News

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!

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

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!

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.

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.