This week's guest is Lynn Ward, Chief of Staff for Long Beach’s First District Councilmember. With areas of expertise that encompass public policy, community engagement and campaigns, crisis communications, as well as overseeing large projects, teams, and operations, Ward is the perfect person to speak with about what local government work really entails. She and Dr. Amy Cabrera Rasmussen cover how meaningful work can be when we do it in the places we know best—our neighborhoods, communities, and cities. While no day is the same in this field, Ward shares a glimpse of her duties, which can include everything from administrative work—scheduling, briefings, agendas-- to interacting with city leads to take care of constituent casework like dealing with potholes and trash-- as well as community engagement in every setting imaginable. Listening to Ward explain the complexities of local government and the role of staff members is eye-opening and inspiring, including how local legislative leaders and their staff are making a difference on timely policy issues such as protecting tenants amidst ongoing gentrification, getting measures in place to mitigate pollution from goods movement, and more. Along the way, Ward shares her path into local government and how showing up consistently can help folks to find their way into their own unique professional path. The two also discuss that while work-life balance is always a challenge, it is something one can see progress in as they build their career. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand how government works or who wants to imagine their own start or pivot into such a role.

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Please note: The content shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, legal, or medical advice. Listeners should consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.