For many local governments, the single largest expense category is public safety—police, fire, EMS, emergency management—labor-intensive and highly specialized fields that contribute significantly to the quality of life in local communities. This month’s magazine is dedicated to this public service. 

Public safety is also an area where local governments are implementing artificial intelligence in meaningful ways. Whether it’s real-time language interpretation built into body-worn cameras, automated report writing, or drone first responders, our local communities are constantly innovating to provide this critical service. 

Earlier this year, ICMA launched a public safety–focused SmartBrief, a curated newsletter sent out each Friday. This is another way of connecting our members with issues and innovation occurring across the globe. If you’re not already receiving this, sign up here! It was well received by our members who beta-tested this for us, and we appreciate their insights as this new SmartBrief was developed. 

One of the unique aspects of being a professional local government manager is that you must be a jack of all trades. You must effectively lead an organization that is made up of highly trained specialists who risk their own lives, have the authority to use lethal force, and are constantly ensuring that they protect individual rights while protecting and serving their communities. These are employees who can’t just “take a late lunch” to attend the fourth grade orchestra concert their child is in. 

These are employees who will work every holiday. These are employees who perform a task that you are (most likely) not qualified to perform, and yet you are their leader. Being knowledgeable about the issues your employees face is one way you demonstrate an understanding (not expertise, but understanding) of what they face on a daily basis. 

ICMA’s role in supporting you includes exposing you to hot topics and best practices while positioning you to lead your community with economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. This month’s PM and the weekly SmartBrief on public safety are two ways we are equipping you to serve your community. For seasoned managers, this may be “common sense.” For those that are aspiring to generalist leadership roles, it’s important to become conversant in current issues faced by specialty departments. This goes beyond public safety but is certainly important in this specialized area. 

It’s our hope that ICMA resources help equip you to have meaningful conversations with the people who work for your organization, and allow you to be an advocate externally for the special skills and training they need to do their jobs every day. The role of “translator” is one of the ways professional local government managers provide value to their organization and their community. 

Public safety professionals are at the heart of our communities—dedicated, highly trained, and often working behind the scenes to ensure our collective well-being. As local government leaders, it’s our responsibility not only to support these specialists but also to understand the unique challenges they face. By staying informed, embracing innovation, and fostering open dialogue, we can better advocate for and lead our public safety teams. 

I hope this month’s issue provides you with fresh insights and practical tools to champion the vital work of those who protect and serve every day.

JULIA D. NOVAK, ICMA-CM, is executive director of ICMA.