State and local governments are under constant pressure to deliver better services, often with limited budgets and increasing expectations from the public. One of the most effective ways to meet these challenges is by simply improving an organization’s internal processes. As with most things in government, that sounds easier than it is. Even when process reviews are prioritized, agencies still struggle to find the right expertise or resources to lead these improvements, especially when hiring full-time executives is not feasible. This is where the concept of a fractional source becomes a game-changer.

State and local governments face mounting pressure to deliver modern, efficient, and secure public services. Yet, despite the rapid evolution of technology in the private sector, government procurement and budgeting processes often remain stuck in the past. This disconnect makes it increasingly difficult for public sector organizations to keep pace with the marketplace they operate in and to meet the expectations of their communities.

Imagine the following… In early 2025, a mid-sized city found itself at a crossroads. The city manager was under increasing pressure from residents and council members to modernize municipal services-faster permit approvals, smarter infrastructure management, and more responsive communication with constituents. Yet, like many local governments, the city faced persistent staffing shortages and a limited budget. The search for a full-time Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with the right blend of technical expertise and public sector experience had come up empty, and the clock was ticking.

Today, we find ourselves navigating one of the most significant periods of change in our lifetime. The rapid evolution of technology shifts in government, and the transformation of how we work are reshaping every aspect of organizational life. Artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics are not just buzzwords—they are fundamentally altering the way we operate, demanding a new set of management and leadership skills. As remote and hybrid work become standard, organizations are also learning to leverage talent through tools and capabilities that didn’t exist a decade ago.

We are at a very unique time in local government where more and more can be accomplished by leveraging technology than ever.  Local government has lived through years of the pandemic and team members maintain all government services through these difficult times. Now technology is capable of enabling every aspect of local government operations. The ability to provide live audio and video participation of every public meeting as well as closed captioning and transcripts with AI summaries withing minutes of every meeting is now the expectation.

President Trump’s March 20 Executive Order titled “Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness," is aimed at enhancing national security and infrastructure resilience through state and local preparedness. This is an incredible shift in emergency management doctrine and presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redesign how we prepare for our greatest disasters.

The public sector job market stands on the brink of its most significant transition since 1968. For federal workers transitioning to the private sector, the competitive experience can be jarring. Alternatively, those pursuing roles in state or local government may face significantly reduced salaries. Enter Fractional Source.

Strong, effective government starts with good people. For state and local agencies, the individuals who serve in key roles are more than just employees—they are the stewards of public trust, the problem-solvers for communities, and the driving force behind meaningful change.

For state and local governments, cybersecurity threats are no longer hypothetical—they’re inevitable. The reality is that cyberattacks are happening more frequently, and no city, county, or agency is immune. Whether it’s ransomware locking up critical systems or phishing scams targeting employees, the risks are growing, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In the normal course of business, even a well-planned staffing requirement takes time to fill. After all, hiring the right person is one of the most important thing leaders will do during their career. In the public sector, when we think of hiring the right person, that path can be especially difficult.