Franklin County Media

1 2 Talk of the County Podcast | Interview with Stacy Rogers, President-Elect of NFBPA

We welcome Stacy Rogers, the Chief Administrative Officer for Baltimore County, Maryland, and President-Elect of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA).

Host Kenneth Wilson engages Stacy in a comprehensive discussion covering a wide range of topics, from regional collaboration and securing federal funding to the challenges and priorities of the Baltimore County government.

Stacy Rogers highlights the critical role of strategic regional collaboration in accessing federal resources for transportation, water, and sewer issues. She emphasizes the need for partnerships and concerted efforts to address these infrastructural challenges. Additionally, she discusses the successful initiatives in Baltimore County to secure federal funding for digital equity, particularly through partnerships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Kenneth Wilson underscores the importance of affordable connectivity programs and introduces the upcoming NFBPA conference, indicating the podcast's commitment to promoting relevant events and initiatives within the public administration sphere. This sets the stage for Stacy's discussion of her upcoming role as NFBPA president and the organization's dedication to mentorship and leadership development programs.

Ken and Stacy talk about the importance of mentorship for African American leaders and the promotion of public administration as a profession, particularly within HBCUs and higher education in general. This focus on mentorship and leadership development underscores the podcast's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of public administration.

The episode provides an insightful look into Baltimore County, the third largest jurisdiction in Maryland, with a population of 850,000 residents. Stacy notes that the county operates under a charter government and has an annual operating budget of $4.4 billion, employing nearly 10,000 workers. The budget reflects the county's priorities, allocating 48% to the school system and significant portions to public safety, emphasizing the commitment to education and public safety within the community.

The discussion also sheds light on the county administration's efforts to prioritize community engagement in the budgeting process. This entails conducting budget town halls in various jurisdictions and utilizing response polls to align budget priorities with community needs. Additionally, the administration has implemented a county-wide strategic plan focusing on community, accountability, sustainability, ethics, and workforce development, showcasing a proactive approach to governance and planning.

The challenges of the "great resignation" and the increasing demand for work-life balance within the government workforce are also explored. The impact of these factors, particularly in competing with the federal workforce and navigating teleworking options, presents a complex landscape for the county administration.

Moving beyond the county level, they talk about the potential for regional collaboration within the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) on issues such as natural disasters, sustainability, and renewable energy. The recognition of the collective regional impact and the need for collaborative solutions underscores the podcast's commitment to addressing broader societal challenges.

Stacy Rogers also shares insights into the versatility of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the significance of...