Turbulent times will test even the most skilled local government leaders. Whether the challenge is a natural disaster, a budget shock, aging infrastructure, a public health threat, or rapidly shifting expectations, the work can feel relentless. Yet these moments also clarify what matters most: trust, transparency, preparedness, and a commitment to serve every citizen with dignity.

Discover essential strategies and principles to help you hone your leadership skills and guide your team effectively through uncertain and challenging times.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Apply core leadership principles to maintain personal and professional integrity while guiding a team through periods of organizational or community uncertainty, using strategies that reinforce trust and ethical decision-making under pressure.
• Develop and implement communication strategies that keep staff, stakeholders, and community members informed, engaged, and aligned during turbulent or rapidly changing circumstances, drawing on real-world examples from experienced local government practitioners.
• Strengthen strategic leadership capacity by identifying approaches to assess risk, sustain team effectiveness, and make sound decisions that reflect both organizational values and community needs when navigating complex and unpredictable challenges.

1. Mike Letcher, Senior Vice President, The Mercer Group, AZ
2. Jennifer Poirrier, City Manager, City of Clearwater, FL
3. Jill Silverboard, Deputy County Administrator, County of Pinellas, FL