Background
Mark Grabow, Founder and Principal Consultant
With 20 years of public sector experience in program coordination and operational performance, I founded Local Efficiency Solutions to deliver innovative, results-driven solutions for local public service organizations. My strategic, data-driven recommendations enhance efficiency, optimize resources, and reduce costs, delivering tangible outcomes for leadership.
Below is my journey before creating Local Efficiency Solutions, highlighting foundational experiences in developing my expertise in public sector efficiency.
Education & Commitment to Service
Master of Public Administration, Local Government Management Focus, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University (PSU)
Founding President, Pacific Northwest’s First ICMA Student Chapter
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, Natural Resources Policy Focus, PSU
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Philosophy, Southern Oregon University
My commitment to public service shaped my leadership roles. As Founding President of the Pacific Northwest’s First ICMA Student Chapter at PSU, I built a bridge connecting seasoned professionals and public administration graduate students. Still running today, it continues to advance local government knowledge, interest, and connections.
Awarded the Community Service Scholarship from the Honorable Governor Barbara Roberts, I completed the Oregon and Hatfield Fellowships, two prominent public service Fellowships through the Center for Public Service within the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government.
These experiences provided invaluable opportunities to strengthen my project manager “toolbelt” as a strategic problem solver. I love solving complex puzzles!
Performance Assessment & Strategic Planning
Having conducted performance evaluations for multiple large local governments, one such project led to me developing MinuteMetrics©, the proprietary performance measurement tool now offered at Local Efficiency Solutions.
My work included aligning vision and values to set goals and map strategy, designing roadmaps, conducting analyses (e.g. cost-benefit, SWOT, feasibility), creating flowcharts, and presenting actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
For one city, I coordinated its first cross-bureau collaborative efficiency project, optimizing operations in procurement processing, facilities management, and revenue collection, with most recommendations approved by leadership.
For another city’s accounts receivable department, my operations efficiency assessment led to approved process improvements, saving time and costs.
Program & Performance Management
I’ve also crafted performance management plans, collaborating with stakeholders to develop data-driven solutions.
For one nonprofit, I developed a program management tool streamlining project and budget tracking, presenting the tool at its national conference.
Community Engagement & Organizational Advancement
At both colleges and nonprofits, I’ve led initiatives that strengthened partnerships and fostered civic engagement.
As project manager for a performance measurement nonprofit, I doubled membership through targeted outreach and strategic partnerships while coordinating its largest conference to date (500+ attendees).
At Local Efficiency Solutions, I leverage this experience to deliver solutions that achieve lasting impact for local governments and communities.