Local Gov Life

Stockton, California, became a symbol of finacial disaster when the combination of a downward spiraling economy and politically expedient decisions led to a highly publicized Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing 2012. The upheaval caused by this crisis affected city staff members and residents and as City Manager Kurt Wilson put it, led to literally life and death decisions in some cases. Wilson describes how the crisis came about, and what steps were required for the city to become financially viable again, in this podcast based on a session held at the ICMA West Coast Summit last March. Wilson explains that in navigating any crisis, a calm, steady presence can help alleviate the anxiety, confusion, and fear that is pervasive when the outcomes are unknown. He also suggests that experience is the best teacher in leading an organization through any type of disaster. While the effects of the bankruptcy will be felt for many years to come, Stockton was able to emerge from bankruptcy two years ago. In fact, the city is no