By Peter Clark, University of New Hampshire, MPA Candidate

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) ICMA Student Chapter visited the city of Concord, New Hampshire, to learn about the functions of the city and the day-to-day work of municipal government. Students received an overview of city government from ICMA members Thomas Aspell, city manager, and Carlos Baia, deputy city manager for development, along with Brian LeBrun, deputy city manager for finance. Students then traveled to the construction site of the future Concord city community center in the Concord Heights District, where they received a tour from Gill David, director of parks and recreation.

The students ended their visit at Concord general services, where they learned how employees work to make sure city infrastructure is up to date. Coincidentally, their visit occurred just as a significant snowstorm was beginning, and the students experienced what it is like in the office as the city prepares the necessary vehicles and equipment to get through a storm.

Related Resources

Indiana University Students Connect Cultural Arts to Town Growth. This blog post from December 2017 details another student chapter that learned how the arts can help lead to economic growth. 

Storm + Social Media = Community Pride? A blog post from Life, Well Run shows how social media can help keep residents informed during a snowstorm as well as bring pride to a community. 

ICMA Student Chapter. This page displays all the student chapters around the country by region and is where you can find the student chapter closest to you.