Getting To Know You. . . AUSTIN MILLER

Communications Director City of Kirksville

What sparked your interest in working in local government?

I am always curious about how things work and government might be the best example of that. I started my career on the journalism side but moved to government communications last year, deciding to try something new. It is important to always keep learning, and working in government ensures that will happen.

What has been the toughest lesson you have learned during your career working in local government?

That government is responsible for so many different things for so many different people. Any given day, a resident might have a question about their water bill, street project, ordinance, or the code for backyard fences. There are a lot of topics where we need to be knowledgeable. Explaining different processes is not always easy.

In your opinion, what are the most important issues facing local government in Missouri?

Infrastructure is probably the one all municipalities will wrestle with. Those are high-cost projects where costs are only increasing. Combine that with declining populations in rural communities, which shrinks the tax base, and some communities might have tough choices to make. Environmental changes will also continue to arise and test municipalities.

What do you recommend to ensure/maintain strong communication with your citizens?

You must meet them where they are. That means trying multiple approaches. Social media is the most prominent form of communication these days, but we also have a newsletter that is mailed to every home. It comes down to casting as wide of a net as possible.

What advice would you offer to someone considering service as a local government official or employee in their community?

Service is the most important part of our job. That needs to be a goal above anything else.

How would you describe your city to someone who had never visited?

Kirksville offers a great balance. It has small-town charm and a state park that is only a 10-minute drive away. But it is also a commercial hub for the northeast corner of the state. Also, if you want to take a weekend trip, the metros are just a few hours away. I would encourage Missourians to come visit.

What are your interests outside of local government?

I’m a big sports fan, so I like traveling and going to games. I also enjoy live music. Each year, I like to pick a city I have not visited before and either go to a game or show.

Where would you most like to travel, and why?

My top three choices are Greece, Scotland and Japan. All three have great scenery I would like to see in person, as well as rich histories to learn.

A History of Serving Missouri Municipalities and Public Agencies

For over 45 years, Lashly & Baer, P.C. has provided sound legal counsel to municipalities and other public sector institutions. During this time, we have earned a solid reputation for prompt legal services at a reasonable cost. We believe that providing smart legal advice is vital, but providing this help in a timely manner is just as critical to meeting the needs of our clients. Our attorneys are experienced and trial-tested at addressing legal issues and regulations affecting government and public agencies.

Now is the time

Missouri’s municipalities and utilities are reevaluating capital improvement plans to advance critical infrastructure projects. Combining today’s financial backing with design‑build delivery makes now an opportune time to pursue your projects. To learn how to capitalize on the opportunities, listen to our webinar at burnsmcd.com/MML112022.