Driving Innovation and Agility in Local Government

In a recent Tyler Tech Podcast episode, Pat Martel, West Coast regional director for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), shared how city and county managers are reimagining leadership and rapid change. A former city manager and past ICMA president, Martel has spent her career at the intersection of leadership, technology, and community service. Her insights reveal a profession in transition — and an opportunity for local governments to strengthen resilience by investing in people, adaptability, and innovation.

Adaptive Leadership: Thriving Amid Constant Change

Today’s city and county managers face a host of challenges: funding limitations, workforce shortages, security concerns, environmental risks, and more. Martel emphasizes that thriving in this environment requires agility and intentional change management.

Local government leaders are moving away from tradition-bound approaches and embracing flexibility, responsiveness, and collaboration. This shift includes modeling adaptability for their teams and guiding organizations through rapid transformation.

The pandemic accelerated this evolution. Remote and hybrid operations — once unthinkable — proved that government could deliver critical services under new work models. Many agencies now maintain that flexibility, using it as a foundation for recruiting and retaining talent while improving service delivery. For Martel, this adaptability is not just a survival tactic but a strategic competency that defines modern leadership.

Investing in People to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce

Across all jurisdictions, recruitment and retention remain persistent challenges. Public agencies must compete with private-sector employers for digitally skilled workers. And a declining number of young professionals are entering government careers.

Martel challenges leaders to rethink recruitment and market their organizations as employers of choice. That means highlighting purpose, professional growth, and community impact — the values that make public service distinct.

Retention, she adds, depends on agencies creating workplaces that empower employees to innovate and lead. It requires investing in continuous learning, including digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills that prepare staff to adapt as technology evolves.

ICMA supports this vision through leadership programs spanning every career stage — from student chapters and internships to fellowships, leadership academies, and credentialing. Together, these initiatives form a talent pipeline designed to sustain local government excellence well into the future.

Technology as a Catalyst for Progress

Technology, particularly AI, is transforming how governments serve residents. Martel views AI as “a new tool greater than any we’ve had before” — one that can streamline operations, enhance transparency, and improve access to services.

ICMA has made technology education a priority, hosting conferences and sessions that explore responsible adoption. Leaders are learning not only how to use AI and data tools effectively but also how to shape policy and culture to ensure appropriate use. The goal is to cultivate innovation mindsets across entire organizations.

Martel also points to smaller and under-resourced communities finding creative paths to modernization. Expanding broadband access, launching digital literacy programs, and supporting local entrepreneurs are just a few ways these governments are bridging divides and promoting economic growth. Even incremental steps, she notes, move communities closer to long-term sustainability.

Discover ICMA’s Role in Local Government Leadership

Listen to this episode of the Tyler Tech Podcast as Pat Martel explores how ICMA is guiding local leaders to embrace innovation and lead with agility.

A Bright Future

Despite unprecedented complexity, Martel remains deeply optimistic about the future of local government. She sees emerging leaders who are eager to serve and senior managers who have proven they can adapt and thrive through disruption.

Her message is clear. Innovation is not only about technology — it’s about leadership that embraces learning, flexibility, and trust. When local governments invest in people and empower them to experiment, they build communities that are not just resilient, but ready for what’s next. ICMA supports these efforts with resources, leadership development, and best practices that help communities succeed and thrive.

At Tyler, we share ICMA’s commitment to empowering local leaders through technology, data, and innovation — ensuring communities thrive in a rapidly changing environment.