ICMA 2024: Innovating for Impact – Trust, Engagement, and the Future of Local Governance

Attending this year’s ICMA conference in Pittsburgh was more than just an opportunity to reconnect with local leaders (what a highlight) — it was a chance to engage in discussions that are shaping the future of governance. 

It is exciting to see how local governance leaders across the country are adopting new strategies for building more responsive and inclusive communities, leveraging data and technology to elevate their efforts. As local governments confront complex societal challenges—from rebuilding public trust to enhancing resident engagement—we can see a growing need for innovative solutions. 

Throughout my conversations at ICMA 2024, three critical areas stood out as the focal points:

1. AI is Shifting from Concept to Reality -  A Catalyst for Transforming Governance

One of the key themes at the conference was the evolving role of AI. As leaders in this space, we have been implementing AI solutions since the beginning of our work, and it was exciting to hear how the conversations around AI became more tangible and practical, focusing on how it can be effectively integrated to address real-world challenges. We saw local leaders view AI not as a distant future concept, but as a practical tool for today’s governance. AI is being used to streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and enhance resident engagement in remarkable ways.

For example:

• Santiago Garces, the CIO of the City of Boston, captured this sentiment well when he said, “AI has the opportunity to create great efficiencies in the work of government. It’s up to us to decide if we use these efficiencies to reduce the cost or improve the service of government.”

It’s our role as partners to ensure that AI’s transformative power is harnessed safely, transparently, and in a way that’s tailored to the unique needs of each community. This means providing local leaders with the guidance and support they need to implement AI solutions that elevate community outcomes without compromising trust. These tools bring us closer to removing barriers to participation and turning community input into actionable insights for decision-making.

2. The Growing Need to Support Local Leaders in Navigating Polarization During Elections

As partners to local governments, my team and I continuously reflect and ask ourselves critical questions. One of them is how can we best support public leaders so they are equipped to serve their residents during heightened times of scrutiny and doubt? How do we move beyond elections to build more trust, foster greater engagement, and generate more positive sentiment for their leaders, rather than contributing to further polarization and public skepticism?

As we approach the 2024 national elections, the polarization we’ve seen over the past few years has become even more pronounced. Local governments are not only the frontline for delivering essential services—they are also responsible for maintaining trust and transparency in a process that has increasingly come under scrutiny. Recent innovations in technology have empowered local governments to keep a finger on the pulse of how their communities feel, capturing real-time insights from all voices (more on this below) within the community and addressing resident concerns head-on through timely engagement and management. 

Local leaders face a big challenge that they need to navigate this complexity with limited resources and, often, under heightened public pressure. In my conversations with many city leaders, they highlighted the pressing need for support in managing this heightened tension. This means prioritizing transparency and communication, actively countering misinformation, and ensuring residents have access to reliable, clear information about the election process. Restoring trust is a formidable task, but by reinforcing these principles and providing local leaders with the tools they need, we can help communities feel more secure and confident in the democratic process.

3. "What Do You Call Your STP ("Same Ten People") in Your Community?" – Understanding the Challenge and Why This Was Our Most Insightful Activation Yet

Another recurring challenge discussed at the conference was the ongoing struggle to engage a broader cross-section of residents. The so-called “Same Ten People” problem, where the same voices dominate community discussions, is not just an issue of representation. It’s a barrier that limits our ability to fully understand the diverse needs and priorities of our communities.

Local governments need new approaches to reach beyond these familiar voices. Traditional methods of engagement have served their purpose, but they often fall short in capturing the perspectives of younger residents, minority communities, and those less likely to participate in formal feedback processes. I believe that this challenge can be solved!- By leveraging technology, employing new strategies, and creating more accessible spaces for dialogue, we can ensure that all voices are not just invited to the table but are also genuinely heard. This inclusive approach will ultimately lead to more balanced, representative decision-making and stronger, more resilient communities.

Here are some responses from city officials when asked, "What do you call your STP in your community?

The responses are comical, (my favorite one is ‘Usual suspects’),  however, they provide valuable insight into the widespread challenge faced by counties and cities of all sizes.

A Commitment—(and an Obsession!)—to Building Thriving Communities Through Strong Leadership

The 2024 ICMA conference reinforced for me the essential role local governments play in building vibrant, inclusive communities. The insights we gained underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges head-on—with innovative solutions, inclusive strategies, and a steadfast commitment to transparency.

Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a stronger future for local governance.