One of the most challenging things can working with somebody that you only know from that work setting. That is especially the case when the stakes and tensions can run high.

When council members know each other beyond the setting of council meetings, it is easier for them to work together. They can be open and frank and have important discussions that don’t become personal.

Back in 2015 when I was first elected, most members of council had known each other for years. In some cases, they had known each other for decades. Yes, decades.

That is not the case for today’s council, tomorrow’s council, or most councils going forward.

A great way to develop a better working relationship is to hold a retreat. It’s a tool that many communities big and small use.

If elected your mayor, one of the first things I want to do is organize a council retreat.

It’s not something that we have done before, at least not in the past 7 years, so I don’t know exactly what it would involve. Fortunately, there are a lot of smart folks out there who have knowledge about this field and could help us.

Having a functional working relationship is an important base to ensure a function council that can make difficult decisions in a timely fashion.

Let me know what you think! Have you participated in a retreat with your company or organization? Are there any facilitators that you liked?

Thank you for your time, and be well.

-Zach