Changing Culture by Changing Perspectives
Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde
Part of Something Greater
Marli Stevens, GIS/Asset Coordinator for the City of Anacortes, WA, was drawn to local government out of a desire to serve a cause greater than herself. This is her story.
Marli Stevens
I work in local government because I wanted to be in a rewarding career where I could be a part of something greater. I used to not know what local governments really did or what I could do as a citizen.
I felt like government was this hard-to-reach, mysterious, difficult organization that was near impossible to understand and easy to criticize. However, after making friends who worked in governmental roles for the public sector and after learning more about it, I realized the amount and extent of the work government workers do.
I wanted to help be part of the solution to my previous misconceptions and to others who may have those same thoughts. Sure, working for government usually comes with good benefits and job stability, which is a plus.
However, after working in several different industries and for several different private companies in the past (that also had benefits and job stability), I’ve found I’m happiest working in the public sector and serving the public.
As a GIS/Asset Coordinator for the City of Anacortes, I enjoy creating maps with Esri’s GIS for the public to use, and I enjoy administering our Cartegraph Asset Management system with OpenGov.
As small as my role may seem, I have found that my division and I make a big impact helping my City and community by supporting our City maintenance crews, by creating reports for our managers, and finding data and information for our decision makers.
I'm so grateful to work with those teams and in local government. I get to see first-hand the incredible things we do for our City and for our citizens. That's why I do what I do!
OpenGov Inc.’s Cartegraph Enterprise Asset Management system integrates with Esri’s ArcGIS, which maintains the most up-to-date and accurate maps and data.
OpenGov Inc.’s Asset Management system also allows our City crews to inspect, repair, and maintain City assets and utilities quickly and efficiently; finding the assets that need maintenance or replacement the most and keeping our City utilities running.
This also helps us keep up on reporting, deadlines, and various mandatory policies and procedures; creating a healthy, safe, and happy community. I’m so happy to be part of a team that makes this a reality.
Many may take having utilities such as water, sewer, stormwater, streets, garbage pickup, etc., for granted. And, honestly, I’m happy to help keep those basic life necessities running in the background of the public’s mind without worry so they can focus on the things that matter most to them.
And for those in the public who do want to know more about their City utilities, I’m here to provide public maps and data, public requests and reporting access, and help however I can. Our City crews do SO much work in often less-than-optimal time constraints and environments.
Yet, they get it done with positive attitudes and professionalism. I’m so grateful to work with those teams and in local government. I get to see first-hand the incredible things we do for our City and for our citizens. That’s why I do what I do!