ABOUT THE TRAINING

Member-Directed Spending (aka Community Project Funding or Earmarks) can be an effective tool for caseworkers to strengthen relationships with local programs and stakeholders. This session will cover an introduction to MDS for caseworkers unfamiliar with appropriations, and tips on talking to community members about what to expect in the process.

This event has been designed to comply with House and Senate Ethics Rules. Please contact the appropriate Ethics Committee with any questions.

SPEAKER

Franz Wuerfmannsdobler is a Senior Advisor with the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has more than two decades of congressional experience. During his tenure on Capitol Hill, he worked in the offices of U.S. Senators Robert Byrd, Byron Dorgan, and Chris Coons, the last of which he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor. He also served on the Senate Appropriations Committee. His policy portfolio has included energy, environment, science and technology, appropriations, and budget issues. During his congressional service, he sought to find common ground approaches in order to advance major legislative and policy initiatives. Building on these experiences, he is dedicated to improving public discourse and restoring civic trust.

Prior to his time in the U.S. Senate, Wuerfmannsdobler worked in the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. He has a MSc. in environmental management and policy from Oxford University and a B.A. in cultural studies and history from the University of Denver. He was a Stennis Congressional Fellow during the 114th Congress and received the Unsung Hero Award from the Alliance to Save Energy in 2008.

MODERATOR

Anne Meeker is a civic process and democratic engagement nerd, and a former House district staffer. She was a founding member of the POPVOX Foundation team as Director of Special Initiatives and now serves as Deputy Director. She previously served as Director of Constituent Services for Congressman Seth Moulton, where she worked to use data and technology to deliver smarter casework services to residents of the MA06. Anne holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Oxford (St. Hugh's College), and an MSc in History from the London School of Economics, where she wrote her thesis on presidential memoir. She is also a proud native Clevelander, and will take any opportunity to cheerlead for the 'Land.