Local Government Innovation Founding Advisory Council Member Roles and Expectations

Advisory council members will serve as thought partners and practitioner advisors throughout the research and design process. Members will be invited to:

• Share perspectives informed by their professional, leadership, and community experiences
• Help identify current and emerging challenges facing Pennsylvania local governments
• Provide insight into areas where education, leadership development, technical assistance, research, partnerships, or other forms of support may be valuable
• Review and discuss emerging research findings, themes, concepts, and potential approaches
• Help Outreach understand differences in needs and capacity across communities of varying sizes, types, and regions
• Identify practical considerations, opportunities, gaps, or unintended consequences that may otherwise be overlooked
• Offer candid and constructive feedback as the initiative develops

The council’s value is its ability to bring diverse practitioner perspectives into the process early enough to meaningfully inform Penn State’s understanding and consideration of future approaches.

Penn State recognizes the significant responsibilities already carried by the local government leaders serving on the Council and is committed to using members’ time thoughtfully. During their service, members may be asked to:

• Participate in periodic advisory council meetings
• Review concise background materials or emerging findings in advance of meetings when appropriate
• Complete occasional questionnaires, surveys, or other focused feedback activities
• Participate in discussions regarding specific needs, findings, concepts, or emerging approaches

Council meetings are intended to foster candid, constructive, and forward-looking conversation. Members are encouraged to share differing perspectives, challenge assumptions, raise concerns, and identify practical considerations. Differences in experience and viewpoint are expected and are an important part of the council’s value. Because the initiative remains in a research and design phase, concepts and approaches discussed with the council may evolve substantially. Unless otherwise indicated, emerging ideas should not be represented externally as finalized decisions, programs, or commitments.

In return for members’ investment of time and expertise, Penn State Outreach will:

• Respect members’ time and professional commitments
• Clearly communicate the purpose of meetings and requests for input
• Provide relevant background information and materials
• Create meaningful opportunities for all members to contribute
• Welcome candid feedback and differing perspectives
• Demonstrate how practitioner input is informing the initiative’s research and design
• Keep members informed as the work progresses