Simplifying Procurement, Amplifying Impact

At SGR, our mission has always been to build stronger, healthier local governments by equipping leaders with the tools, talent, and support they need to thrive. That’s why we’re excited to celebrate a major step forward in one of the most persistent challenges facing local government today: procurement.

Procurement is where policy meets practicality — and for many agencies, it’s a process filled with complexity, inefficiency, and compliance risk. At its best, procurement should be a driver of innovation and stewardship. But all too often, local governments are bogged down by outdated systems, resource constraints, and cumbersome rules that slow progress. The recent partnership between the Alliance for Innovation, Edge Public, and Civic Marketplace offers a new path forward — one that brings speed, transparency, and strategic value back into purchasing.

This collaboration is about more than streamlining contracts. It represents a shared vision across organizations committed to public sector excellence — a vision where local governments have access to cutting-edge tools and cooperative contracts that meet rigorous procurement standards without sacrificing agility or oversight. It’s about giving public servants the ability to act quickly and confidently, with technology and support systems that lighten their administrative load and amplify their impact.

At SGR, we see this as a natural extension of the leadership development, recruitment, and innovation-focused work we’ve been doing for decades. The strength of local government lies in its ability to adapt, lead, and serve — and we are proud to stand with partners who share that belief and are delivering real solutions. Procurement may not always make headlines, but when it’s done right, it lays the foundation for everything else local governments are trying to achieve.

We encourage our network of local government leaders to explore this new model, learn more about the available cooperative contracts, and see how these tools can help advance your mission. Because ultimately, better procurement means better government — and that’s something we all believe in. (Read more about the AFI, Edge Public, and Civic Marketplace strategic alliance.). You can also reach out to Christel Tristan, Engagement Director, or Brian Funderburk, VP – Agencies, at Civic Marketplace for more information.

Have a great week, everybody,

Ron