Most people think government and business are opposites. Business is fast, competitive, and focused on results. Government can oftentimes be seen as slow and bureaucratic..
But the truth is this, local government is one of the most important “startups” a community will ever build.
And just like any startup, the early decisions matter. This is one of the reasons I felt so strongly about Mulberry and getting involved in my current capacity as the City Councilman for the 5th District.
Cities Are Startups (Whether They Admit It or Not)
Every city is essentially a living organization.
It has revenue, expenses, customers (citizens), infrastructure, capital projects, and long-term liabilities. It needs to function smoothly and most importantly take care of those it was created to serve, the citizens.
The main difference?
A failing business, absent good and prudent management, will go out of business. There could be a variety of reasons for the closure of the business but ultimately it’s gone.
A failing city can leave an even more significant impact. Debt, poor infrastructure, lost opportunity and so much more.
The importance of local government to adopt entrepreneurial thinking cannot be understated.
Entrepreneurs Think in Systems, Not Silos
In business, you can’t afford silos. Sales can’t blame marketing. Operations can’t blame finance.Everyone owns the outcome.
Local governments often operate in silos—planning, public works, finance, public safety—each with their own priorities and timelines.
Entrepreneurs bring a systems mindset:
- How does zoning affect tax base?
- How does infrastructure investment drive economic development?
- How does permitting speed impact local business growth?
When leaders think like operators, decisions become coordinated instead of fragmented.
Entrepreneurs Focus on ROI, Not Just Spend
In business, every dollar has a purpose. If an expense doesn’t produce growth, efficiency, or stability, it gets questioned.
Government should think the same way.
Entrepreneurial leaders ask:
- What is the return on this capital project?
- Will this attract businesses, residents, or tourism?
- Are we building assets that grow the tax base without raising taxes?
This mindset doesn’t mean cutting services—it means spending smarter and building assets that pay for themselves over time.
Entrepreneurs Embrace Accountability and Metrics
In a company, performance is measured. Revenue, margins, customer satisfaction, productivity—everything is tracked.
Local government should track:
- Response times
- Permit timelines
- Budget performance
- Infrastructure delivery
- Citizen satisfaction
Entrepreneurial leaders build dashboards, KPIs, and public transparency. They don’t just promise results—they measure and report them.
Entrepreneurs Think Long-Term, Not Election-to-Election
The best entrepreneurs don’t build for the next quarter—they build for decades. They think about legacy, sustainability, and durable systems.
Cities should think the same way:
- Long-term infrastructure planning
- Sustainable growth models
- Debt management
- Land-use decisions that shape communities for generations
Short-term political wins can create long-term financial and social costs. Entrepreneurial thinking prioritizes durability over optics.
Entrepreneurs Understand Risk and Opportunity
Every decision carries risk. Entrepreneurs are trained to weigh downside vs. upside.
In local government, risk aversion often leads to stagnation—missed economic development, outdated infrastructure, and declining competitiveness.
Entrepreneurial leaders ask:
- What happens if we don’t invest?
- What’s the opportunity cost of inaction?
- How can we mitigate risk while still moving forward?
Progress requires thoughtful risk—not reckless spending.
Communities Deserve Builder Mentality Leadership
At the end of the day, cities are built by builders. People who understand:
- How to start something from nothing
- How to manage limited resources
- How to align teams around a shared mission
- How to make tough decisions when dollars and outcomes matter
Local government doesn’t need more bureaucracy.
It needs builders who treat the city like a startup that belongs to every resident.
A Strong Start Matters
For new cities like Mulberry—and for every growing community—the first years are foundational. That’s one of the reasons I built my campaign for City Council off of the idea of “A Strong Start for Mulberry”.
Policies, infrastructure decisions, financial frameworks, and partnerships established early will define success for decades.
Entrepreneurial thinking brings discipline, creativity, and accountability to that process.
It ensures we’re not just managing a city—but building one that thrives.
A Final Thought
Business principles don’t replace public service values.
They strengthen them.
When local government leaders think like entrepreneurs, citizens get:
- Better services
- Smarter spending
- Stronger communities
- Lower taxes and higher quality of life
And that’s a return everyone can believe in. I’m proud to represent the City of Mulberry as a Council Member and will continue to focus on using my lessons in entrepreneurship to inform and help us build a strong and vibrant city.
