Tim’s Thoughts October 2022
Disruptions
As I returned from the ICMA conference last week, I reflected on how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to attend. I was able to speak with many of you there and were able to connect with friends from outside of Virginia as well. The conference was full of great educational sessions and plenty of good networking, as expected. Special thanks to Charles and Molly for organizing the VLGMA social on Monday night and to McGill Associates for sponsoring it. It was a great venue and a great time together.
As I considered what to write this month, I thought I would share some information from one of the sessions that I attended while in Columbus. John Nalbandian, Bob O’Neill, and Sherilyn Lombos lead a session titled “Governing in a Disruptive Environment: Charting a course in a stormy sea.” This subject has certainly affected all of us at some point only proven by the standing room only in the conference room that day. The focus of the discussion was on three disruptions that local governments are dealing with:
1. National politics filtering down
2. Technology and social media
3. Social issues
These three disruptions have certainly had an impact on how we manage our communities. One would only need to remember all of the issues that our communities had to deal with during Covid to understand that each of these disruptions often created major issues in our communities. Certainly, on the back side of Covid, some of these disruptions would diminish, however that has not been the case. National politics has caused continued issues with state and local relationships as well. One of the managers from Tennessee shared his concerns about Tennessee state government attempting to pre-empt local decision making. Another manager spoke of the fact that cultivating consensus and legitimate debate is quickly disappearing.
Technology especially social media is the gift that keeps giving. While it certainly can be helpful in our daily operations, it is a disruption as well. As consumers of services citizens are interacting with government through the use of social media and technology and it is key for managers to understand the technology in order to manage risks. Everything that we do on a daily basis is technology-driven which exposes us as we strive to provide citizens’ access while still securing internet connected devices. One attempt from a hacker can shut down operations for weeks.
Social issues continue to be a disruption that we all must face. Admittedly, the level in which we have to deal with the disruption is different in different communities. However, these issues should be in the minds of all of us as the disruption that can be caused is significant to work and personal lives.
As I returned to the office, I asked my staff these questions. What disruptions are you dealing with? How do we continue to deal with these and other disruptions to ensure that we are adequately and effectively leading our organizations?
Former CEO of AOL Steve Case once stated, “The pace of change and the threat of disruption creates tremendous opportunities.” How we manage these opportunities will help shape how our communities respond.
I would like to welcome new members:
Doug Blount, Assistant County Administrator, County of Roanoke
Thomas Cannella, Principal Planner, City of Poquoson
Elijah Daly, Director of Human Resources, County of Roanoke
Kristie Jordan, Assistant Director of Human Resources, County of Roanoke
Ashley King, Acting Director of General Services, County of Roanoke
Barry Moore City Manager, City of Galax
Madeline Sefcik, Assistant to the County Administrator, County of Roanoke
Randal Vosburg, County Administrator, County of Stafford