What message is sent when a local government manager travels to a professional development conference—especially across the country during an economic downturn?

Local government managers throughout the country have wrestled with this issue. Although managers recognize the value of attending their professional association meetings or professional development conferences, and may even have room in their budgets for such an expense, many choose not to attend out of concern that it might send the wrong message to council members and their community.

According to the MetroWest Daily News, the town of Framingham, Massachusetts, has recently had a similar debate. Town Manager Julian Suso proposed a plan for him to attend the ICMA Annual Conference in San Jose, California in October. In a 4-1 vote, selectmen approved sending Suso to the conference.

But Chairman Dennis Giombetti voted against Suso attending the San Jose conference because he was uncomfortable sending Suso to California in a climate of budget cuts and economic instability. “To me it’s more of a message,” he said. “It’s a symbol.”

Other selectman viewed Suso’s attendance at the ICMA Annual Conference as beneficial for Framingham and recognized that he earned credentialed manager status by going to ICMA conferences in past years.

I think it’s extremely important,” Selectman Ginger Esty said. “I think he would have a lot to gain.” She said that Suso can draw inspiration from sharing ideas on municipal topics with other attendees that he can bring back and put to good use.

Suso’s contract allows for him to travel to professional association meetings and the ICMA Annual Conference is the one he focuses on. “Each year I bring back information from the different sessions, and you compare notes with other managers, and since we’re all in a similar business, there’s a lot of parallels.”

Suso attended last year’s conference in Montreal and said the sessions were particularly relevant to the managing through a recession. “One of the popular topics—no surprise—the last couple of years has been the continuing of funding services during economic downturns and a lot of spinoff issues.”

Four selectmen agreed. “I think [his attendance] is good for the town of Framingham,” Selectman Jason Smith said.