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City Staff Attend the 2024 ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh: Advancing Community and Economic Development

Pittsburgh, PA – From September 21-25, staff from the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) had the exciting opportunity to attend the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The ICMA Conference is one of the most significant gatherings for local government professionals, offering valuable learning and networking opportunities for those working in city management, economic development, community planning, and public administration.

A Hub of Innovation and Learning

The conference brought together thousands of local government leaders, planners, and development experts from across the country and around the world. Attendees participated in workshops, panels, and discussions on the latest trends and best practices in urban development, community engagement, economic revitalization, and public sector innovation.

For our DCED team, it was an essential platform for exploring the latest strategies and tools to foster economic growth, build sustainable communities, and enhance quality of life for all residents. This conference was a chance to explore cutting-edge strategies for fostering inclusive growth, developing sustainable economic policies, and enhancing quality of life for residents. From learning about emerging technologies to understanding new funding opportunities, the sessions provided our staff with a wealth of information to apply to the work we’re doing here at home.

Among the key themes of the conference were economic mobility and environmental sustainability—two areas that are central to the work we are doing in our city. From fostering inclusive economic development to promoting green infrastructure, the conference provided invaluable insights that will help us continue to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for our community.

Director of Planning Recognized with Small Communities Scholarship Award

In addition to the valuable experiences shared by all staff members, we are proud to announce that our Director of Planning, Community and Economic Development, Nina Ndichu received a scholarship award to attend the ICMA Conference. This prestigious recognition allowed Nina to engage more deeply with the event’s content and collaborate with peers from across the country, further enhancing our city’s commitment to excellence in urban planning and community development. We are excited to see how her participation will directly benefit our city’s planning initiatives.

The Small Communities Scholarship from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is a program designed to help professionals from small communities attend the annual conference. The scholarship is often awarded based on factors such as the applicant’s role, the size of the community they serve, and the professional development opportunities that their attendance would facilitate. This is part of ICMA’s broader mission to promote effective local government management, leadership, and innovation across all types of communities.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

Our team came away from the 2024 ICMA Conference with a wealth of knowledge, insights, and tools to better serve our city. Some key highlights included:

  • Economic Development in the Post-Pandemic Era: As cities continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, one of the main themes at the conference was creating resilient local economies. Sessions focused on diversifying economic bases, strengthening small businesses, and attracting new industries to support job growth.
  • Promoting Economic Mobility: The theme of economic mobility was highlighted throughout the conference. Sessions explored strategies to lift communities out of poverty, create pathways to upward mobility, and ensure that all residents, regardless of their background, have access to opportunities for success. Our team was particularly inspired by the focus on creating inclusive, equitable economic development programs that support local businesses, workforce development, and affordable housing initiatives.
  • Sustainable Urban Development: With climate change at the forefront of urban planning, discussions centered on creating green infrastructure, enhancing public transportation, and promoting energy-efficient buildings. Our team learned about best practices for reducing environmental footprints and improving livability in urban settings. Our team is excited to apply these insights to enhance the environmental sustainability and resilience of urban areas in our own city planning efforts.
  • Revitalizing Urban Communities: Many sessions at the conference focused on the importance of revitalizing neighborhoods and ensuring that all residents benefit from urban renewal. Our team participated in discussions about equitable development strategies, including the need to balance growth with affordability. These conversations underscored the importance of addressing displacement concerns while investing in infrastructure that improves the overall quality of life for long-term residents.
  • Building Stronger Communities: Community engagement remains a cornerstone of effective local governance. Several sessions highlighted strategies for fostering inclusive communities, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that all residents have a voice in city planning and decision-making.
  • Leveraging Technology for Smart Cities: The role of technology in government operations is becoming increasingly important. Our team participated in workshops about the use of data analytics, smart infrastructure, and digital tools that can improve city services, streamline processes, and enhance communication with residents.

Networking and Collaboration

The ICMA Conference also provided numerous opportunities for networking with local government professionals, industry leaders, and experts from across the nation. Our DCED staff met with colleagues from cities of similar size and those tackling similar challenges. These conversations fostered valuable collaborations, helping us build relationships with other municipalities and learn from their experiences.

The importance of cross-sector collaboration was emphasized throughout the event. Our team was inspired by the ways in which cities across the country are partnering with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to drive development and improve the quality of life for residents.

Bringing New Ideas Back to the City

Returning from Pittsburgh, our team is excited to implement the new ideas, strategies, and partnerships we gained from the conference. We are actively discussing how to integrate strategies for fostering economic mobility, revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable development into our current programs and projects.

As part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration, we will continue to share updates and insights from the conference with the community. We are dedicated to using the knowledge gained at the ICMA Conference to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous city for all.

Looking Forward

The 2024 ICMA Conference was an invaluable experience for our Department of Community and Economic Development. It reinforced our dedication to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that we are equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our city. By staying informed on the latest trends and building connections with other professionals, we can continue to make informed decisions that contribute to a thriving, sustainable community.

We look forward to putting these insights into action as we continue to serve and strengthen our city in the years to come. Stay tuned for further updates and initiatives that will enhance the community’s economic growth and overall well-being.

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