It is widely accepted that the type of government that most directly affects both an individual and their community on a very constant, and often vital level, is the local government. Whether it is because of the life-saving aid received from local police and fire departments during times of distress, or the issuing of marriage licenses or permits for opening businesses, city government truly has the ability to reach the community faster than any other level of government. This is because city government is not only the direct provider of services to the community, but is comprised of members of that community.

It wasn’t until I began working within city government that I realized the unique opportunity that city government offers: Those who spend their work day dealing with the issues of the city, are able to witness the direct effect their work has on their community. They are doubly invested in the city; as citizens and employees. This is a ray of hope in a time where the disconnect between high-ranking, high-paid state and federal government officials and the people they are commissioned to serve seems to be wider than ever. In the realm of city government, those deciding how the city budget is distributed, where a new park is planted, or how wide a sidewalk is, are those individuals in the car next you during frustrating traffic, preparing their families for the next hurricane in the gulf, or calling 9-1-1 during times of desperate need. City employees are typically residents of the city they serve, and because of this, it is especially important that they have an understanding of the community, its issues and its culture. Who better to run a city than its citizens?

City employees tend to have a vested interest in the jobs they perform and whether they are elected officials or administrators, they unlike many federal government agencies, are literally faced with those they affect on a daily basis. Recently, I had the opportunity to do a ride along with a Houston Parks and Recreation Department park manager. Several times throughout the day, we were flagged down by a park user who requested a moment of our time. Some offered advice on how to improve the landscape, others simply wanted to report a broken branch, or offer a thank you for an improvement to the trail. At one point, we were stopped by an elderly jogger the park manager referred to as “Coach” who after years of using the park’s trail for exercise, was now on a first name basis with most park staff. After the park manager spent a few moments speaking with the man, it was evident to me that “Coach” was confident his suggestions and feedback were not falling on deaf ears. This is just one of the many ways that the city government reaches the community in a very tangible way.  It is the duty of city government to carry out legislature, and city employees who are entrusted by the community they are apart of to ethically carry out these statutes.

While many of us can name a government official proven to be an exception to the idea of a devoted and ethical government employee, it is obvious in the local setting when these individuals do not live up to their responsibilities. The community is able to literally walk into City Hall and hear council’s thoughts on neighborhoods, ordinances, spending, and most importantly, they are able to have their voices heard at public session by those who have the power to evoke change. It is not only in the best interest of the city to have ethical workers and officials but is also in the interest of that individual to remain constant and honest in their work. After all, when their work day is over, they are surrounded by the lives they affect daily. With this comes tremendous responsibility as well as the opportunity for immensely rewarding work. City government is truly a government formed by its people.