Key Takeaways From the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference
September 27, 2024 by Dani McArthur
The 2024 ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, gathered local government professionals and thought leaders from across the country. This year’s conference focused on the evolving role of local governments in building connected, resilient communities, the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in public sector operations, and the importance of modernizing digital infrastructure. Tyler Technologies, an ICMA corporate partner, was on-site to capture these key takeaways.
Takeaway 1: Local Governments Are the Backbone of Connected Communities
Local governments play a key role in building strong, connected communities. At this year’s ICMA conference, mobile workshops showcased Pittsburgh’s local efforts, showing how technology is being used to boost community engagement and improve services. These workshops made it clear that digital tools are not just helpful but essential for reaching and involving all residents.
Throughout the conference, the message was clear: technology forms the foundation for connected communities by helping governments offer more accessible and efficient services.
Recognizing the importance of governments working closely with their communities to inspire future leaders, Tyler volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, speaking with local youth about the role of government and career paths in public service.
Takeaway 2: It’s Time to Embrace AI in Your Jurisdiction
Artificial intelligence was a major focus at the 2024 ICMA conference, with many sessions, including keynotes from Shawn Kanungo and Jaime Wascalus, showing how it can transform government work. From Priority Based Budgeting tools that use AI to better allocate resources to keynote talks on AI’s future role in local government, it’s clear that AI is no longer a distant idea — it’s ready to be used now.
In the “Modernizing Budgeting: A Shift to Priority Based Budgeting” session, Tyler’s Chris Fabian discussed how AI and machine learning help local governments quickly convert traditional line-item budgets into priority-based budgets. The session highlighted how this approach allows governments to better align resources with community needs and adapt faster to changing conditions.
AI gives local governments a way to ease staff shortages, automate routine tasks, and free up employees to focus on more meaningful work. As more local governments start using AI, the public sector is set for big improvements in how it operates.
Takeaway 3: Modernizing Digital Infrastructure Is the Key to Future-Proofing Local Governments
The importance of digital infrastructure was a key theme at the conference. Many sessions focused on how governments are using digital tools, such as those for payments, disbursements, and services to create a more unified and efficient experience for residents.
In the “End-to-End Payment Transaction Management for the Government Enterprise” session, Tyler’s Morgan Jines highlighted examples such as the city of Mobile, Alabama, to show how a unified payment platform can streamline collections and create a frictionless resident and back-office experience. Attendees saw how government agencies using disparate systems can shift to an agency-wide solution that simplifies back-office processes, reporting, reconciliation, and security compliance.
Tyler Technologies’ Vice President of Payments Morgan Jines delivered a session titled “End-to-End Payment Transaction Management for the Government Enterprise.”
Modern digital infrastructure helps governments deliver faster and more reliable services while improving transparency and engagement. Local governments that invest in these tools are better prepared to meet the growing needs of their communities. Whether it’s through capital improvements or adopting agency-wide technology solutions, modernizing digital infrastructure is crucial for keeping up with future demands.
Tyler Technologies was proud to be a part of the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference and looks forward to continuing our work with local governments across the country. Learn more about the Tyler and ICMA partnership.