WHY I’M EXCITED ABOUT ICMA SEATTLE 2015

and why you should be, too. . . . Plus, a challenge for you

View to the east

Recently, while standing on a ridgeline in one of my agency’s open-space preserves, with the complex development of Silicon Valley below me to the east and the complex natural environment of forests and watersheds and agricultural lands rolling gently toward the Pacific Ocean to the west, I was profoundly reminded why I love my work in local government. 

Our communities are growing ever more complex. We face so many wicked problems, within and among our cities and regions, at the interface with nature and within nature itself?from climate change and drought to social and economic challenges, from human and environmental health and safety to political and community-building challenges, and more. 

But local government managers are problem solvers, and our agencies are getting the work done. The accomplishments at the local level that help chip away at these wicked problems are astounding. The dedicated managers and employees at all levels in the public sector are to be celebrated. ICMA Seattle 2015 is your chance to HEAR about complex challenges we are facing, LEARN about solutions, and CELEBRATE accomplishments with colleagues. With your attendance, and the attendance of your up-and-coming future managers, together we can refresh and deepen our connections and commitment to our work and our colleagues while sharing our knowledge and benefiting from that of others. 

View to the west

As a Cal-ICMA representative on the Seattle 2015 Planning Committee, I could just tell you about the sessions and cheerlead for you and your next-generation colleagues to attend. However, my recently viewed vistas east and west prompted me to go deeper, so I wanted to personally share this perspective. 

I know that all of you have been struck in your own personal moments by the profound gravitas of what you do; otherwise, you wouldn’t be so committed to this important work. So reflect on your moment, and get yourself and your colleagues to Seattle, September 27−30, 2015. The lineup will be worth it, with keynote and featured speakers on organizational health and teamwork, diversity, and resilience to complex challenges, as well as theme tracks focused on the relevancy of local government; equity and empowerment; 21st-century skills and tools; the next generation of infrastructure; professional survival; and career tracks for assistant managers, county managers, and small-community managers. 

 

And here’s your challenge: Specifically reach out to at least one potential first-time conference attendee and encourage (and enable) that person to attend Seattle 2015. The conference does not return to the West Coast until 2021, so this is the year for first-time attendees from California to experience the conference!

Leave a comment below and let us know you accepted the challenge!

Kevin Woodhouse
Assistant General Manager
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Los Altos, California