Join us in Columbus for an abundance of content relevant to local government professionals
With more than 150 education sessions, keynotes, game changer speakers, micro-certifications, mobile workshops and product theaters, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn from your peers, industry professionals, and others too!
Can’t join us in Columbus?
Join us digitally to view live streams of all keynote sessions and select breakout sessions. All live-streamed sessions will be available on-demand after the conference concludes.
Session tracks will focus on:
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Civility and Engagement
This track will aid local leaders in overcoming major challenges around communication and maintaining civility in their communities. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to navigating polarization and the culture of contempt, best practices for working with mainstream and social media, managing mis/disinformation, effective community engagement, and fostering trust in local government.
Economic Recovery, Redevelopment, and Resilience
This track will focus on the major economic development challenges and opportunities as communities seek not just to restore, but to redevelop and reimagine their local economies for long-term resilience. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to using American Rescue Plan resources, securing and managing other federal funds, how to leverage trusts/foundations, housing and homelessness issues, infrastructure, brownfield redevelopment, how to combat the shift to online shopping in a downtown/business district, and dealing with major local economic shifts and shocks.
Leading Strong Teams for A Strong Community
Managers are at the core of strong communities. This track will highlight solutions to challenges of leading teams from different levels of the organization. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to council/manager relations, effective board and commission management, mid-level management support, ensuring mental health and happiness of employees, servant leadership and other leadership principles, recruitment and retention of employees, and volunteer recruitment.
Livable, Sustainable Communities
This track will focus on leading practices for local governments to promote healthy, thriving, and resilient communities. Specific topics of interest include, but are not limited to climate change implications, emergency and disaster preparedness, environmental justice, the power of arts and culture, government sponsored events, and parks, recreation, and open space issues.
Personal
Personal development is an essential component of professional development. This track will help local leaders commit to a balanced life and enhance personal capacity. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to personal mental health, stress management techniques, and well-being for chief administrative officials, setting limits on the 24-hour job expectations, life in the fishbowl and effects on your family, finding your next job and when is a good time to start looking, how to interview in a public setting, succeeding in your current role, having fun, career wellness, personal care and growth, professional growth and retirement planning.
Workforces and Service Delivery of The Future
How will local governments continue to adapt their departmental operations and services to meet the needs of a post-COVID future? Specific topics of interest include, but are not limited to remote work policies, innovations in service delivery, moving to a more digital platform, procurement and supply chain issues, recruitment for lower paying jobs in a high cost of living area, and the evolution of departments such as public safety, public works, or human resource.