Well Run Cities Overview
This program equips City Councils with the essential tools and training to govern effectively, reduce risk, and to support a sustainable future. Through regional training events, council retreats, and resources (including training and online toolkits) it supports stable leadership, informed decision-making, and the protection of municipal assets.
These services are offered with a clear focus: well-managed cities and towns experience fewer claims, and when claims do occur, their costs are significantly lower. This helps preserve the financial strength of the risk pool, benefiting all participating members.
It's not just about training – it's about protecting the city, supporting good governance, and reducing liability and financial risk which are the three pillars of the program:
The Program Offers
- Sample policies like a Council Handbook, onboarding process, personnel policies, financial reserves to maintain stability
- Online toolkit that includes best practices and examples from member municipalities, and sample policies for each of the three pillars
- Online training for each of the three program pillars to promote continuous learning throughout the year
Our Why
Why Council Leadership Matters: Setting the Tone for Operations and the Community
The governing body of a city, its mayor and council, set the direction for everything that follows. Through policy decisions, budget priorities, and the values they model, elected officials define the expectations for how city operations are carried out and how citizens experience their local government. When the governing body is aligned, informed, and forward-thinking, it creates a stable foundation for city staff to perform effectively and for residents to trust and engage with their government.
Strong governance sets the tone for:
- Accountability – Ensuring that policies are clear, fair, and consistently applied.
- Operational Focus – Empowering staff with the direction and tools needed to execute their work effectively.
- Community Confidence – Building public trust through transparency, responsiveness, and good stewardship.
- Risk Reduction – Minimizing legal, financial, and reputational exposure by providing clear boundaries and priorities.
In short, when councils lead well, cities run well—and everyone benefits.
How Governing Bodies Manage Risk
1. Through Policy-Making
- Sets expectations for behavior, safety, ethics, and operations.
- Adopts ordinances and resolutions that clarify how the city must function.
- Approves employee handbooks and operational policies that guide risk-related areas like HR, public safety, procurement, and finance.
- Establishes codes (building, zoning, nuisance) to protect public safety and reduce liability.
Example: Adopting a sewer maintenance policy and funding schedule reduces the risk of backups and claims.
2. Through Budget Authority
- Approves funding for risk-reducing items (training, insurance, equipment, inspections).
- Ensures reserve funds exist for emergencies and claims.
- Allocates funds for legal compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and safety programs.
Example: Funding police body cams or HR training helps mitigate claims of misconduct or discrimination.
3. Through Hiring and Oversight
- Appoints and evaluates the city manager or administrator, who oversees daily operations.
- Sets the tone at the top by modeling ethical and professional conduct.
- Holds the city manager accountable for managing departments, personnel, and compliance.
Example: A council that supports professional staff and refrains from micromanaging helps create stable, lower-risk operations.
4. Through Legal Compliance and Transparency
- Follows the Open Meeting and Open Records Acts.
- Works closely with legal counsel to ensure decisions meet state and federal law.
- Encourages transparency and documentation in decisions and public communication.
Example: Properly noticing meetings and making decisions in public reduces the risk of lawsuits and mistrust.
5. Through Community Engagement
- Listens to public concerns and responds appropriately.
- Builds trust by explaining decisions and including the community in planning.
- Sets expectations for fairness and equity in how services are delivered.
Example: Engaging the public in zoning or code enforcement changes reduces conflict and potential litigation.
In Summary
The governing body manages risk by:
- Ordinances and policies that prevent problems.
- Funding risk reduction efforts.
- Empowering professionals to do their jobs.
- Monitoring compliance.
- Creating a culture of accountability and trust.
When councils lead with clarity, professionalism, and purpose, the city becomes safer, more stable, and less vulnerable to costly claims or crises.
