“Eric Duffy, Municipal Manager of Woodstock City, United States, delivers a guest lecture on ‘Building a Strong and Prosperous City’ to UMM students and all American Corner participants across Indonesia through a hybrid session”
American Corner Malang hosted a hybrid guest lecture titled “Building Strong and Prosperous Cities”with Eric Duffy, Municipal Manager of Woodstock, Vermont, as part of the YSEALI Reciprocal Exchange Program. The event was attended by 33 onsite participants and approximately 150 others virtually from institutions across Eastern Indonesia, including American Corners and several universities. The session aimed to inspire young Indonesians with insights into urban development, local governance, and civic leadership.
Eric Duffy shared real-world strategies from his municipal management experience, focusing on the interplay between governance, finance, and community resilience. He introduced the structure of the U.S. government, with emphasis on the flexible nature of local governance in New England. Using examples such as Selectboards, Town Managers, and annual town meetings, he explained how local governments prioritize goals, manage budgets, and involve citizens in the decision-making process.
The lecture highlighted how municipalities must balance revenue—sourced from taxes and other income—with expenses like salaries, healthcare, pensions, and infrastructure. Duffy emphasized that while municipal budgeting may appear straightforward, it involves complex, ongoing decision-making tied closely to leadership, policy setting, and long-term planning. His message underscored that effective governance requires continuous engagement, financial discipline, and public trust.