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Is a Career in Local Government Still Worth It? Insights from Kevin C. Duggan

Local government faces significant challenges, from budget cuts to public distrust and employee layoffs. In this thought-provoking analysis, Kevin C. Duggan, ICMA West Coast Regional Director, explores whether a career in local government remains fulfilling amid these obstacles. Highlighting the importance of meaningful work and community impact, he shares insights on maintaining motivation and engagement. Discover how local governments, despite external pressures, continue to provide essential services and foster citizen connection, driving home the value of civic contribution and purpose.

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Is a Career in Local Government Still Worth It? Insights from Kevin C. Duggan

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  1. A Career in Local Government:Is It Still “Worth It”?Kevin C. DugganICMA West Coast Regional Director

  2. “Gloom and Doom?”

  3. Labor Strife/Conflict

  4. Public Distrust/”Tea Party”

  5. Public PensionControversy

  6. More Demands/Fewer Resources

  7. Budget CuttingService ReductionsLayoffs

  8. “The Great Recession”

  9. “The New Normal”

  10. Fewer Entry and Promotional Opportunities

  11. YES, BUT………

  12. Does “Misery Love Company”?

  13. “Government is Not Optional”

  14. If it Really is the “New Normal” it will eventually become “Normal”

  15. The Value of Meaning and Purpose

  16. Feelings of Meaning and Social Connection Undergird Happiness— Michael Norton: Harvard Researcher on The Psychology of Happiness

  17. Public Service Provides a Clear Connection Between an Individuals contribution and a Public Benefit

  18. Bob O’Neill: The Coming Decade in Local Government • Local Governments are Consistently Rated Most Favorably by Citizens. • Despite Anti-Tax Rhetoric—Nearly 70% of Local Initiatives Approved. • Most People Want to Live In A Quality Community With Great Services. • Easier to Communicate to Constituents What They are Paying For. • Easier to Engage Citizens/Taxpayers in Priority Setting

  19. Some Suggestions:

  20. “Connect the Dots” Between Your Work and the Work of Your Organization and the Quality of Life in Your Community

  21. Know Your Story • Believe Your Story • Tell Your Story

  22. Know Your Audiences and Consistently Tell Your Organization’s Story

  23. Communicate to Every Employee Their Role in Communicating the Meaning and Value of the Work of the Organization

  24. Adam Davis: DHM Research--Portland Show Openness to Change/Reform Demonstrate Your Ability to Respond to Community Priorities Making Friends One Customer at a Time “Tell Stories” of How Your Government is Improving the Community/Citizens Lives Demonstrate Accountability and Transparency

  25. Some Personal Coping Strategies

  26. Keep EVERYTHING in Perspective

  27. Take Career Risks (But For the Right Reasons)

  28. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

  29. Maintain Balance:Attitude; Time; Life

  30. “We can’t always control what happens to us, but we do control how we respond”

  31. It’s Only “Business”, Don’t Take It Personally (or make it personal)

  32. ”Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love…..your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is Great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

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