Weekly notes and regular town halls are two ways CEOs can increase communication and trust during the pandemic, writes Yale School of Management professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld. "Our letters force us to confess what we know and don't know and, more importantly, focus on the questions where we would like their input," says Jim McCann, founder and chairman of 1-800-Flowers.
The pandemic's impact on the US hotel industry will cost cities and states an estimated $16.8 billion in direct tax revenues in 2020, according to a newly released study by Oxford Economics. The figure does not include losses from property taxes and other economic activity that hotels are only slowly resuming.
Just Released: PM Special Supplement on Racial and Social Justice
This late-breaking special edition, "Moments of Change: Leading with Courage and Commitment for Racial and Social Justice," features observations, commentary, and advice from local government leaders, along with resources for addressing the needs of your community and ways to take action. Read it Now!
New Orleans, which is still recovering from a major cyberattack in December, plans to launch a new cybercampaign in July. The city says it is about 80% recovered and is still negotiating with insurers regarding $7 million in costs stemming from the cyberattack.
Officials in Bangkok are repurposing land from an abandoned railway line as part of an effort to expand the city's green space and make it more pedestrian-friendly. "The effects of climate change are being felt more, so we need more green spaces," says Bangkok Metropolitan Administration governor Asawin Kwanmuang.
The St. Paul City Council in Minnesota has unanimously voted to prohibit so-called conversion therapy for minors. Those found to be practicing could be fined as much as $1,000.
The debate regarding a name change for McCarran International Airport has resurfaced in Nevada amid national unrest around the issue of racism. Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom is a vocal supporter of changing the moniker for the airport, named after former Nevada Sen. Patrick McCarran.
Akron, Ohio, has completed the final sewer connection to the Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel, as well as nine combined sewer overflow structures, to comply with a federal mandate to curb pollution reaching the Cuyahoga River. The nearly 6,300-foot-long tunnel required more than 800,000 hours of work and roughly 150,000 cubic yards of concrete.
Assistant City Manager Rachael Tabelski has taken on the duties of city manager for Batavia, N.Y., following the resignation of Martin Moore. Moore began serving Batavia in October 2018.
Now more than ever, it's critical to come together with your local government peers to share your personal and professional experiences and address the new realities of our communities. This September 23-26, ICMA's new digital event, UNITE, will bring the community together from across the globe to connect and learn from each other, as well as from the dynamic content delivered by peers and thought leaders. Registration opens July 8, learn more!
ICMA invites all members to share their knowledge and skills by serving on a member task force, advisory board or committee in 2020. Member committees draw on the expertise and interests of a broad cross section of the membership to study issues of interest and importance to local governments and to the organization. They also provide opportunities for member connection, networking, and professional development. To express your interest in serving, log in to your ICMA member profile here, find the "My Volunteer Opportunities" link in your profile and submit your selection(s) by July 3. Questions? Contact Member Benefits & Services.