Four ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference attendees share their thoughts on professional development, networking, learning, and all things local government. Save the date for the ICMA Annual Conference, October 25-29 in Tampa, Florida, and check out ICMA's Learning Lab for year-round professional development opportunities. 

A Chance to Learn and an Opportunity to Reflect

By Julie Tamayo

I was able to attend the ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference in Denver after being awarded a scholarship from Cal-ICMA. It was an amazing experience that expanded my perspective and knowledge of local government management. As someone who is passionate about public service, the conference was an incredible opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and connect with others in the industry.  

The sessions were diverse and interesting, covering a wide range of topics—from innovative public policy solutions to effective leadership in municipalities. I enjoyed discussions on the future, including AI and the challenges that cities face with streamlining operations and moving to the digital age. Sessions on reshaping economic development in local governments and how to drive organizational success gave me a better understanding of how municipalities can participate in long-term strategies and apply lessons to everyday management.

One of the highlights was the networking opportunities. It was inspiring to meet city managers and other public administration professionals from different regions around the country. We were able to share ideas, experiences, challenges, and successes that were a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in improving the effectiveness of local governments. It was great to learn what other municipalities are doing about the future and how they are applying technology in their organizations. 

The interesting keynote speakers offered insights into the future of local governance, technology's role in public management, and the importance of driving organizational success. I left feeling motivated and empowered with new knowledge that I can bring back to my city. 

Overall, the ICMA conference was not just a chance to learn, but also an opportunity to reflect on the current state of local government and envision the changes needed to meet the challenges of the future. I gained valuable insights that will positively impact our operations and better serve the Orinda community. It was an invaluable experience attending the ICMA Reimagined Conference in Denver, and I can’t thank Cal-ICMA enough for this opportunity!  

The Power of Collaboration in Driving Innovation

By Jamie Achterberg, MPA, assistant to the city manager, Bakersfield, CA

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference in Denver as a scholarship recipient. The experience provided valuable insights, inspiring connections, and innovative strategies. Denver’s vibrant setting offered the perfect backdrop for collaboration and fresh thinking.

The conference reinforced the power of collaboration in driving innovation and problem-solving in local government. Engaging with like-minded professionals highlighted how shared ideas and partnerships lead to lasting change. Meaningful discussions on governance and innovation underscored that progress in the public sector doesn’t happen in isolation but thrives on collective learning and cooperation. 

Learning about technology and best practices from other agencies revealed new ways to improve service delivery and streamline operations. The session “Elevating the Employee Experience” reinforced the importance of workplace culture, engagement, and well-being, reaffirming that a motivated workforce leads to stronger public service outcomes. Another insightful session, “Embracing GIS and AI to Reshape Economic Development in Local Government,” demonstrated how artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and decision-making. Seeing real-world AI applications in municipal operations challenged me to rethink how technology can optimize workflows and enhance service delivery.

Beyond the sessions, this conference pushed me outside my comfort zone. As an introvert newly appointed to a managerial role, stepping into a space filled with passionate local government professionals and executives encouraged me to engage in discussions and expand my network. This experience helped me embrace a more extroverted approach by actively networking, participating in discussions, and broadening my perspective. These interactions reinforced that collaboration is key to innovation in public service.

I left Denver energized and excited to apply these new insights in Bakersfield. From enhancing employee engagement to leveraging AI and strengthening mentorship opportunities, the lessons learned here will help me shape a more effective and forward-thinking local government.

Thank you to ICMA and the scholarship committee for this opportunity. I look forward to implementing these ideas and continuing to grow as a public service professional.

Stepping Beyond the Clerk's Desk: My First ICMA Conference Experience

By Donesia Gause, MMC, CERA, city clerk, Riverside, CA 

After 25 years in the city clerk profession, I felt a new spark—an urge to broaden my understanding of local government beyond the familiar clerk world I had known so well. A colleague encouraged me to explore ICMA, suggesting it would be an excellent opportunity to connect with other leaders in municipal government.

Curious, I joined, and not long after, I attended a local workshop where someone mentioned the upcoming Local Government Reimagined Conference. I researched and discovered it was being held in Denver. Even more exciting, I found a scholarship opportunity to attend. I applied and was awarded the scholarship, and just like that, I was on my way to the Local Government Reimagined Conference.

From the moment I arrived in Denver, I was met with warmth and friendliness—from the airport staff to the train conductor and the bus driver who dropped me off right in front of my hotel. This welcoming atmosphere continued with the hotel staff and the conference attendees, who had traveled from all over the Western region.

The first person I met at the conference was Mike from Texas. When I mentioned that it was my first ICMA conference, he immediately offered to be my unofficial tour guide. He introduced me to a diverse group of attendees, and because of him, I felt more comfortable and found a sense of belonging.

The sessions were insightful and offered tangible takeaways—not just for me as a city clerk but for departments across my organization. I came back with ideas to share with our IT, finance, marketing, and communications teams—a reminder that collaboration in government often begins with shared knowledge.

Over the course of three days, I had the privilege of learning and networking with some of the most passionate and pleasant public servants I've ever met. These are the people behind the scenes running our cities and counties—and they completely shattered the stereotype that government workers are disengaged or unmotivated. On the contrary, they were inspiring, energized, and deeply committed to public service.

Attending the ICMA conference was not just an opportunity for professional development but a refreshing reminder of the possibilities within local government. It reignited my passion for service. If you've ever thought about moving beyond your current role to explore new dimensions of leadership, I highly recommend taking that first step—just as I did.

Attending the ICMA Conference: A Transformative Experience in Networking and Growth

By Alejandro Castillo MPA, founder of Boots on the Ground Alliance

Reflecting on my recent experience at the ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference in Denver, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration. It was not only an honor to be recognized as a veteran recipient of a scholarship that enabled my attendance, but it was also a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing effective local governance.

The ICMA conference united city and county managers, public administrators, and civic leaders. The atmosphere was energetic and enthusiastic as individuals shared their insights, challenges, and successes in managing local governments. This gathering of diverse perspectives created an environment ripe for collaboration and learning. 

Networking at the conference was one of the most impactful aspects of my experience. Engaging with fellow attendees allowed me to exchange ideas and best practices that can be implemented in our communities. The power of networking cannot be overstated; it fosters relationships that can lead to innovative solutions for pressing issues. For instance, I had the opportunity to converse with a city manager who successfully implemented a community engagement initiative that significantly increased citizen participation. Learning from their experience sparked ideas for similar initiatives in my community. 

Moreover, the conference offered numerous workshops and breakout sessions on various topics, including sustainability, public safety, and economic development. Each session provided valuable insights and practical tools to take back to my community. The collaborative nature of these discussions reinforced the idea that, regardless of our geographical differences, we share common challenges and goals. The relationships formed during these sessions can lead to long-lasting partnerships that transcend the conference.

As a veteran, being acknowledged with the scholarship to attend this prestigious event was particularly meaningful. It provided me with a platform to represent my fellow veterans and contribute to discussions about the importance of veteran engagement in local governance. Our experiences and perspectives can bring a unique understanding of community needs and dynamics, and I am proud to advocate for greater inclusion of veterans in these conversations.

The ICMA conference also emphasized the importance of mentorship in public service. During the event, I met several seasoned professionals who generously shared their experiences and offered guidance on navigating the complexities of local governance. Their willingness to invest time in fostering the next generation of leaders is a testament to the strength of our profession. I left the conference feeling inspired to pay it forward, encouraging and mentoring emerging leaders in my community.

In conclusion, attending the ICMA conference was an enriching experience that underscored the significance of networking and collaboration in public service. The connections made, knowledge gained, and inspiration found will undoubtedly influence my work moving forward. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate and encourage others to seek similar experiences. Together, we can create stronger, more resilient communities that reflect the values and needs of all citizens.

As we continue to engage with one another, let’s remember that the power of our networks can create a lasting impact. I look forward to staying connected with the incredible individuals I met and sharing knowledge and resources to help us all thrive in our respective roles. Here’s to the future of local governance and the collective effort to make a difference!