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December 25, 2024 in News

2025 OCMA Annual Conference Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 OCMA Annual Conference. This year’s theme, “Building Ohio Together,” sets the stage for an inspiring and collaborative conference. We’re thrilled to announce the return of popular social events like the Restaurant Romp and Pins Mechanical, offering ample opportunities to network and reconnect with colleagues.

Join us as we engage in meaningful discussions and activities that will shape the future of our communities. This year’s conference will feature:

  • The launch of the 2025 OCMA Conference mobile app! More information to come.
  • Redesigned conference website and registration
  • Keynote Address with Peter Kageyama, Author, For the Love of Cities
  • “Reconnecting the (Housing) Dots” Mobile Workshop
  • Pre-Conference Training co-organized with OHPELRA
  • Hot Topics in Local Government: Ohio Edition featuring OCMA Board Members
  • Breakout sessions from OCMA members and sponsors
  • Activities, receptions, networking opportunities, and more!
Visit the Conference Website

Hotel reservations can be made at the Hilton at Easton (3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219):

Make a Hotel Reservation

If you prefer to make your reservation over the phone, you can call +1 614-414-5000 and ask for the OCMA 2025 Conference Room Block using group code: 920. The group rate is bookable until the cutoff date of January 26, 2025, or until the room block sells out.

Please join us for a great opportunity to connect with other OCMA members!

November 4, 2024 in News

Peter Kageyama Announced as Keynote Speaker for 2025 OCMA Annual Conference

The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) is thrilled to announce that Peter Kageyama will be the keynote speaker for the 2025 OCMA Annual Conference. The conference, which will be held from February 26 to 28, 2025, at the Hilton at Easton Town Center, promises to be an exciting event for local government professionals across Ohio.

Peter Kageyama is an urbanist and bestselling author of four nonfiction books on cities and placemaking. His first book, For the Love of Cities, was recognized as a Top 10 Book in Urban Planning and Development. He speaks all over the world about better placemaking that emphasizes small, inexpensive, and fun approaches to city building. He was a Senior Advisor to the Alliance for Innovation, a national network of city leaders, and is an Ambassador for America in Bloom. 

In 2023, St. Petersburg Press published his first novel, Hunters Point. The work of historic fiction draws upon the wartime experiences of his father and his Japanese family. The sequel, Midnight Climax, was published in early 2024. 

Born in Akron, Ohio, Peter studied at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He later attended law school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. In his spare time Peter is an avid board gamer, comic book geek and classic rock nerd. He lives in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, award winning architect Lisa Wannemacher and their dog Dobby.

Peter’s keynote address will focus on the theme of “For the Love of Cities”: How to fall in love with your community, the economic benefits to emotional engagement and how to engage your citizens as development resources. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of placemaking as it impacts talent attraction and retention and economic development strategies.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 OCMA Annual Conference and to the inspiring insights that Peter Kageyama will bring to our community.

October 16, 2024 in News

5 Reasons to Utilize Your Senior Advisor

Local government managers serve their communities in many ways, often juggling responsibilities that range from budgeting to community relations and beyond. In this demanding role, a senior advisor can be an invaluable asset, providing expertise and perspective that can make a tangible difference. OCMA is proud to offer this benefit to its members and now has 4 senior advisors that serve our member communities across the state of Ohio.

Here are five compelling reasons to utilize your senior advisor:

  1. Sharing and Expertise and Experience: Senior advisors are available to share a wealth of experience and knowledge and coach managers through difficult situations. They’ve typically seen a variety of challenges and can offer insights to help guide decision-making processes, offering solutions that are tried and tested.
  2. Strategic Planning and Vision:  Your senior advisor can be a valuable resource for long-term strategic planning. Their experience allows them to see the bigger picture and understand the nuances of policy development and implementation. They can help you establish a strategic vision that aligns with your community needs and expectations.
  3. Crisis Management: During times of crisis, whether it be a natural disaster or a sudden political upheaval, having a seasoned advisor can be crucial. Their experience with previous crises can provide a steady hand and clear-headed coaching for navigating through difficult times.
  4. Mentoring and Development:  Senior advisors can play a significant role in mentoring and developing future leaders within your organization. They can impart valuable lessons and skills to emerging leaders, ensuring that the next generation of local government leaders is well-prepared for their roles. This mentorship can lead to a more competent and confident team, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
  5. Networking and Resources:  With years of experience often comes an extensive professional network. Your senior advisor likely has connections that can be leveraged for the benefit of your community. Whether it’s reaching out to other local government professionals for advice, accessing exclusive training opportunities, or finding funding sources, the connections that a senior advisor brings can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Utilizing your senior advisor is not just about tapping into their knowledge; it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where their experience and insights can help build a more effective and resilient local government.

Contact Your Senior Advisor
2024 V2 Senior Advisor Map of TerritoriesDownload

March 18, 2025 in New Members

John Brazina: Cincinnati

John serves as an Assistant City Manager for the City of Cincinnati. He has worked for the City of Cincinnati for twenty eight years, most recently as Director of Transportation and Engineering.

February 27, 2025 in News

Peter Kageyama Inspires Local Government Leaders at 2025 OCMA Annual Conference

The 2025 Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) Annual Conference started on a high note with an insightful and engaging keynote address from renowned urbanist and author Peter Kageyama. His presentation left local government professionals with fresh ideas on how to strengthen the emotional bonds between residents and their communities.

A Powerful Message on Community Engagement

Kageyama, known for his best-selling books For the Love of Cities and Love Where You Live, emphasized the importance of fostering emotional connections between people and the places they call home. He shared compelling stories and real-world examples of cities that have successfully created vibrant, engaging spaces by focusing on small-scale, high-impact projects that spark joy and civic pride.

Throughout his keynote, Kageyama provided practical insights on how city and county managers can tap into the power of citizen engagement to create places that people truly love. Some of the key themes included:

• Love Your City We need to help people learn to love the places within our cities. Every pothole in a city can be fixed, but fixing potholes doesn’t instill love in our cities. Work from Anywhere has opened up a conversation about where we live that increases the importance of placemaking. People are now choosing where they live based on the communities that they love, and having unique places and elements is a large part of these perceptions.

• Where is the Fun? As communities think about placemaking, the question they should be asking more is “Where is the Fun?” The goal should not just to be to create a community that is sustainable, but also to create a community that is loveable, that “grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let you go”.

• Placemaking on a Budget – Peter offered numerous examples of low-cost, high-impact projects that make communities more engaging, such as interactive public art, pop-up events, and beautification initiatives. Mill Ends Park in Portland, ferry doors in Ann Arbor and McKinnley, Texas, and a playground sized for adults outside the Boston convention center were some of the examples he cited. Stencil examples included “It’s Good To Be Here” statements in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and Rain Works in Seattle that includes messages that only show up when the sidewalks are wet.

• Good Public Art Invites Engagement – Having artwork that people want to play with is a sign that people love the art. Public art is about the interaction, the playfulness, and the photo-op potential. We should be asking prospective artists, how would you feel about people playing with your art?

Bryan Heck

February 27, 2025 in News

Profile in Courage Award: Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck

The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) recognized Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck with the prestigious Profile in Courage Award for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to public service during a challenging period for the city.

The Profile in Courage Award is a rare honor, given only when a public servant exhibits extraordinary resilience and integrity in the face of adversity. Heck’s leadership throughout 2024 exemplified these values as he guided Springfield through a time of heightened national attention, misinformation, and community tensions.

Leadership in the Face of Adversity

In 2024, Springfield found itself at the center of a divisive national debate on immigration, leading to increased misinformation, public safety concerns, and even personal threats against Heck and his family. Despite these pressures, Heck remained steadfast in his duty to serve the community with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to truth.

Springfield Finance Director Katie Eviston, who nominated Heck for the award, highlighted his remarkable ability to navigate these challenges:

“Despite the personal risks, Bryan rose to the occasion with resilience and unwavering resolve. He remained committed to ethical governance, standing for truth and unity at a time when misinformation threatened to divide our community.”

Even amid direct threats, including a bomb threat against City Hall in September 2024, Heck remained composed, ensuring public safety while maintaining clear communication with residents and city staff.

Bridging Divides and Building Trust

One of Heck’s most significant contributions was his ability to foster open dialogue and unity during a time of deep division. He worked tirelessly to engage diverse stakeholders, including long-time residents, business owners, and the city’s growing Haitian immigrant population.

Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director Tom Franzen praised Heck’s efforts:

“Heck has consistently advocated for the Haitian community while acknowledging the challenges the city faces. His leadership ensured that all voices were heard and respected.”

In response to false claims regarding Springfield’s Haitian community—including widely spread misinformation—Heck stood firm in defending the truth, emphasizing the importance of fact-based governance over political expediency.

A Legacy of Courageous Leadership

Springfield Deputy Director of Public Safety and Operations Jason Via recognized Heck’s inclusive leadership style, stating:

“Bryan has never shied away from difficult conversations or the weight of public scrutiny. His ability to engage, listen, and lead with empathy has strengthened our community in immeasurable ways.”

This sentiment was echoed by Springfield Law Director Jill Allen, who indicated that Heck was more than prepared for his moment.”We could not ask for a better leader to guide Springfield through this challenging time. Bryan Heck embodies the qualities of a true public servant, and we are immensely proud to call him our City Manager. Bryan’s steady leadership has proven he was more than prepared for his moment.”

February 27, 2025 in NewsUncategorized

2025 OCMA Annual Awards Celebrate Excellence in Local Government

The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 OCMA Annual Awards, recognizing local government professionals for their outstanding contributions to the community and their commitment to excellence in public service. Nominations were submitted by fellow professionals in local government, highlighting individuals and projects that have gone above and beyond to enhance their respective communities.

Placemaking Award: City of New Albany – Taylor Farm Park

Taylor Farm Park, a transformative 100-acre park, has become a key community asset in New Albany. The $10.7 million project, funded through a partnership between the New Albany Company, the City, and Clean Ohio Grants, offers a blend of recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. The park includes forested wetlands, upland buffer restoration, and preserved forested areas, providing residents with a space that fosters a deeper connection to nature.

Redevelopment Projects Award: Village of Gibsonburg – The Logyard

The Village of Gibsonburg has successfully transformed an abandoned gas station site into a vibrant downtown park, “The Logyard.” This space, completed in October 2024, features a covered structure, tables, benches, a mural, a Hall of Fame Wall, and the hand-carved Golden Bear statue, symbolizing the town’s school spirit. The park serves as a hub for local events and community gatherings.

Career Achievement Award: Jeff Aluotto, Hamilton County

Jeff Aluotto has exemplified leadership and professionalism throughout his career in local government. With a focus on integrity and strategic foresight, he has earned respect from the public, elected officials, and community partners. Aluotto has been an active contributor to the growth of local government management through organizations like ICMA and OCMA.

Career Development/Mentoring Award: Judith Zimomra, OSU Glenn College

Judith Zimomra, a professor at The Ohio State University’s Glenn College, is recognized for her exceptional mentorship of public administration students. Her dedication to student success, from offering career guidance to helping with job interviews, has made her a profound influence on future leaders in public service.

Distinguished Early Career Award: Jeff Chapman, City of Cincinnati

Jeff Chapman, Supervising Management Analyst with the Cincinnati Police Department, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in managing body-worn camera records requests. His leadership has resulted in more than 34,000 records responses, showcasing his commitment to transparency and accountability in local government.

Innovation in Local Government Award: City of Hilliard – CityLab

The City of Hilliard’s CityLab program fosters innovation by providing high-tech startups with access to city infrastructure for product testing and development. This initiative allows companies to prototype and develop new technologies, making Hilliard a “living lab” for smart city innovations. CityLab’s AI Sandbox has become a leading example of how cities can support technological advancements.

Citizen Participation Award: City of Cincinnati – Water Works

Greater Cincinnati Water Works improved outreach efforts for its lead line replacement program, leading to a 30% increase in customer participation. By streamlining communication materials and relying on infographics and targeted outreach, the program has seen a significant boost in public engagement, ensuring more residents take advantage of the service.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Award: City of Gahanna and City of New Albany – Mayor’s Court Collaboration

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Cities of Gahanna and New Albany have created a joint Mayor’s Court arrangement. This partnership optimizes resources, reduces costs, and enhances service delivery, providing a model for other Ohio municipalities looking to collaborate on shared services.

The OCMA Annual Awards honor the dedication and hard work of local government professionals who continuously strive to make their communities better.

February 11, 2025 in New Members

Michael Barker: Dublin

Michael Barker joins OCMA as the new Deputy City Manager for the City of Dublin. Michael came to Dublin from New Albany where he had worked since 2012, most recently as the Director of Public Service.