Work hard and be nice. Do that and success will follow. It helps to find good mentors. Ideally find a boss who will allow you to take calculated risks.

What will the local government landscape look like in the next 10 to 25 years, and what skills will managers need to meet the challenges of this new era?

My participation with ICMA has helped define me as a person and a manager. Get involved, reach out, and get to know your colleagues. And find a mentor.