Mighty Municipalities

Karl McCollester & Mark Partin
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Government

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. 3d ago

    Ep. 19 Public Art

    Topics:Join host Karl McCollester and co-host Mark Partin as they delve into the transformative power of public art, sharing how it can breathe life into communities, attract tourism, and foster local pride. Grants:Congratulations to the winners of the Duke Energy grants!: https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-foundation-investing-nearly-200-000-in-south-carolina-communities-to-support-main-street-revitalization-efforts   DOA Grants 2026-10-30 - U.S. DOJ/BJA — FY2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (Up to $2,637,041; No match required): Grants.gov due 2026-10-30; JustGrants due 2026-11-06. Priority for rural municipalities and their police departments pursuing targeted violent-crime reduction strategies, technology, analytics, training, personnel, and operational capabilities. 2026-10-30 - U.S. DOJ/BJA — FY2026 STOP School Violence Program (Up to $2,000,000; No match required): Grants.gov due 2026-10-30; JustGrants due 2026-11-06. Municipal governments and partners can fund school violence-prevention training, threat assessment/intervention teams, anonymous reporting systems, and eligible school-safety technology. 2026-11-02 - NC DEQ — Lead Service Line Replacement Rolling Funding Round (Amount not specified; Match not specified): Next consideration cutoff: 5:00 p.m. Municipal drinking-water utilities may seek low-interest loans, with principal forgiveness available to qualifying applicants, for lead-service-line identification and replacement. Applications are otherwise accepted on a rolling basis. 2026-11-05 - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — 2027 Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative (Most awards $75,000–$200,000; Minimum 1:1 nonfederal match for the main program): Coastal municipalities can support shorebird habitat management, disturbance reduction, monitoring, and conservation at priority Atlantic/Gulf sites. Exception: a separate piping-plover project category specifies no match. Due 11:59 p.m. Eastern. 2026-11-16 - Federal Highway Administration — FY2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (Amount not specified; Generally 20% nonfederal project-cost match, with statutory exceptions): Local governments may fund wildlife-vehicle collision hot-spot analysis, planning, research, crossings, and related safety infrastructure. FY2026 program funding is approximately $80 million, not a typical individual award amount. Grants.gov deadline 11:59 p.m. Eastern. 2026-11-19 - USDA NRCS — Easement Restoration and Stewardship ($250,000–$5,000,000; No match required): Cities, counties, and special districts may apply for cooperative agreements supporting restoration, stewardship, and assessments of existing wetland and floodplain conservation easements. Applications due 11:59 p.m. Eastern. 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.

  2. Oct 13

    Ep. 18 Using AI in Small Towns: Privacy, Uses, and Policy

    Topics: In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss  artificial intelligence (AI) in small municipalities. They explore the implications of AI on local governance, particularly focusing on privacy concerns, the concept of shadow AI, and the importance of educating employees about responsible AI usage. The conversation also highlights practical applications of AI in municipal operations, such as crafting communications and analyzing ordinances, emphasizing the need for careful data handling and verification. In this conversation, Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss the integration of AI in municipal operations, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's limitations, enhancing community engagement through improved graphics, and the necessity of implementing clear policies. They also explore the excitement surrounding AI and the need for careful implementation, alongside various grant opportunities available for municipalities to improve infrastructure and community services. Town of Pelzer Image: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DzR7QafW3/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mighty Municipalities 01:13 Exploring Public Art and AI in Municipalities 04:18 Privacy Concerns in AI Usage 12:17 Understanding Shadow AI and Employee Education 15:18 Leveraging AI for Municipal Operations 21:26 Comparative Analysis of Ordinances Using AI 22:46 Understanding AI Limitations in Municipal Analysis 27:55 Enhancing Community Engagement through AI Graphics 31:34 Implementing AI Policies in Municipalities 37:45 Navigating AI Excitement and Implementation Challenges 38:36 Exploring Grant Opportunities for Municipalities Grants 2026-10-15 - U.S. EPA — Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development (Up to $7.8 million listed award ceiling; no match required; $10.8 million total program funding): EXTENDED DEADLINE (formerly October 5). Public works departments and qualified partners can develop drinking-water/wastewater apprenticeships, internships, school-to-work pathways, and regional operator-training partnerships. 2026-10-19 - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Acres for America, 2027 ($250,000–$1 million; at least 1:1 match, with higher leverage competitive): PRE-PROPOSAL deadline. Local governments may propose conservation land acquisitions or perpetual easements protecting important habitats, wildlife connectivity, and public access. Invited full proposals are due December 2. 2026-10-20 - AmeriCorps — Seniors RSVP, FY2027 (Amount not specified; match requirements vary by application and must be confirmed): Local governments and eligible organizations may sponsor structured volunteer programs for adults age 55+ addressing community needs such as elder support, disaster response, or family services. 2026-10-30 - DOJ/BJA — Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (Up to $2,637,041 listed award ceiling; no match required): FIRST STAGE. Supports rural town, city, and county law-enforcement projects to prevent and reduce violent crime. Grants.gov submission due October 30; JustGrants final submission due November 6. 2026-11-05 - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative, 2027 (Most awards $75,000–$200,000; generally minimum 1:1 nonfederal cash/in-kind match): Coastal municipalities and partners may improve shorebird habitat, protect sensitive beach and marsh areas, reduce disturbance, and monitor priority species. A separately described piping-plover priority has different match rules. 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: 2C4QKL34VF2VDPJL

  3. Sep 30

    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...

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

See All (18)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2026 GovPossible PBC
  • Show Website
    Mighty Municipalities

You Might Also Like