Our recent call for success stories netted a good example of citizen engagement from the Town of Marana, AZ. Town Manager Gilbert Davidson, an ICMA Credentialed Manager and recipient of the John J. DeBolske Professional Excellence award from ACMA (Arizona City Managers’ Association), worked with his staff to come up with a new model. Tony Hunter, management assistant in Marana, share the details of the Marana Citizens’ Forum which boosted the number of residents who participate in the local government’s planning and implementation processes. The forum can have up to 32 delegates from various community sectors. The come together to address timely issues bringing their diverse viewpoints.

In addition to citizen engagement, professional local government managers focus on a core set of management practices that create Life, Well Run for our communities. Here are some other examples:

• Developing the budget for elected officials to debate, sometimes adjust, and approve
• Managing human resources
• Service delivery
• Planning strategically for community development
• Using performance metrics systems to drive continuous improvement
• Committing to high ethical standards
• Team building
• Leadership around the world

Please share your community’s success story with us by emailing lifewellrun@icma.org