California City Management Foundation Addresses Transparency, Accountability and Collaboration Issues in Local Government

EL CAJON, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In an ongoing effort to strengthen city government and unite city leaders across the state, board members from the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) are attending the International City Managers Conference, taking place in San Jose from October 15 through October 20.  The conference's theme: "Innovative Applications in Extraordinary Times" will explore ways to better serve the public, interact and engage with citizens, and deliver services more efficiently.

In light of recent scandals involving city management, CCMF understands the importance of rebuilding and maintaining transparency in the provision of city services, and ensuring that there is a concern for open and responsive city management across the profession.

"City managers are tasked with maintaining and improving infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of services such as police, fire, water, sewer and the maintenance of streets and parks.  Ironically, it is often only when something goes wrong that their role is noticed," says Wade McKinney, CCMF Board President, also City Manager of Atascadero, California.  "Our participation at this conference is a chance to emphasize our efforts to make sure the public is aware of what we're doing at all times, so they can be confident their city government is working proactively in their best interest."

McKinney also notes that despite the controversy in places like Bell, California, the vast majority of city managers are diligent, hard-working executives who put city services first.  The conference provides an opportunity to work with fellow city managers and explore solutions to the complex challenges facing city professionals today through peer interaction.  Of particular note will be a mid-week session on "Transparency, Collaboration, and Participation."

The mission of the California City Management Foundation is to foster council-manager relations and the well being of city managers to ensure stable and successful communities.  CCMF provides guidance on employment agreements, offers support for City Managers who find themselves in an involuntary separation situation, facilitates training and advice for individuals seeking to become City Managers, sponsors an inspirational luncheon speaker at the League's City Managers' Department annual conference, and conducts workshop sessions at other League conferences on topics related to effective Council/Manager relations.      

SOURCE California City Management Foundation