“As challenging as it is right now, this is also an exciting time to be in local government. This is the level of government where the people feel they are still in control of what happens to them. It is our obligation to renew their confidence and develop better ways to work as partners with residents and the private sector to improve communities as a team and not just as a bureaucracy.”

“I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in government,” said Gaura. “I just didn’t know at what level until graduate school. I feel serving at the local level is a wonderful way to make a difference in the daily lives of our citizens.”

Our cities and counties enjoy the highest level of citizen trust of any level of government. That’s why they will lead the way despite the fiscal challenges to come.

An ICMA member for more than ten years, Seth participates in the Knowledge Network Members Group and serves on the 2012 ICMA Conference Planning Committee. He was the first registrant for the 98th ICMA Annual Conference in Phoenix/Maricopa County, Arizona, October 7-10, 2012.

See how your organization can be more effective, efficient, and productive with proven methods and technical assistance.

According to Wright, a senior management analyst with the city of San Antonio, Texas, "I became an ICMA member in graduate school as an MPA student because I could see what a valuable asset it was to managers in the field."