I recently had the opportunity to sit down with County Executive Steuart Pittman for a special edition of Office Hours on the Pittman & Friends podcast to discuss his FY27 proposed budget.
This was not just another budget conversation. It was his eighth and final budget proposal as County Executive, framed around the idea of leaving “a house in good order.”
My role in the conversation was to represent the voice of the people. After months of budget town halls, email comments, and community feedback, I asked questions about what made it into the budget, what was left out, and
how those decisions were made.
We talked about food insecurity, public safety staffing, education, special education, taxes, capital projects, and the difficult balance between meeting urgent needs and maintaining fiscal discipline.
What made the conversation meaningful to me was how honest and human it felt. Several residents who listened shared that it sounded like two friends sitting down and having a real conversation about the future of the county. That meant a lot, because I believe public conversations are strongest when they create space for both accountability and understanding.
Afterward, County Executive Pittman shared that it was the best interview he had ever had, that he felt at his best, and that he appreciated how comfortable the conversation made him feel. I was grateful for that feedback, but more than anything,
I was grateful for the trust.
Trust is what allows us to ask direct questions without losing respect. It is what allows leaders to reflect rather than recite talking points. And it is what allows residents to hear not just what the government decided, but why.
This interview reminded me that community engagement is not only about meetings, emails, or public comments. It is also about creating moments where people can better understand the choices, tradeoffs, and values behind the work.
This was not just another budget conversation. It was his eighth and final budget proposal as County Executive, framed around the idea of leaving “a house in good order.”
My role in the conversation was to represent the voice of the people. After months of budget town halls, email comments, and community feedback, I asked questions about what made it into the budget, what was left out, and
how those decisions were made.
We talked about food insecurity, public safety staffing, education, special education, taxes, capital projects, and the difficult balance between meeting urgent needs and maintaining fiscal discipline.
What made the conversation meaningful to me was how honest and human it felt. Several residents who listened shared that it sounded like two friends sitting down and having a real conversation about the future of the county. That meant a lot, because I believe public conversations are strongest when they create space for both accountability and understanding.
Afterward, County Executive Pittman shared that it was the best interview he had ever had, that he felt at his best, and that he appreciated how comfortable the conversation made him feel. I was grateful for that feedback, but more than anything,
I was grateful for the trust.
Trust is what allows us to ask direct questions without losing respect. It is what allows leaders to reflect rather than recite talking points. And it is what allows residents to hear not just what the government decided, but why.
This interview reminded me that community engagement is not only about meetings, emails, or public comments. It is also about creating moments where people can better understand the choices, tradeoffs, and values behind the work.
I invite you to watch a short preview below, and then listen to the full conversation on the FY27 proposed budget.