MuniSquare

January 31, 2025

MuniSquare: An introduction - with Nancy J Hess and John Diamond

<p>This is a private link. </p><h3><strong>Introducing MuniSquare: A New Space for Thought and Dialogue</strong></h3><p>I’m excited to introduce you to a new venture launching in the next few weeks. You’re among the first to hear about it, and I’d love to invite you to be part of its early formation.</p><p>Since starting the <strong>Pioneering Change Community</strong>, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and connecting with incredible people. One of my greatest challenges, however, has been the inability to create continuity—an ongoing space where ideas can evolve and build upon one another. I want to go deeper, foster richer discussions, and develop a more cohesive body of thought.</p><p>That’s where <strong>MuniSquare</strong> comes in.</p><p>While the Pioneering Change Community remains the heart of my work, MuniSquare will expand into a new publication community on <strong>Substack</strong>. Already, about 20 contributors from around the world have signed on—many of them past podcast guests. This growing network includes professional managers, academics, agency directors across various service areas, and consultants working in adjacent fields.</p><p>We’ve been preparing for this launch for months, and we’re almost there. But before the official rollout, I’d love for you to be part of the early community.</p><p>🔹 <strong>To get started, visit:</strong> <a href="https://munisquare.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://munisquare.substack.com/</a></p><p>You won’t see much there just yet, but in the coming weeks, we’ll introduce contributors and their ideas. I hope you’ll be ready to engage.</p><p>At MuniSquare, we’ll explore key issues in local government while also widening the conversation to include broader cultural and societal themes. And yes, a little politics—but always with the goal of understanding fundamental issues rather than getting lost in partisan noise.</p><p>For now, I’ll continue writing this newsletter because it feels like home. I wouldn’t be venturing into this new space without you, and my goal is to bridge local government insights with a wider audience—helping people outside the field better understand the systems that shape their communities.</p><h3><strong>A Conversation to Kick Things Off</strong></h3><p>One of the people who has deeply influenced my thinking is <strong>John Diamond</strong>, <strong>Professor Emeritus in Public Policy and Professional Practice at Edge Hill University in the UK</strong>. John has introduced me to many ideas that feel central to our work in public service.</p><p>🔹 <strong>Learn more about John here:</strong> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-diamond-57b37b199/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John Diamond’s LinkedIn</a></p><p>To kick off MuniSquare, John and I recorded a short introductory episode where we discuss some of the ideas that will animate our conversations in the months ahead. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and welcoming you into this new space.</p><p>Music by Joseph Hess</p>