I am often asked by students and professionals just beginning their careers for advice. The questions range from which books to read and courses to take, as well as how to get that first door-opening experience.

One of the best resources they can access is ICMA’s Local Government Excellence Awards. The 2023 award winners—included in this month’s PM magazine and presented at the ICMA Annual Conference in Austin, Texas—demonstrate so many of both the practical and more abstract talents required to succeed in the profession of local government management. Consistent with years past, the Awards Evaluation Committee, under the leadership of Carlos Baia, city manager of Temple Terrace, Florida, has produced essentially a roster of case studies in outstanding leadership and management.

In the program awards, you’ll find brilliant ideas on tapping into local expertise as the city of Oriental, North Carolina, did when confronted with a daunting shoreline restoration project, or as Cassopolis, Michigan, did in getting all its stakeholders engaged in a reimagination process. You will discover new ways of involving your residents as Kalispell, Montana, did when it transformed an industrial-oriented area into a vibrant, pedestrian, mixed-use neighborhood with amenities to complement the historic downtown.

Every local government manager faces what are known as wicked problems—the kind that are seemingly unsolvable—yet Duarte, California, is making progress in reducing gang violence that has existed in the community for generations. El Paso County is creating all-abilities playgrounds to provide a safe and accessible space for every child, including those with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities, as well as those with sensory processing issues. To address challenges in the local government workplace, Rancho Cucamonga, California, has set up a program to assist employees with short-term or immediate dependent care needs, which could otherwise result in their missing work.

In addition, the professional awards highlight career achievements that feature creativity and innovation. Every one of this year’s recipients appears to be focused on “paying it forward” by nurturing the next generation, whether they are a 50-year local government leader like Mark Johnson or an early-career rock star like Kelsee Jordan Lee. In addition to the hard work of growing their communities, they make time to grow this profession through engagement with ICMA and their state associations and by mentoring others.

I would be remiss if I did not mention this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients—Pam Brangaccio, Bob O’Neill Jr., Kim Payne, and Sheryl Sculley—all of whom are exceptional leaders and trail blazers in many ways. Bob, in fact, blazed a trail for me here at ICMA as my immediate predecessor. If you consider the 108-year history of ICMA, there have been only six CEOs/executive directors, and Bob built on the success of those predecessors taking ICMA in exciting new directions. Above all, I have found Bob to be the consummate strategic thinker who graciously shares his experience and insights with others as he did at ICMA and he now does in his academic affiliations.

I offer my congratulations to all of those who will be recognized in Austin, whether it be for years of service, outstanding programs, or individual achievements. Your dedication and integrity are shining examples for students and experienced professionals alike. I know I speak for the entire ICMA team when I say that we are fully committed to continuing to create the kind of environment that fosters achievement.

MARC A. OTT is CEO/Executive Director of ICMA, Washington, D.C.