Recently, I was honored to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. While every visit to our nation’s capital is exciting and memorable, it’s also a humbling and impactful experience when surrounded by legislators and leaders from around the country all experiencing similar situations and experiences. How we react and respond to those situations is what makes the difference.

I am very much looking forward to presiding over my last Convention, coming up June 17-19 in Little Rock. I can promise it will be an entertaining yet educational experience you do not want to miss. Registration is open now!

Serving as this year’s president of the Arkansas Municipal League has been one of the greatest honors of not only my career but of my life. It’s a role that brings into focus the shared challenges and triumphs of communities across the state, each working toward better infrastructure, stronger local economies and improved quality of life for the residents. I’ve greatly enjoyed visiting and meeting some of you across the state. (Check out visual evidence of some of my travels in the gallery below.) I understand even more of the deep appreciation that develops for public service itself. Municipal leadership can be demanding and at times underappreciated. Yet it is some of the most impactful work there is, as it directly shapes individuals’ daily lives.

My encouragement for you all as I leave this role is to stay grounded in purpose. Challenges will always come, such as budget constraints, policy disagreements and unexpected crises, but steady leadership and commitment to the common good will carry you through. Surround yourself with people who are thoughtful, honest and positive, like my right hand and executive assistant, Danielle Smith, who I could not have done without during this role.

Remember that progress is often incremental. Not every effort yields immediate results, so never lose sight of why you started: to make your community stronger, more resilient and more connected.

I would like to thank Mark Hayes and his staff for their unwavering support during my term as president. Thank you for the kindness you have shown my family, especially my grandson Heath, a.k.a. Captain Chaos. We have indeed felt like we are part of a new family. Our state is very fortunate to have such representation provided by the Arkansas Municipal League.

I’m eager to build even more relationships as we travel this road of service together. Until next time, stay strong, stay funny, stay connected and stay committed to making our communities even better.