Navigating City Finances and Governance

Rick Cole is the chief deputy controller of Los Angeles and a councilmember in Pasadena, California. He’s known for tackling challenging city budgets and has been honored for his work as a public official several times, including with a Excellence in Management Award.

Cole joins Chuck Marohn on this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast to discuss city finances and how they can be improved. Their conversation includes the following topics:

• What does it mean for budgets to be value statements?

• How do you direct city finances in a truly effective way?

• What role should the public play in a city’s financial decisions, and how can city staff and officials enable their productive participation?

• And more!

• Learn more about the Strong Towns approach to finance.

• Rick Cole (LinkedIn)

• Chuck Marohn (Substack)