Hailey
Emporia is getting ready for an important change in local leadership as three new city commissioners prepare to step into their roles. Tammi Ogle, Kurt Steinkuhler, and Monica Duncan will officially take office during the January 7 City Commission meeting.
Their arrival marks a rare moment for the city, as having three new commissioners at the same time does not happen often. City leaders are working carefully to make sure the transition is smooth and well organized.
To help the new commissioners feel confident and prepared, the city has started a detailed onboarding process. This process is designed not just to explain rules and policies, but also to build strong working relationships and help everyone understand how city government works together.
A Rare Situation for Emporia’s City Government
According to city officials, it is unusual for a majority of the City Commission to be new members. Because of this, the city decided to take extra care in preparing the incoming commissioners. Tayler Wash, the assistant city manager, is leading the onboarding sessions.
Wash explained that onboarding is considered a best practice in many cities, but it becomes even more important when several new leaders are joining at once. The goal is to make sure the commissioners are ready to work together and make informed decisions as soon as they take office.
Onboarding Focuses on People, Not Just Policies
Instead of spending all the time reading manuals or memorizing budget numbers, the onboarding sessions focus on communication, teamwork, and understanding each other.
Wash, who has more than six years of teaching experience, uses activities like group discussions and collaboration exercises.
She believes that while policies and numbers are important, they can be learned anytime. What really matters is learning how to work respectfully with others.
Wash said the deeper conversations help commissioners understand different viewpoints and build trust early on. This foundation can make future decision-making smoother and more productive.
City Leaders Join the Sessions
The onboarding sessions are not limited to just the new commissioners. Other key city leaders are also present to support the process. These include Mayor Erren Harter, Vice Mayor Becky Smith, City Manager Trey Cocking, and Deputy City Manager Mark Detter.
Having experienced leaders in the room allows new commissioners to hear real examples and ask questions they might not think of on their own. Monica Duncan said listening to others ask questions has helped her learn important details about the role.
Sometimes, hearing someone else’s question brings up information that turns out to be very useful later.
What the New Commissioners Are Learning
During onboarding, the new commissioners are learning about many different areas of city government. The sessions cover expectations, legal responsibilities, and how different departments operate.
Below is a simple table showing what is included in the onboarding process:
| Training Area | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Roles & Expectations | Understanding duties, responsibilities, and leadership norms |
| Governance Basics | Discussions based on a governance-focused book |
| Legal Boundaries | Real court cases and legal rules for commissioners |
| Department Overviews | Meetings with Fire Department, HR, Communications, and more |
| City Operations | How departments work together to serve residents |
These lessons help the commissioners understand how their decisions can affect the whole city.
Shared Values and Vision for Emporia
Monica Duncan said the onboarding sessions have reinforced the values she talked about during her campaign. These include collaboration, positivity, and fiscal responsibility.
She believes city leaders should work together respectfully and avoid unnecessary conflict. Duncan also shared that her goal is not personal recognition, but long-term improvement for the city.
She wants Emporia to be better in the future because of the decisions made today, not because of names on buildings or personal credit.
Ready to Begin Work in January
As Ogle, Steinkuhler, and Duncan prepare to take office, the onboarding process is helping them feel ready to start working immediately. By learning together and building relationships early, the new City Commission hopes to serve Emporia in a thoughtful and responsible way.
Residents can expect a commission that values teamwork, clear communication, and careful planning as it works to move the city forward.
Emporia’s City Commission is entering a new phase with three new commissioners stepping into leadership roles at the same time.
Through a strong onboarding process focused on teamwork, learning, and communication, the city is making sure these leaders are prepared to serve from day one.
With shared values and a clear commitment to the community, the new commissioners aim to work together to make decisions that benefit Emporia now and in the future.