Community In Focus - Dan Flores - Episode 23

We interview a lot of mayors and other folks on this podcast.

I'm sure everyone watching is a huge fan of government.

So so where does you learned a lot about policy? Where does policy go wrong versus the community organization like what you're doing? Where is there a disconnect there for you?

No, it's a great question.

And I see it from both sides.

Having spent a lot of time in government, of course, setting policy and advocating for policy.

And now I'm on the other side of the table on the implementation side.

And I'll say the disconnect comes twofold.

Number one, both sides should talk to one another in both applications.

So in the policymaking, policymakers, legislators should be talking to the nonprofits and the providers to understand how things really work in the real world, in real time, if you will.

But at the same time, when it comes to implementation, we need to communicate with the county or the state or whichever government entity.

Here's how it works for us.

Here's how it doesn't work for us.

And what can we do to make it work better for you? Every legislator has goals.

Every government entity wants to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

We're a big part of that.

But the services that we provide directly affect the quality of life.

So I just think having more opportunities to communicate throughout that process will improve everything.

so everyone if you're watching out strap on your seat belts because dan's a smart guy and i told him we're going to um have a real conversation a real dialogue now which you should enjoy uh if you get a chance to have that dialogue and really talk about issues beyond your routine podcast so to speak right so um Very insightful, Dan.

I appreciate your perspective and thoughts on this.

And it's multidimensional.

So now in the nonprofit sector, you transition over the nonprofit sector.

Was there any fear for you? It's like you make this move from this government position over to now where do I get funds from? And wait a second.

Fundraising programs, staff, all that stuff.

Yeah.