Local government work happens through conversations.

Staff meetings. Council workshops. Community engagement sessions. Project teams. Cross-department initiatives.

Every day, local government professionals are asked to bring people together, navigate different perspectives, and move important work forward. Yet many leaders are asked to do so without formal training on how to structure discussions, encourage participation, and manage the dynamics that happen when people come together.

The Everyday Facilitation Series, developed in partnership with and led by EverStrive Solutions, is designed to provide local government professionals with practical tools and strategies they can apply immediately in their day-to-day work.

This series focuses on real-world application: how to prepare for conversations, guide discussions effectively, adjust when challenges arise, and create environments where groups can work together toward meaningful outcomes.

About the Series

Through three interactive sessions, participants will learn how to design intentional conversations, keep discussions productive, and adapt their approach based on the needs of the group. Each session includes examples from real local government environments, practical resources, and opportunities to apply facilitation techniques to common situations leaders experience every day.

This online workshop cohort is limited to 50. Only one participant per registration. 

Who Should Attend

This series is designed for local government professionals who lead conversations, including:

• City and county managers
• Assistant managers and administrators
• Department leaders and supervisors
• Project managers
• Emerging leaders
• Community engagement professionals
• Anyone responsible for bringing people together, guiding discussions, or moving projects forward can benefit from stronger facilitation skills.

Sessions and Schedule

Wednesday, July 29 | Session 1: Designing & Planning Conversations That Work

Focus: How to structure discussions so they lead to clear outcomes

Great conversations begin before the meeting starts.

This session focuses on how to intentionally design conversations instead of reacting in the moment. Participants will learn how to:

• Identify the purpose and desired outcome of a conversation
• Structure agendas that support productive discussion
• Choose facilitation approaches based on the group and situation
• Create opportunities for meaningful participation
  

Wednesday, August 5 | Session 2: Keeping the Conversation Going

Focus: Managing group dynamics, building energy, and maintaining productive dialogue

Even the best-planned conversations require adjustment. This session builds facilitation confidence in real time by focusing on what happens once a conversation is underway, including how to:

• Build participation and engagement
• Manage different communication styles and group dynamics
• Navigate disagreement or challenging moments
• Redirect conversations while maintaining trust
  

Wednesday, August 12 | Session 3: Practice & Pivots Lab

Focus: Applying facilitation skills in real-world scenarios that require real-time adjustment

This hands-on workshop is the true test of facilitation skill. Participants apply what they’ve learned in realistic scenarios that introduce constraints, curveballs, and competing dynamics - the same conditions facilitators face in actual meetings, workshops, and public discussions. Through guided practice and feedback, participants strengthen their ability to stay grounded, responsive, and effective even when conversations do not unfold as planned.

About EverStrive Solutions

EverStrive Solutions is a public sector consulting firm founded by former local government leaders who have spent their careers serving communities and supporting the local government profession.

Before becoming consultants, the EverStrive team served as city managers, assistant city managers, department leaders, and trusted advisors within local government organizations. As longtime ICMA members and practitioners, they bring a deep understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and dynamics local government professionals navigate every day. Today, EverStrive partners with communities and organizations across the country “turn big ideas into a whole lotta get it done” through strategic planning, organizational support, and team and board workshop and retreats. 

The Everyday Facilitation Series is led by Meredith Hauck, EverStrive Solutions CEO and Co-Founder. Meredith is a former assistant city manager, certified executive coach, and experienced facilitator who has worked with local governments and professional organizations across the country. She is supported by the full EverStrive team, bringing decades of combined experience in local government leadership, facilitation, human resources, mediation, and organizational development.