I recently attended the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Managers conference in Pittsburgh, and I came away reminded once again that some of the most important leadership in local government does not always happen under the bright lights of elected office.
The conference was held at The Landing Hotel, attached to the Rivers Casino and located next to Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. For me, going to a conference in Pittsburgh always feels a little unusual. Unlike many of the conferences I attend around the country, I can be home from Pittsburgh in under two hours. It is close enough to feel familiar, but still far enough away to make you step out of your regular routine and see things with fresh eyes.
After spending the majority of my career as an elected official, I find myself more and more interested in the work of city managers. In many ways, they operate in a world that elected officials only partly see. They are responsible for carrying out the policies of councils, managing employees, responding to citizens, dealing with crises, and trying to keep the daily machinery of government moving forward.
What struck me most at this conference was the energy, creativity, and dedication of so many young municipal managers. There is an infectious spirit among them. They are not simply trying to maintain the status quo. They are thinking about technology, communication, employee morale, community trust, and new ways to deliver services. I believe municipal management is becoming one of the most innovative and creative parts of local government.
One session that touched me deeply was an interview with Centrice Martin, the former manager of Ferguson Township. Centrice made history as the first municipal manager ever chosen to serve as President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. That alone would be a remarkable achievement. But her leadership came during a particularly difficult time in her township.
With a toxic mix of social media conflict, community tension, and difficult relationships with members of the elected board, Centrice eventually made the painful decision that her peace was more important than continuing in her position. Listening to her share that story with a room full of her peers was both heartbreaking and inspirational.
It took courage to be that open. It also gave voice to something many city managers understand but may not always say out loud. Managers can be lone rangers in their communities. They are expected to lead, solve problems, absorb criticism, and remain professional, even when the attacks become personal. Yet they are never completely secure. They can give years of their lives to a community and still be shown the door at any time.
Another session that stood out featured my friend Sam Toles of CiviSocial. Sam’s company helps cities use social media as a vehicle for positive communication with citizens, rather than simply accepting the conflict and toxicity that have become too common online. Sam believes city employees can become content creators, using their unique roles and daily experiences to tell the story of local government from the inside. I have known Sam for a couple of years, and I admire the difference he is making in cities, one community at a time.
Of course, since the hotel was attached to a casino, I did wander over for a brief visit. I walked through the smoke-filled sea of flashing slot machines, found one, and fed a twenty-dollar bill into the slot. About three minutes later, I pushed the button on my final credit and once again wondered how gambling has become such a big business.
As I drove home from Pittsburgh, I thought about the conference, the city managers I met, and the city that was my “big city” growing up. Pittsburgh has always had a special place in my life. This trip reminded me that great cities are built not only by mayors and councils, but also by the dedicated managers and employees who quietly do the hard work every day.
