The Leadership ICMA Class of 2014, also known as the Centennial Leadership Class, met for the first time in December 2013 at ICMA in Washington, D.C. Since then, the team has shared learning, Q2, teambuilding, and self-discovery time in Charlottesville, Boston, and Phoenix. The class is working on four Capstone Projects in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Milton, Georgia; Decatur, Georgia; and Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Leadership ICMA Class of 2014 will complete its two-year journey at the 100th ICMA Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Capstone presentations on Sunday, 12:45-2:45pm. Everyone is invited to attend, though seating might be limited.

TEAM DECATUR: TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLBOX

The city of Decatur faced an issue that all cities have heard: “I want a speed bump and I want one now!” This toolbox, developed with city staff through a Lean Process Improvement method, builds awareness of a multitude of traffic-calming techniques. It shares how residents can work with the city to address their concerns--from pictures, to the step by step approach, to friendly forms. The city staff team is working behind the scenes to implement the recommendations that came out of the 2-day Lean event. Once the new process flow is ready to launch internally, staff will have the process, resources, and toolbox to calm traffic. 
ICMA Team Decatur: Amy Knowles, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Jennifer Payne, Gwinnett County, Georgia; and Aaron Otto, Roeland Park, Kansas.

Team Edmonton: Enriching livability through strategic partnerships

Leadership ICMA Team Edmonton has submitted its report for ICMA review. The report includes four key recommendations for the city's Community Services Division to go from “good to great” in establishing, maintaining, and monitoring partnerships. The team conducted a literature review, on-site staff focus group, and interviews with leading municipalities in this field. Based on this research, recommendations and action steps were identified to build on existing knowledge and success to create a more proactive approach in the partnership program.

ICMA Team Edmonton: Mike Bennett, Hickory, North Carolina; Tony Cain, Hillsboro, Texas, Rob Carty, ICMA; and Lena Stevens, Decatur, Georgia.

TEAM LEE’S SUMMIT: IMPROVING THE FLEET

The city of Lee’s Summit requested assistance from ICMA in conducting a review and analysis of its Central Vehicle Maintenance and Central Building Services divisions in order to identify areas for improved efficiency and effectiveness of operations. The team has visited the community twice and has experienced the quality services, welcoming presence, and resourceful  environment Lee’s Summit has to offer its residents. The team is wrapping up its final recommendations and report, planning to present the findings in early July.

ICMA Team Lee's Summit: Kurt Fenstermacher, El Paso, Texas; Jerome Fletcher, Alexandria, Virginia; Lynne Ladner, South Lyon, Michigan; and Tom Quist, Quist Consulting, Athens, GA.

Team Milton: Preserving Open Space

To help preserve Milton, Georgia’s character and quality of life, ICMA Team Milton recently completed a “playbook” of applicable land preservation tools. This project also considers financial strategies and the need for public engagement. Incorporated in 2006, Milton is a fairly new city. Its passion surrounding preservation of open space, however, isn’t. The Milton community is deeply rooted in protecting and preserving its beloved rural character. 

Meanwhile, Milton’s beauty and strong sense of community are attracting more and more homebuyers to town, increasing the development pressure. Most of Milton (85 percent) is zoned for one house per acre, and property owners have the right to develop. While it looks and feels like there is a lot of green open space in Milton, only four percent is actually protected. Milton’s challenge is to find a balance between growth and preservation.

ICMA Team Milton: Autumn Monahan, Issaquah, Washington; Jason Glidden, Park City, Utah; Andrew Flanagan, Arlington, Massachusetts; and Mark Rothert, Peoria County, Illinois.

The Team

Leadership ICMA 2014 developed a team statement after its initial meeting at ICMA:

Our Centennial ICMA Leadership Class respects and honors the rich history of our profession, while serving as a bridge to the future. We value smart and visionary leadership, discipline, and having fun. We do not expect perfection from each other, but assume good intent, and support and empower each other to achieve our personal and team goals.

The team has greatly enjoyed its experience together and made lasting professional and personal friendships. Learn more about Leadership ICMA or contact any of the program’s alumni. Leadership ICMA is supported by a generous contribution from ICMA-RC and program alumni.