Kafferlin Strategies

10/22/2026

An angry resident. A divided board. A staff grievance. There goes the day you planned.

But hold on — that difficult conversation may be the most valuable work you do all day.

At a PA Association of Municipal Administrators (PAMA) conference, Ben Kafferlin shared how working through conflict can build trust and help people work better together.

Don’t waste a good conflict.

Need help getting the conversation moving? Kafferlin Strategies offers mediation and board retreats for local government. Link in the comments.

09/17/2026

𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 & 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 | 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵, 𝗣𝗔

The Borough of Albion is seeking a full-time Water & Wastewater Operator. This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to build a career in municipal public works.

The role includes maintaining water distribution and wastewater collection systems, performing inspections and repairs, and assisting with testing and emergency response. This opportunity is open to experienced operators and those with mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.

Starting pay is $18.80 per hour, with additional pay available for certifications, plus benefits and employer-supported training.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to those received by 4 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2026.

Application link in the comments.

09/16/2026

Happening in one hour... if you're in local government, you don't want to miss it.

Let's talk about budgets — Join us today at noon.

Is your budget solving today's problems?
A budget can be so much more than a spreadsheet — 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼.

Grab your lunch and join us for a virtual — but real — conversation about making your budget work harder for you.

Budget with Purpose: How Strategy, Data, and Evaluation Shape Budgets
September 16, 2026 | Noon, Eastern Time | Virtual
Details are in the comments.

Learn how to:
▶️ Build a budget that actually reflects what your community cares about
▶️ Explain that budget so people get it
▶️ Make sure every dollar is doing real work

When strategy drives your budget, every dollar has a purpose.

Leading the conversation is Lisa Hagberg, who has spent her career helping municipalities like yours connect strategy to spending. Nicole Hemminger, Development Director, will facilitate.

Sound like something you need right now? Add it to your calendar. Details are in the comments.

Hosted by Serve with Purpose | Sponsored by CiviLink™️

Unable to attend the live event? No worries! Watch the recording on YouTube

The Lunch and Learn Series will resume in 2027.

09/16/2026

We're celebrating Christine's work anniversary at Kafferlin Strategies 🎉

“For more than 11 years, Christine has been a valued part of the Kafferlin Strategies team. She began by helping our clients with environmental compliance (her background) and now plays a key role in our grant writing efforts.

Those may seem like different worlds, but both require meticulous attention to detail, juggling countless moving parts, meeting firm deadlines, and communicating clearly — virtues she brings to every project.

She's dependable, thoughtful, and consistently delivers excellent work. Thank you for your years of faithful service and everything you do for our clients and our team. Happy workiversary!”

– Ben Kafferlin, Partner, Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink

09/15/2026

We're celebrating Maryann's work anniversary at Kafferlin Strategies 🎉

“Some people take notes during a phone call. Maryann somehow anticipates the research, writes a memo, and hits the send button about the time I'm finishing my request.

As a city manager, she brings real-world experience that helps us tackle some of our toughest local government challenges. Whether it's navigating conflict, untangling a complex legal issue, guiding a community in selecting a manager, or producing work product at warp speed, she's someone we can always count on.

We're incredibly grateful she shares her talents with Kafferlin Strategies. Thanks, Maryann, for keeping us on our toes and making us all better. Happy workiversary!”

– Ben Kafferlin, Partner, Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink

09/14/2026

We're celebrating MaKenna's work anniversary at Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink 🎉

“One of the things I appreciate most about MaKenna is that she is one of the kindest and most trustworthy people I know. Every organization needs people who quietly make everyone else more effective, and that's exactly who she is.

Whether she's scanning mountains of documents, mailing letters, or entering volumes of bills into clients' QuickBooks, she's always willing to jump in with a smile. She has a servant's heart. Kenna, we're grateful you're part of the Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink team. Happy workiversary!”
– Ben Kafferlin, Partner, Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink

09/11/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, we honor the lives lost, the families who continue to carry that loss, and the first responders and public servants who helped their communities through the tragedy and its aftermath.

And we remember the unity that followed — neighbors helping neighbors and communities coming together with compassion, courage, and a shared sense of purpose.

May that spirit of service and unity be carried forward.

Photo: Tribute in Light, viewed from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dimitri/Adobe Stock.

09/10/2026

We're celebrating Nikki Kephart's work anniversary with Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink!

Much of Nikki's work happens behind the scenes, but her impact is felt every single day — by our teams and the communities we work with throughout Pennsylvania.

“Thirteen years ago, Nikki helped envision and build Kafferlin Strategies — and today, she continues to be an integral part of keeping that vision moving forward. From across the country, she is someone we depend on every day. Nikki brings an incredible depth of knowledge to our team, handles countless operational and administrative responsibilities with speed and care, and consistently produces exceptional work. Nikki, thank you for helping start this company, for continuing to believe in its purpose, and for all the ways you support us today. We are so grateful for you and everything you do. Happy work anniversary!”
– Lisa Hagberg, Kafferlin Strategies and CiviLink partner

Congratulations, Nikki!

08/21/2026

Sunday is

In the digital world, a hashtag organizes separate, scattered conversations around something they share. Kafferlin Strategies applies that same principle to local government — connecting people, priorities, and resources for the good of Pennsylvania’s communities.

Local government works best when it works together. That's where Kafferlin Strategies comes in. We help counties, cities, townships, boroughs, and authorities transcend the silos, come together around shared goals, and turn those goals into actionable plans.

Think of us as a local-government hashtag, bringing the right people into the same conversation so they can collaborate, share resources, and move forward together. Because when local leaders are aligned, communities thrive.

What’s your favorite #⃣? Tell us in the comments.