elephants
This past month I’ve been working like mad to pull together reports and proposals for clients. I have a small team and we’re all buzzing. There’s building a business and then there’s doing the business. I love all of it. especially my purpose now – to support leaders in the arena – People hire me […]