New York City has joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network following the US withdrawal from the WHO under President Donald Trump, citing the importance of global collaboration in combating infectious diseases. "Infectious diseases know no boundaries, and nor should the information and resources that help us protect New Yorkers," says Michelle Morse, the city's chief medical officer.

Wake County has adopted the One Water Plan, a comprehensive policy that integrates the management of drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater as a single interconnected system. This new approach marks a shift from previous practices that treated these water sources separately, aiming to improve water resource resiliency and encourage collaboration across municipalities. Early implementation will emphasize coordination among local governments and periodic progress updates.

The upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan has accelerated gentrification in the city, particularly in districts like Porta Romana. Construction of the Olympic Village and related urban renewal projects, including the transformation of a railway yard into a mixed-use urban park, are rapidly reshaping Milan's landscape. While some developments will include affordable housing, critics argue that the Olympics has intensified social divisions and contributed to the exclusion of working-class residents, echoing concerns seen in other Olympic host cities.

Officials of Georgia's Fulton County filed a motion in federal court requesting the return of records from the 2020 presidential election that were seized in an FBI raid last week. The county is seeking to have the records remain in Georgia and to have an opportunity for a forensic accounting of the records. Meanwhile, Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts said he was warned in a phone call before the raid that he and some state officials might be arrested by federal agents.

The "ideal worker" who is always available, emotionally stable and highly productive is an unrealistic standard, argue Hadar Elraz of Swansea University and Jen Remnant of the University of Strathclyde. The unrealistic expectations marginalize employees who do not fit the mold, especially those with mental health conditions. Employees often overwork and hide their conditions, exacerbating mental health issues. Organizations perpetuating the ideal worker archetype may be burdened by the high costs of repeated recruitment and training cycles.

Loja, Ecuador, has undergone a transformation by integrating green spaces and nature-based solutions into urban planning. The Sistema Verde Urbano connects parks, rivers and forests, creating ecological corridors that improve public health, mobility and resilience to climate impacts. The initiative, supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation and the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, has stabilized riverbanks, reduced flooding and enhanced biodiversity, making Loja a model for other cities in the region.

Municipal leaders across the US are expressing alarm over the recent impact of ICE enforcement activities in their cities, from disruptions to construction, health care and hospitality sectors to overarching distrust sparked by killing or injuring protestors and detaining citizens. Several mayors described a climate of fear in their cities, noting that many residents avoid public spaces and don't make 911 calls for fear of being detained, while former police chiefs say the federal forces lack proper training for municipal operations and use tactics that have eroded community trust.

Following the death of Washington County Administrator Jeff Massey on Jan. 27, the Florida Senate honored him with an official proclamation and a special recognition. Massey, who had announced his retirement last year, was remembered for his nearly decade-long tenure and impact on the county.

How should professional local government be structured to support ethical leadership? ICMA's Call for Research Proposals on Structure, Form, and Ethics invites scholars to explore how governance structures can institutionalize professionalism, accountability, and ethics. ICMA will award several $20,000 grants to produce research-based white papers, complemented by practitioner responses and a symposium. Proposals due March 3. Guidelines available in the CFP. Help shape the future of the profession.

With fire truck costs soaring and lead times increasing, a new Strategic Scan on Apparatus Capital Purchasing has been released to help local leaders. This resource offers city and county managers six actionable strategies--including refurbishment and proactive capital planning--to manage aging fleets and navigate tough budget cycles. Download the scan.

• February 11 [Training Series]: Better Public Meetings Training Series"
• February 17-March 13  [Training Series]: ICMA Innovation Bootcamp
• March 4 [Members-Only In-Person Meeting]: A Day with ICMA | Phoenix, Arizona

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