During my many years at ICMA, it seems as if public-private partnerships—known as P3s—have been in and out of favor multiple times. In the August PM article “Taking the P3 Route to Reinvent Downtown,” author Charles Renner writes that “The past decade has seen a steady increase in the use of P3 structures, and 2016 was something of a watershed year with multiple high-profile projects coming online that address a variety of public needs.” His article includes three case studies: Lincoln, Nebraska; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and San Antonio, Texas. (A separate plug here for ICMA’s 2017 Annual Conference, which will be held in San Antonio, October 22–25.)

BTW: P3s were also the subject of a January 2017 commentary in Governing magazine written by Elizabeth Kellar, senior fellow, Center for State and Local Government Excellence, and director of public policy for ICMA. Kellar’s piece references an ICMA white paper and a GFOA advisory on P3s.

One PM article that might be a standout not only because of its message but also because of its many authors is “Counterpoint: Why Special Districts Promote Good Governance.” Seven executives representing special districts in California show how their districts are diligently providing specific services to communities. The authors are ICMA member Scott Carroll, along with Eldon Boone, Kathleen Jurasky, Neil McCormick, Greg Orsini, Tim Shackelford, and Martin Zvirbulis.

And whether some local governments recognize it or not, author Chris Hsiung’s message in “Your Social Media Strategy” is that “Social media is not the future of communication. Social media is the way communities network now.” He contends that an organization’s digital footprint provides an important connection to residents.

A list of more than 600 people and organizations who in 2016 supported the Future of Professional Management Fund—the new umbrella fund for Life, Well Run and the Fund for Professional Management—is included in a Special Report. Their financial support is definitely appreciated, as it helps ICMA continue to encourage professional local government management.

ICMA members Carol Houck, Jon Ruiz, and Charlotte Colley tell how they take time to step back from their management positions in their answers to the On Point question “How do you relax from your management responsibilities?” All three have created a way to escape from the pace of their positions, even if only briefly.

PM faithfully shares management tips. This month’s issue includes 10 rules for working constructively with governing bodies (“How We Lead Matters” by Katy Simon Holland); how to help employees suspend disbelief and find ways to solve problems (“Making the Impossible Possible” by Andrew Wittman); a simple 6-point formula for effective storytelling to become more persuasive (“Use Storytelling to Make a Point” by Henry Devries); and developing selection criteria for police chiefs (“Selecting the Next Generation of Police Chiefs” by Timothy Gillette).

I’m a dedicated list-making person so one of the articles I recommend is “Staying Productive” by Jeff Davidson. Davidson’s productivity techniques include list making and plotting what we’re trying to accomplish on a timeline by month, week, or hour. 

You’ll also find these articles exclusively on PM’s online site: “Want to Enhance Your Influence?” by Stacey Hanke; “Four Skills to Compete in the Hiring Landscape” by Magi Graziano; and “How Ego-Driven Deeds Are Destroying Your Organization” by Brandon Black and Shayne Hughes.

Interested in information on local government management? Subscribe to Public Management (PM) magazine.