Note: April 2021 We first published this piece during the first wave of the pandemic, before any news of a vaccine or substantial federal aid. During this time, Azavar's founder, Jason Perry, remained hopeful that local governments would weather this economic and social storm.

Through programs such as the American Rescue Plan, local governments are receiving support that can turn into short-term stability and long-term strategic investments. Uncertainty is still present, but local governments are more in control of revenue than just a few months ago. However, this piece still has valuable lessons and predictions from a long-time partner to local governments. 

We are all trying to make sense of the current moment, personally, socially, and economically. While we are still at the beginning of what the events of 2020 will mean for society at large, we are starting to discern what the core challenges are—even if we don’t quite see a way to navigate them yet.

As the head of a professional-services firm focused on the needs of local governments, I’m challenged to see this time through the eyes of civic leaders. People like my father, who was a city manager in Illinois, as well as our hundreds of clients. This time presents unique opportunities for local governments and I’ve arrived at a three-prong approach as to how these leaders can take on these issues.