March 2021 Focus on the Future

By Craig Meadows

It was great to spend time together, albeit virtually, at our VLGMA winter conference a few weeks ago.  The speakers and programs were outstanding, and it is always nice to devote time focusing on how we can strengthen ourselves as leaders in our communities.  However, I greatly miss the opportunity to network in person with our colleagues and friends – hopefully we will be able to all meet in one place together in the not-to-distant future!

I appreciate the opportunity to continue to review with you VLGMA’s Strategic Plan.  As noted in the Plan’s introduction, “… a successful strategic plan helps VLGMA focus its work on what is truly important to the membership and on tasks in which VLGMA can make a significant contribution to the profession for Virginia local government managers and the next generation of managers.”  As I continue this series with you, I encourage you to think about that statement, and I ask that you let me (or any officer of VLGMA) know if you feel we are truly focused on the areas that make a difference in your service.

This month, I want to focus on the sixth strategic area for the VLGMA Strategic Plan, which is Leadership and Ethics.  Our goal for this area is to “support the local government manager’s role in building community through competent, principled leadership, meaningful community participation, and representative democracy.”  Under this goal, we have identified four action steps –

1)     Increase ethics awareness by a) encouraging members to conduct ICMA Ethics training sessions for local government staff; and b) conducting one ICMA ethics training session for VLGMA members every year;

2)     Consider an annual contribution to the ICMA Fund for Professional Management;

3)     Provide training sessions on sustainability, governance, ethics, and civic engagement; and

4)     Support ICMA’s Value of the Profession campaign.

As we head into spring, I ask that you consider how you are helping with “building community” in your role as a local government leader.  Have you shared the ICMA Code of Ethics with your leadership team and department directors?  Do you take opportunities during staff meetings to discuss sustainability and civic engagement efforts in your community?  Have you recently read ICMA’s Value of the Profession information (I have not, and am planning to do so today!)

I appreciate all that each of you do in service to your communities, and to the VLGMA organization.  If you are interested in discussing the VLGMA Strategic Plan in more detail, please feel free to contact me at meadowsfc@montgomerycountyva.gov.   Until next month –
All the best,
Craig