Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio, the official podcast of the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC). This podcast is your go-to resource for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and community stories that go beyond our MISAC Connect forum.
Allen (00:01.592)
Hello, Mesak community, and welcome to another episode of Mesak Connect Audio. Also known in some circles as the Lying Podcast, as I've continued to do so saying that we'd have regular episodes. Those days are coming, I promise you. but until then, yeah, please call me call me a liar. and hopefully we can keep the name of the Connect Audio podcast the way it is. All that to say.
We are now just days away from the twenty twenty six MESAC annual conference in Monterey. The countdown has officially begun. Well well for me, maybe for others earlier and maybe even others later this week because some of us, you know, we're so busy that it's like, yeah, I got the conference coming up. Anyway, very soon, MESAC members, partners, technology leaders from across California and beyond.
We'll welcome together for several days of learning, collaboration, and those valuable conversations that could only happen when our community gathers in one place. A place that is bursting at the seams. we are definitely growing. And I am wondering if this might be the last time we can meet at the location that we're at this year. I just don't even see how we're going to
not have to begin looking for larger venues. That said, whether this is your first MiSec conference or one of many, now's the time to start looking over the agenda. Plan those sessions you want to attend and start thinking about those people you want to connect with. Well while we're together, I'm especially looking forward to catching up with some members and recording some conversations from the conference for future episodes of Mesec Connect. If not dropping live
during it. We'll see how that goes. But this year I'm I'm planning to do a little bit of a man on the street style interview from the conference. So if you see me walking around with a microphone, don't be surprised. I may ask you to share a quick thought about what you're learning, what brought you to the conference, or what Miesec means to you. these will be brief, informal conversations, not full-length interviews. My hope is to capture some of the energy at the conference.
Allen (02:27.019)
And allow more Mesak voices to be heard on the podcast other than my nasally drone.
So before we all arrive in Monterey, just wanted to provide some timely updates. And a very important one and near and dear to my heart is the Mesak Connect is now in your pocket. Yes, if you haven't heard the news, Mesak Connect recently moved to Higher Logic's newer Thrive platform. And Mesat Connect now has its mobile app. I I I won't say now, it previously had one.
but those who've heard me quote this, I'll I am not shy to share that share this. It was what I would call a flaming turd. so I apologize for that, but it is it is what it was, and it is amazing now. This subs
Well, let me get to the app in a sec, because also what we have is an updated website. Super cleaner, modern interface, along with some improvements designed to make it easier to participate in the Mesat community. So members can see the latest discussions from communities in one place, participate discussions and questions and answer exchanges, access shared resources and community libraries, and more easily search for relevant content. So
The updated platform also provides some enhanced notifications in community digest, gives members more control over how to keep up with the activity on Mesac Connect. So, as I mentioned, along with that updated website, is the mobile app. It's for both iPhone and Android devices. I have always maintained that we needed to take a page out of the big social media companies and
Allen (04:22.135)
Have an effective and valuable, more efficient app that is in your pock pocket. And I think in doing so, it should push forward the engagement. So the app does allow members to keep up with discussions, respond to other members, access community resources, and receive notifications without needing to sit down at a computer. so this is great. You're standing in that line at your favorite coffee place.
Pull that phone out and give a like to which I notice you can now do very easily on the within the app. So to download, just search search Mesat Connect in the App Store, or your Google Play Store. I noticed there were zero stars on the app rating. So how about give them some five stars there too?
So when you get the app, go to your account tab, sign in using your existing MESAC credentials. You only need to complete that initial sign in process the first time you use the app. And that was the barrier to entry with the previous one that you had to log in with your left foot off the ground, giving your checking account number. It was very difficult. So this one's gonna be a lot easier.
There'll be no friction for you to participate in the Connect forum. So please do while you're there, take a moment, review your profile and your notification settings. That'll get the information you want without being overwhelmed by notifications you may not need. For now, the app is primarily focused on the MESAC Connect community. However, the mobile platform also creates opportunities to add more MESAC content.
Notification, events, resources, and other member services in the future. So, most importantly, download the app, log in, and join the conversation. like any professional community, Mesat Connect becomes way more valuable as more of us participate. Its value comes from members asking questions, sharing their experiences, and responding when they have information that might help another agency.
Allen (06:45.707)
You may have a question that someone else already had worked through. Just as importantly, you may have the answer. A lesson learned, maybe a sample policy. vendor experiences are always nice. that another Musec member may maybe need or is looking for. So it only gets better when every question is asked, every solution shared, and every member who joins the conversation. So quick shout out to my
fellow colleagues with the communications committee with this effort and more importantly with Scott Sauwin who did all the heavy lifting and all the thanks and kudos go to him for driving that car home. So let's let's see what's hot on me Sat Connect. So now we've talked about it, you know, the new platform, the mobile app
Let's look at some of the conversations there. The first one is Microsoft Publisher. It's approaching the end of support, and members are comparing replacement options. Some organizations have already provided tools, you know, like Adobe InDesign, to their power users, while others are considering more accessible or lower cost alternatives like Canva and Adobe Express. However, the conversation is a useful reminder to identify who is still using Publisher.
I think there's still many. and based from what I'm seeing in the forum that still exist. And as many are finding out, those publisher files don't convert over very well. So
Allen (08:33.473)
This is the kind of transition that can look relatively simple until a department discovers that it has years of newsletters, brochures, forms, or other materials stored in a format it can no longer easily maintain. So if your organization has not started that inventory and that conversation, this is more than a good time to do it. it the expiration date is coming up.
Another hot topic is discussions focused around the California Senate Bill 122, and it's a tit the anticipated taxation of digital software beginning January 1st, 2027. Yep, right in the middle of our physical years. so members are reviewing their software inventories, contacting vendors, and bringing purchasing, finance, and legal teams into conversation for public agencies with significant software.
subscription and cloud service spending, this could have a meaningful budget and procurement impact.
The discussion is helping members compare how other agencies are preparing and what questions they are asking their vendors. I know that in planning our agenda for our chapter meeting at the conference, this is a topic that we'll be sharing and talking about and strategizing. So it's something that we all need to consider, considering the the the the budget impacts that many of us are under right now.
There's also an interesting organizational discussion about the relationship between IT and the public information or communications functions. So as agencies adopt more AI enabled systems, responsibilities surrounding technology, data governance, security records, content, public communications are increasingly overlapping. So one of the questions raised is whether it makes sense for a public information function to report through IT.
Allen (10:37.409)
Particularly in a smaller organization where the two areas may already share responsibility for websites, applications, data, accessibility, and digital communications.
members are also discussing different organization models, including the potential advantages and challenges of placing those functions together or intentionally keeping them separate while creating a stronger working partnership. Members are exchanging experiences with managed security service providers or MSSPs. That discussion includes services such as vulnerability management, penetration testing, and other security functions.
That can supplement an agency's internal resources or existing managed service provider. As usual, members aren't just looking for vendor names, they're looking for candid feedback about service quality, responsiveness, value, and overall satisfaction. These conversations demonstrate exactly why Mesak Connect is so valuable. Chances are another California public agency is already working through an issue similar to yours.
With that new mobile app, it is now even easier to follow these conversations, contribute your own experience, and ask follow-up questions wherever you are. So please do. I it I know what it's like to post something out there to not getting any responses. And what I tried to do as much as I can as a member of the communications committee is keep the conversations going and stimulated and
get that feedback in there. So please visit that and help a brother or a sister out.
Allen (12:28.811)
Moving on to this next topic. So the idea committee has announced and shared that we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. So from set from September 15th through October 15th, MESAC joins communities across the country in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to recognize and honor the rich histories, diverse cultures.
And invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. As I mentioned, this message is shared out by the idea committee, and it highlights this year's theme: Bonidos somos más. Or Together We Are More. So I probably said that second part better than the first part. But that is the theme. The theme reminds us that unity can be a powerful catalyst for progress.
The Hispanic and Latino experience includes many different countries, cultures, traditions, and individual stories from ancestral indigenous roots to generations of immigrants and United States born leaders. While those experiences are diverse, they're also connected by values such as resilience, family, service, creativity, and a strong belief in opportunity. Those values certainly resonate within public sector technology.
Our best work is built through collaboration, different perspectives, and a shared commitment to serving our communities. We are better leaders and better organizations when we take the time to listen to and learn from experiences that may differ from our own. So, during Hispanic Heritage Month, MISEC encourages members to recognize, learn from, and celebrate the impact of our Hispanic and Latino colleagues and neighbors, Unidos Somos Mast.
Together our impact is greater. Hey, we wanted recognize a MESAC member. let's take a moment to recognize MESAC member Roland Cornbough, CG CIO, director of technology for the city of Santa Bern Bernardino. not we just learned that he actually has moved over to the city of Victorville.
Allen (14:50.881)
But Roland contributed a chapter to the third edition of PTI's book, CIO Leadership for Cities and Counties: Emerging Trends and Practices. The book is also being used as part of the Certified Government Chief Information Officer, or CGI CIO program. Roland's chapter is titled The New Reality: When Technology Leadership Becomes Change Management. It explores why change management has become one of the most important leadership responsibilities.
Of the modern CIO. This is certainly a timely subject MESEC members. Selecting and implementing technology is often only just a piece of the challenge. Helping an organization understand, adopt, and sustain the resulting change is where leadership really comes into play. We have technology projects can affect business processes, workplace expectations, organization culture.
And how employees serve the public. Even an excellent techno technical solution can struggle if people do not understand why the change is happening or feel prepared to use it. Rowland also joined PTI senior fellow Alan Shark for a simulcast, discussing his background, his motivation for writing a chapter, and the evolving relationship between technology leadership and organizational change.
congratulations to Roland on this accomplishment and for representing the MESAC community. If you'd like to hear this conversation, we'll include the link to the podcast in the episode show notes. So, in closing, see you in Monterey. That brings us back right where we started. The MESAC annual conference is now only days away. So if you're attending,
Take a few minutes before you leave to review the program, identify the sessions most relevant to you, and think about the members, partners, and presenters you'd like to meet. It's a it is going to be big, largest one ever. So some game planning is important. And while you're at it, this would be a great time to download the Mesat Connect app. Sign in, update your profile, familiarize yourself with the new platform. There is also a conference app.
Allen (17:14.195)
That will be important as well. So be sure to down that. I believe the instructions to do so are being sent to your inbox if they're not already there. looking forward to seeing everyone in Monterey reconnecting with some familiar faces, meeting some new members, and hearing what is happening across our MESAC community. So, and again, if you see me carrying a microphone, come say hello.
I'd love to hear from what you're learning, what you're working on, and what you value about being part of Mesek. And we'll have some of those conversations featured in upcoming episodes, allowing us to share a little bit about the conference experience with the broader community. So safe travels. I will see you in Monterey. Thank you for listening to Mesek Connect Audio.
By the way, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most major podcast platforms. You can also listen through the podcast page on the Mesac website. So until next time, stay connected, keep sharing, and continue moving public sector technology forward.