July President’s Message: Do What We Love — And Love What We Do

To our dedicated Cal-ICMA community,

In these times of profound change and challenge, I want to pause and remind each of you why we chose this calling—why we chose to serve in local government.

We did not take this path for glory or comfort. We chose it for purpose. Because we believe that a single policy can open opportunity. That a safe road, a well-timed response, a welcoming library, or a responsible budget decision can improve the life of a member of the community we serve.  We entered this profession to make a difference—and we do. Every day.

Two recent reflections in Career Compass from Dr. Frank Benest—“Rediscovering the Joy of Public Service” and “Combating Chronic Organizational Distress”—remind us that the work we do is both powerful and personal. It comes with emotional labor, yes—but also with extraordinary meaning. When we face incivility, polarization, or burnout, it is our why that carries us through.

And here’s the truth: local government works best when we, its stewards, model the very best of what it can be.

Good governance is not an abstract principle. It lives in the everyday behaviors of public servants—when we lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and act with courage. When we choose professionalism over politics. When we create environments where staff feel valued, councils feel respected, and residents feel heard, we make a difference.

So let your work inspire. Let your example serve as a model to others—employees, councilmembers, fellow public servants across jurisdictions. Be the calm in the storm. Be the standard others remember.

At Cal-ICMA, we are incredibly grateful to our Corporate Partners and Sponsors whose continued support makes our work possible. Your partnership enables us to host annual networking events, offer scholarships, host leadership development events, create valuable resources, and build a supportive professional community. You are part of the fabric that holds this profession together, and your investment in our work fuels the growth and resilience of the local government profession across California.

We also acknowledge the budgetary and organizational challenges facing ICMA nationally. These are difficult times for the profession, and many of our colleagues have been affected—some have lost their jobs, while others have taken on more responsibility than ever before. We thank each and every one of you who has stepped up, adapted, and carried forward the mission of good governance despite these changes.

Across our state and country, our communities are facing deep and complex challenges—housing insecurity, devastating climate calamities, economic uncertainty, and threats to civil discourse. Now more than ever, we must stand together as a profession. Let us continue to support our colleagues who are navigating their most difficult professional moments—and uplift those who are just beginning their journey into city, county, and district leadership. A word of encouragement, a shared resource, a helping hand—these simple acts matter.

And if your passion needs a recharge—or if you want to be that source of inspiration for someone else—I encourage you to volunteer and get involved with Cal-ICMA. Volunteer. Join a committee. Share your story. In doing so, you don’t just refill your cup—you fill someone else’s.

Personally, Cal-ICMA has helped me fulfill my why. Through this organization, I’ve been able to leverage the relationships I’ve built over the years—especially within and around the vendor and partner community—to help launch and grow our Corporate Partnership Program. This work has allowed me to bridge connections between innovative companies and our profession in meaningful, practical ways. It’s been deeply rewarding to help introduce tools, solutions, and resources that benefit our cities and counties, while at the same time using my own strengths to connect people and strengthen the local government ecosystem. It’s a reminder that each of us has something unique to offer—and Cal-ICMA gives us the platform to do it.

Take a moment today to re-watch the “Partners in Local Governance” video. Let it remind you of the best of what our profession can be when good governance is the standard. Let it remind you why we must continue to lift one another up, to protect and preserve our profession, and to love what we do—and do what we love.

Finally, if you intend to be at the ICMA Annual Conference, we encourage you to join us at the Board Meeting (Sunday, October 26) and the Annual California Reception (Monday, October 27). More information to come soon.

With gratitude for all you do,

Dr. Peter Pirnejad, ICMA-CM
President, Cal-ICMA
City Manager, Town of Los Altos Hills