The August issue celebrates the local government professionals serving small towns and rural communities and the lessons their work offers the entire profession.

A conversation with Sandra Fournier, ICMA-CM, on relationships, regional collaboration, and serving small communities.

An ICMA regional director discusses a book that reminded her that political divides have been a part of our country since its founding and offers hope for democracy.

In small and rural governments, coordination allows limited staff to execute council direction, deliver services, and manage risk when everyone takes on multiple roles.

SheLeadsGov: Mentor-Mentee pairs share advice and their successes in supporting their careers.

How mentorship accelerates leadership development, strengthens organizations, and helps prepare the next generation of local government leaders.

How trust, culture, and purpose help build stronger organizations and communities.

The hidden discipline that protects leaders under pressure.

The service delivery you imagine from behind a desk is rarely the whole picture. I recommend experiencing it firsthand.