Hi, I'm Alicia McKay. I've worked with over 120 government and corporate clients - including more than 50 Councils - to improve their strategy, leadership and decision-making. If you need to make real progress in your Council, you're in the right place.
ABOUT
Why I love local government
My first job out of university was at a small Council in New Zealand. Despite a four-year politics degree, I walked into my policy job with no idea what local government was about. That's how much attention the sector gets!
For the first few months, I walked around in a daze. People could speak directly to their elected members… and we had to answer them? Direct democracy in action? I was blown away. I still am.
I left that job four years later, but I never left local government. Anyone in the sector knows what I’m talking about. It burrows into your heart—the community connection, the tangible impact—and none of the frustrations (of which there are many!) are enough to keep you away for long.
Local government is one of the most challenging sectors to lead in. You're under intense media scrutiny, closely connected to your communities, and have to make long-term choices in short-term conditions. You're underfunded and disrespected, and expectations increase every year while real-term revenue declines. But every day, people show up, full of passion and care.
FEATURED SERVICES
Development options for Councils
I run in-house training and workshops, speak at local government events, and partner with professional associations and peak bodies such as ALGA, LGPro VIC, LG Professional NSW and LGSA.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Local Legends
Local Legends is shared strategic leadership development for elected members and executive managers. We work on role clarity, strategic perspective, governance-management dynamics, and decision-making. It is perfect for induction—or any time.
Strategic Public Leaders is an intensive short course for senior and mid-tier managers. It teaches strategy and strategic planning fundamentals to help managers be more effective. It is a great in-house training option with strong ROI. Check out this LGPro NSW partnership offer.
Browse testimonials and comments from Council clients across New Zealand and Australia.
NEW RELEASE
Local Legends: How to make a difference in local government
The essential guide to local government leadership. Written exclusively for Councillors and Council managers who want to be more strategic, work better together, make better decisions and leave a legacy they can be proud of.
