Lead Locally & Leverage Our Collective Nationally

Stepping back to gain perspective is essential for sound strategic leadership. Not long ago, the immediate impact of the pandemic disrupted our thinking, requiring us all to solve problems in real time and innovate under extreme uncertainty. The current climate feels similarly turbulent, especially at the national government level throughout the world. A new President has been elected in the U.S., the French Prime Minister has received a vote of no-confidence and the South Korean President declared martial law. Looking ahead to the 2025 Canadian elections, further change is anticipated. Suffice to say we are navigating white waters for the foreseeable future.  

This is not a time to step back and ride out the next couple of years. While many national governments debate shifting priorities, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to local action no matter how disruptive the environment becomes. The past has proven that we can effect change at the local level and serve our stakeholders, regardless of the broader political landscape. We have the tools, relationships and creativity to overcome any challenge put before us. As demonstrated by IDA’s successful pivot during the recent pandemic, we know there is nothing more important than local leadership.   

An outstanding IDA leader once shared a tip that has stayed with me through the years. Kate Joncas noted in her 2015 Master Talk how great leaders show up where they are not expected. She emphasizes the importance of attending meetings and gatherings, and reaching out to organizations and stakeholders beyond our typical relationships. As leaders, we must resist the temptation to commune solely with like-minded constituents or entities. We must actively seek out diverse perspectives and more often put ourselves in less comfortable environments – surrounded by potential opposition – if we are to grow and expand our understanding of complex issues that form our cities. We cannot address our city building challenges, whatever they may be, without reaching beyond our networks. 

I was given a unique opportunity to review the 2035 Plan ahead of its release last week by the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC). It was both an honor and gift, underscoring the proactive and solution-oriented approach of IDA members. Seeing the plan helped to inspire today’s message, noting how MDC chose to lean into a reshaping of downtown for the new post-pandemic reality and how they remain vigilant in their efforts to create a more equitable experience for all people. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the global pandemic, MDC did not shy away from the challenges. Instead, they leveraged local resources to guide their stakeholders, citizens and downtown visitors toward a brighter future. 

The work of IDA member districts is never linear and the environments we work in are dynamic.  Successfully navigating in this space is the place management professional’s superpower! So regardless of what transpires at a national level, stay in the game and be the exceptional local champion you have always been. And collectively, through IDA, we’ll navigate the national perspective together.