Finance is the engine that keeps every city department running. In this conversation, Hugh Plappert talks with Matthew Lue, Director of Finance for the City of Columbia, Missouri, about how municipal finance works behind the scenes.

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From funding challenges to managing public expectations, Matthew shares lessons from his path that began in nonprofit healthcare and led to local government leadership. He discusses how sales tax supports essential city services, how collaboration breaks down departmental silos, and why patience and teaching have become core parts of his role.

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Listeners will hear about Columbia’s investment policies, the reality of project budgeting, and how municipal finance professionals balance limited resources with community needs.

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👤 Guest Bio

Matthew Lue is the Director of Finance for the City of Columbia, Missouri. His career began in nonprofit finance at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City before transitioning to public service in Warrensburg, Missouri. With experience leading financial strategies in both small and large municipalities, Matthew focuses on transparency, process, and collaboration to ensure citizens’ tax dollars are put to work effectively.

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📌 What We Cover

• Transitioning from nonprofit finance to city government service
• Understanding how sales tax funds local operations and services
• Managing the political side of finance while staying focused on citizens
• Passing general obligation bonds for firetrucks and road improvements
• Implementing investment policies and achieving 5% returns through a laddered approach
• Breaking down silos between departments to strengthen budget collaboration
• Addressing inflation, rising expenses, and stagnant revenue
• Working with unions and vendors through negotiation and RFP processes
• The importance of patience and communication when teaching finance concepts
• Advice for young professionals entering municipal finance careers

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Children’s Mercy Hospital – Kansas City, Missouri
• City of Columbia, Missouri – cmo.gov

Ground Floor Government is hosted by Hugh Plappert and produced by PhoneLive.io.