This past March the ACMA Board reviewed and updated the Association's Work Plan for 2006. We spent the majority of our time discussing particular objectives of the Work Plan, but it was also an opportunity to reflect on the Association's values and the future of our organization. Many individuals have shaped the Association to what ACMA is today and we are continuing to work hard to provide the greatest value in services and benefits to our membership. I would like to share with you some highlights of our 2006 Work Plan, and ultimately the benefits of your ACMA membership. Read more

By Jeremy Legg, City of Phoenix, member ACMA

On June 15, 2006, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) partnered with the City of Phoenix and the ACMA Associate's Committee to deliver a Speakers Series event on the future of biotechnology, business and government in Arizona. Read more

On Sunday, April 23rd a group from the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), began a tour of Arizona Cities and Towns through a program hosted by Arizona State University's School of Public Affairs as part of their program on Democracy and Management Control. Group participants included staff from SALAR which is the Swedish equivalent to our National League of Cities organization, along with City Managers and Department Heads from eight different cities in Sweden: Malmoe, Botkyrka, Nacka, Karlstad, Umeå, Kungsbacka, Västerås and Uddevalla. Read more

Jan Perkins, ICMA Senior Advisor

How would you respond to these statements?

The executives in my organization.....

1. Create an environment in which staff is comfortable raising ethical concerns.
2. Appreciate staff bringing forward bad news and don't "shoot the messenger" for doing so. Read more

ICMA conference attendees are invited to join a "Texas-sized" celebration that will be second to none! The 92nd Annual ICMA Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas. Each year, through its highly praised Annual Conference, ICMA continues its tradition of offering an abundance of educational, information- sharing, and networking tools to help you manage your community in today's complex, challenging local government environment. This year is no exception. Read more

If you are an ACMA member in transition and would like your contact information featured in this section, please contact Mary Vinzant at 602-258-5786 or mvinzant@azleague.org.

Membership dues for in-transition members are waived for one year and in-transition members receive complimentary registration to a summer and winter conference. ACMA members are encouraged to contact these individuals to offer support and/or information about employment opportunities.

The following is a preliminary list of the ICMA Corporate members due to receive awards at the upcoming ICMA annual conference in recognition of their years of local government service. Members receiving awards for 25 years or more of local government service will be recognized individually during a special ceremony during the closing session of the conference. Awards for 35 years or more will be handed out during the ceremony. All other awards will be mailed to individuals following the conference. Congratulations to the following members:

City Manager
Town of Gilbert

Where are you originally from?
Was born and raised in Colorado, attending the University of Colorado. Went to Des Moines, Iowa to start my local government career -- a brief stint in private sector in Boulder, Colorado -- then here in Gilbert since July 1985.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in local government?
I had started in University administration, but wanted to get in to local government, where life seemed simpler and the results more rewarding. Read more

Deputy Director: Marketing/Communications Department
City of Glendale

Where are you originally from?
I consider Yuma, Arizona my hometown -- my family moved there when I was eight. However, I was born in Huron, South Dakota and lived in Montana and Idaho before my family moved to Yuma. I lived in Flagstaff for six years while attending NAU and for the past six years I've been working and living in Glendale.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in local government?
I've always been interested in government activities - I ran for my first student council position in 5th grade! But, I was first exposed to local government activities while in high school. I had the opportunity to participate in a program called Yuma Youth Leadership, which provided students an overview of all the facets and functions of local government. This experience was an eye opener and it was the first time I was exposed to and understood all the responsibilities of city and county governments. While in college I also had the opportunity to get involved with the local community and was able to witness first hand the power and impact of local government. I felt that a career in local government would allow me to be a part of an organization, which has the ability to not only impact but also improve the quality of life for others. Read more