Mighty Municipalities

Karl McCollester & Mark Partin
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Join us as we discuss ways for small towns be more impactful for their citizens. Mark Partin from the City of Sumter and Karl McCollester from GovPossible talk with municipalities across the country to discover how they become a little bit mightier.

  1. 2h ago

    Ep 17 - Workforce Development & Datacenters

    Mighty Municipalities: Workforce Development, Data Centers, and Grants for Small Communities How can small municipalities build a stronger local workforce—and make thoughtful decisions about major development proposals? In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, host Karl McCollester and co-host Mark Partin explore those questions through the lens of community events, workforce programs, data centers, and funding opportunities.The conversation begins with Sumter’s eSTEAM Festival, a community-wide effort connecting students with local employers, schools, government, and industry. Mark explains how the festival showcases both established careers and emerging technologies, helping young people see opportunities close to home. The hosts also discuss how municipalities can support workforce development beyond technical training, including the “soft skills” of self-leadership, punctuality, appropriate workplace conduct, and communication—and how communities can measure whether their efforts are making a difference. Next, Karl and Mark examine the debate over data centers. They discuss concerns around water use, power demand, land, and the actual economic benefits communities may receive. They also explain the role data centers play in everyday services, from grocery checkout systems and bus schedules to AI tools. Their practical advice for municipal leaders: gather evidence from nearby communities, weigh both benefits and costs, set clear limits and expectations, and involve residents early in the decision-making process. The episode closes with a roundup of grant opportunities for local governments, covering trails, flood mitigation, recreation facilities, juvenile justice, rural law enforcement, and school safety.For municipal leaders, economic development teams, and community partners, this episode offers practical ideas for strengthening local talent and approaching complex growth decisions with care. Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website. Grants Oct. 8 — ($50k-$1.2m) SCSC Recreational Trails Program SCPRT PR Local governments can fund trail construction, rehabilitation, trailheads and related infrastructure. Oct. 8 is the pre-application deadline; advancing applicants must attend an Oct. 14 or Nov. 4 workshop. SCPRTOct. 9 —(75/25 match, no specific amount criteria: Hilton head 3.82m project awardee) SCFEMA FMA Swift Current via SCDNR SCDNR Flood Mitigation page NFIP communities with an approved hazard-mitigation plan can pursue flood-risk-reduction work. South Carolina’s submission deadline to SCDNR is Oct. 9. SCDNROct. 9 —(no award amounts given, $300m total funding) Federal FHWA PROTECT Competitive Grants FHWA PROTECT program High-value transportation-resilience funding for flooding, extreme weather, evacuation routes, coastal infrastructure and resilient roads/transit. Local governments are eligible; the competition closes Oct. 9.Oct. 10 / Nov. 10 (80/20 match up to $100k)— SCSC Park & Recreation Development Fund (PARD) SCPRT PARD page Recurring small-town-friendly funding for new or renovated public recreation facilities. 80/20 match; applications due the 10th of each month. SCPRTOct. 29 / Nov. 5 — ($4m total grant pool) NEW DOJ batch Veterans Treatment Court, Juvenile Drug Treatment Court & Paul Coverdell Forensics All three were posted Sept. 21. Local governments/courts are eligible depending on program. Grants.gov submissions are due Oct. 29, with final JustGrants applications Nov. 5. OJJDPOct. 30 — (up to $2.5m) NEW / BJA Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative BJA program page New Sept. 21 posting and particularly relevant to rural municipalities and small-town police departments. Cities, towns and counties are eligibleOct. 30 — (950k-2.5m)] NEWBJA STOP School Violence / Adult Treatment CourtsAlso released Sept. 21. Municipal/public-safety partners may have projects appropriate for school violence prevention, threat assessment and treatment courts. Bureau of Justice AssistanceAdult Treatment Courts (ATCs) combine judicial supervision, substance use disorder treatment, mandatory and random drug testing, case management, sanctions and incentives, and recovery support services to improve participant outcomes and public safety.Oct. 8 — ($50k-$1.2m) SCSC Recreational Trails Program SCPRT PR Local governments can fund trail construction, rehabilitation, trailheads and related infrastructure. Oct. 8 is the pre-application deadline; advancing applicants must attend an Oct. 14 or Nov. 4 workshop. SCPRTOct. 9 —(75/25 match, no specific amount criteria: Hilton head 3.82m project awardee) SCFEMA FMA Swift Current via SCDNR SCDNR Flood Mitigation page NFIP communities with an approved hazard-mitigation plan can pursue flood-risk-reduction work. South Carolina’s submission deadline to SCDNR is Oct. 9. SCDNROct. 9 —(no award amounts given, $300m total funding) Federal FHWA PROTECT Competitive Grants FHWA PROTECT program High-value transportation-resilience funding for flooding, extreme weather, evacuation routes, coastal infrastructure and resilient roads/transit. Local governments are eligible; the competition closes Oct. 9.Oct. 10 / Nov. 10 (80/20 match up to $100k)— SCSC Park & Recreation Development Fund (PARD) SCPRT PARD page Recurring small-town-friendly funding for new or renovated public recreation facilities. 80/20 match; applications due the 10th of each month. SCPRT...

  2. Sep 4

    Ep. 15: SC Municipal Election Law Changes & Attracting Entry Level Workers

    Topics:  In a world where small municipalities struggle to maintain election integrity, a recent legislative shift may turn everything upside down. Join hosts Karl McCollesterand Mark Partin as they unravel the critical changes in South Carolina's election laws that could redefine how local governments operate. This episode is a must-listen for municipal leaders and engaged citizens eager to understand the implications of these new rules.   Karl and Mark dive deep into the new law that eliminates the need for an election commission in municipalities with populations under 10,000, shifting the responsibility to county election offices. They discuss the five permissible election dates that municipalities must adhere to and the potential consequences of not aligning with these changes. You’ll discover why it’s essential for each municipality to review their election ordinances now, ensuring clarity and alignment with the new regulations before they take effect in 2027.   You'll hear insights on how this shift could streamline election processes but also pose challenges, particularly for smaller counties already stretched thin. Karl raises important questions about the transition period and what it means for current and future council members. Mark adds his perspective on workforce development within local governments, highlighting the pressing need for a new generation of public servants to step up as veteran employees retire.   Ignoring these changes could lead to confusion, miscommunication, and potential disenfranchisement of voters. This episode not only equips you with knowledge about the new election laws but also urges you to consider the broader implications for local governance and community engagement.   Tune in for essential strategies to navigate this legislative landscape. Perfect for municipal leaders, community advocates, and anyone interested in the future of local governance, this episode is your guide to understanding and adapting to change. Don’t miss out on this crucial conversation! Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.

  3. Aug 25

    Ep.14 - Barbeque Regulations, Palmetto Pride, Utility Cybersecurity, and Leadership Development

    Topics: Running a barbeque truck in South CarolinaSC dept of Agriculture: Mobile food regulationsFood at FairsPalmetto PrideGrants (due 8/1 each year)Litter Crew GrantLitter Enforcement GrantTree GrantKeep SC Beautiful Program grant (due 9/1)Cleanup SuppliesUtility System CyberattacksLeadership and Succession PlanningGrants: 9/2 - SC Dept of Archives Historic Preservation Grants ($40k-$200k) - preservation projects that benefit local communities and the public through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina’s historic buildings learn more 9/4 - Foundation for Rural Service ($250-$5K) - aid to communities served by NTCA members learn more 9/9: DOT – Bollards Installation Grant (~$500k) - installation of bollards in high pedestrian areas   learn more  9/10 (monthly) Park and Recreation Development (PARD) (~$5k-$60k, 80/20 match, balance available by county) - Build of new or renovation of existing recreation facilities. Learn More 9/14(?- current date delayed due to budget): SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (up to $1m, up to 25% match) - Assistance is available for a variety of water, waste water and storm water drainage construction activities. Learn more 10/6: Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund ($20k plus technical assistance and follow-on funding) - Grant to setup Financial Empowerment Center training for residents on good financial practices.  Learn more Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 years in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.  Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: FIJ3ARALPPWZUEMS

  4. Jul 21

    Ep 13. MASC 2026 Conference Recap

    Topics:Mark and Karl recap the just-held 2026 Municipal Association of South Carolina Conference.   Conference schedule and format changesLegislative session updates and funding challengesCommunity growth strategies and public-private partnershipsWebsite ADA compliance and legal considerationsDifferent forms of municipal government and leadership rolesResources: Thirteen Ways to Kill Your Community by Doug Griffiths MASC Forms of Government Brochure ADA Website Compliance Guidelines Grants: 8/3 - HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Program - $5m-$10m Decrease the cost and increase the supply of affordable housing, especially in Opportunity Zones and rural communities.  Remove barriers to affordable housing, 8/15 - Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant - $5k-$25k – FD training and equipment Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.

  5. Jul 6

    Ep.12 Using AI Safely In Your Small Town

    Topics: MIT AI Risk Initiative - Recent AI Data Incidents: 12/2025: ChatGPT misuse by a contractor leads to data exposure in Housing Program 1/2026: Moltbook database revealed private conversations 3/2026: Meta exposes collected data to unauthorized employees Steps You Can Take: Train Your Employees on the Risks of AICreate an approved software listCreate a Usage PolicyCreate an Incident Response PlanGrants: 7/7 - National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund - Underrepresented Communities Grant - $15k-$100k – Historic Site identification and Registration on National Register of Historic Places 7/8 - HRSA - Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - up to $750k for fours years to opiod treatment programs 7/9: NEA - GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS – Art Education and ‘Design & Our Town’ projects Challenge America Program - $10k General Grants – $10k-$100k 7/13 - Consumer Protection – Pool Safety Program - $50k-$400k around poll safety and enforcement 7/13: GA Municipalities – GA Releaf grant - $15k to urban tree plantings 7/29: DOJ – COPS Hiring Program - up to $125k over three years, 25% match, Law enforcement hiring  7/31: NY Municipalities – Grants for Climate Action  - $35k-$2m for climate change mitigation (flood control, renewal energy)  Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.

  6. Jun 22

    Ep 11 - Beating the Heat

    Topics:' Heat mitigation strategies for small municipalitiesCommunity-based cooling solutions and facilitiesInfrastructure improvements for heat reductionGrant opportunities for heat resilience projectsRole of community organizations and local government in heat safetyTakeaways Identify natural cool zones and existing infrastructure to maximize resources.Engage community organizations and residents in heat mitigation planning.Leverage grants and partnerships to fund infrastructure and community programs.Use existing facilities like council chambers and shade structures for cooling centers.Implement neighborhood surveys to identify vulnerable populations and resources.See the full article at: https://govpossible.com/2026/06/21/beating-the-heat-practical-steps-for-small-towns/ Resources: Misting and shade shelter construction videos and options: links to various YouTube videos from manufacturers and how-to sites on shade canopies and misting solutions.Neighborhood Heat Safety Survey: Survey sheet to collect data in the Neighborhoods.Town Temperature Survey – Spreadsheet to collect data at various town locations to identify your hot and cool areas.Cooling Center Survey Worksheet – PDF you can use to collect information about a potential cooling center.Cooling Center Inventory Spreadsheet – spreadsheet to compile your cooling center information so you have one spot to look at in and emergency.Govlove Podcast – Tempe AZ 2/2025 - https://elgl.org/podcast-urban-cooling-and-climate-action-with-brianne-fisher-tempe-az/  Grants: 7/1: National – Tomberg Family Foundation: $5-20k: https://www.tombergphilanthropies.org/how-to-apply/  Health, environment, and poverty alleviation 7/7: NJ: 200-350k: Resilient NJ: Regional Assistance Program https://dep.nj.gov/grantandloanprograms/resilient-nj-regional-assistance-program-regional-planning-grants-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  7/10: National: Roy Hunt Foundation Opportunity and Inclusion: ~$50k: https://rahuntfdn.org/opportunity-and-inclusion-giving-circle/  Minority Entrepreneurship, Health Outcomes, Fresh Food access, Leadership Programs 7/11 - Deadline for SC Farmers and Foresters: Helene Block Grant: https://agriculture.sc.gov/farm-and-business-support/grants/helene/ Rolling NC, SC, OH, IN, KY, FL: Duke Energy Grants: https://foundation.duke-energy.com/grants  Resiliency and Economic Opportunity 7/22: Silicon Valley: ~$500k – SVCE grant applications: https://cal-cca.org/3-2-million-in-grant-funds-available-for-energy-resilience-facility-and-fleet-electrification/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.  Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: GXB51HN0WHHT3OMI

  7. Jun 10

    Ep 10. Employee Wellness with Nature at Work

    Topics:This episode explores how small municipalities can enhance community well-being through nature-based programs like 'Nature at Work'. Guests discuss the benefits, implementation strategies, and funding opportunities for green initiatives that improve employee health, community engagement, and local tourism. Chapters:00:00Introduction to Mighty Municipalities 00:58Workplace Health and Happiness 02:17Nature at Work Program Overview 04:58Pillars of the Nature at Work Program 07:27City of Sumter's Initiatives 10:05Community Engagement and Feedback 12:46Scaling for Small Municipalities 15:12Leveraging Local Resources 17:22Grants and Funding Opportunities 19:57Conclusion and Future Discussions Links: Nature at Work Resources – Nature at Work Grants: 6/4: California Urban Greening Grant: https://resources.ca.gov/grants/urban-greening: $200k -> $5m Projects to mitigate urban heat 6/8: CDC Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grant: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/7859e970-00ec-4f1c-987c-d2d7c0e66415 - up to $75k for opioid and methamphetamines misuse reduction programs 6/22: USDOT: Pipeline Emergency Response Grant: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/be39f3eb-7382-4327-ac46-9397e3b8c502 $50k-$200k 6/23: National Park Service: Historic Preservation Fund Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/449cd5d1-d543-4ea0-807a-cf55e54ed823  $200k-$500k restoration of properties eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  Towns under 5000 population are specified as an eligible group and cities under 50k not part of a larger metro. 6/26: Preapplication deadline: Undiscovered SC Grants - https://www.scprt.com/tourism/grants/undiscovered-sc-grant Municipalities with less than 1.25m in Accommodations tax distributions. 50% reimbursement grant up to $200k for improvements or creation of public tourism attractions. Find Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.

  8. May 26

    Ep 9. - Battling Food Insecurity with the Town of Lamar, SC

    Topics:Karl & Mark talk about food insecurity and what municipalities can do to help.   We interview Tim Dargan, the Town Administrator of Lamar, SC, population 832, about the food giveaway program they've been running in cooperation with local organizations for over five years and their lessons learned.  Numbers: 13% nationally face food insecurity15.9% in rural communities 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are in the South 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are rural (Feeding America) Several SC Counties reach 20% food insecurity levels (Feeding America) Telfair County GA is the highest in the three-state region: 23.1% Links Rural Health Initiative  Hospital Food PantrySocastee Library PantryUSDA Summer Food ProgramBlack Mountain NC Senior CenterSC Farmers Market GuidelinesGrants 6/6: USDA Farmers Market Promotion ProgramRolling: USDA Community Facilities Grant & Loan ProgramMASC Impact FundFind Us:Mark Partin is Chief of Staff for the City of Sumter (https://sumtersc,gov).  Subscribe and Find more of Mark's Local Government Leadership Thoughts at https://localleadershipinsights.substack.com/ Karl McCollester spent 20 year in strategic technology consulting for small municipalities in the Carolinas and George.  He is the CEO of GovPossible. GovPossible (https://govpossible.com) is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides software to help small municipalities manage their operations including finance, budget, licensing, permitting, planning, codes enforcement, cemetery, meetings, and website.

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Join us as we discuss ways for small towns be more impactful for their citizens. Mark Partin from the City of Sumter and Karl McCollester from GovPossible talk with municipalities across the country to discover how they become a little bit mightier.

Information

  • Creator
    Karl McCollester & Mark Partin
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2026 GovPossible PBC
  • Show Website
    Mighty Municipalities