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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?

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.”