Texas State’s MPA program was pleased to host several local government leaders in a webinar addressing developments in the public sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar, which took place on Friday, September 11th, featured Mr. James Earp, Assistant City Manager of the City of Kyle; Ms. Stephanie Reyes, Assistant City Manager of the City of San Marcos; and Ms. Diana Torres, Director of Economic Development for the City of Kyle. 30 students and faculty members attended the event, which was held through Zoom.
The speakers discussed the challenges COVID-19 has posed to local and regional government officials and the innovations in the public service that have taken place in response to the pandemic, ranging from changes in how businesses operate to creative ways to limit the impact of the virus on the government’s workforce. It concluded with the speakers responding to attendees’ questions, providing a chance for students to communicate directly with members of the public sector.
Graduate student Lyle Blanco noted that “the Innovations in the Public Service During the Pandemic webinar provided insight into how small to midsized city governments are actively adapting to the obstacles the COVID 19 pandemic has created” and shed light on “how the different governmental bodies are coordinating and communicating with each other.”
