Newsweek Spotlights GLS’ Local Government Study As Part of Election Coverage
At Government Leadership Solutions, we are proud to announce that Newsweek recently featured our groundbreaking research, the 2023 State of Local Government Leadership Pipeline, in their article titled “This Election Season, We Must Ask—Where Is America’s Farm Team?” This national spotlight reinforces the urgency of addressing a significant issue facing our local governments today: the shortage of ready-now leaders.
According to our study, only 25% of local government leaders surveyed believe their leadership pipeline is strong, while nearly half expressed fears of a leadership crisis looming on the horizon. This leadership gap is a pressing issue that could have wide-reaching impacts on the quality of life in communities across the country. Without a strong pipeline of future leaders, local governments may struggle to deliver essential services and maintain the civic trust upon which democracy depends.
The Role of Veterans in Filling the Leadership Gap
In their feature, Newsweek highlighted a solution that is gaining momentum—engaging military veterans as a vital resource to fill local government roles. Veterans, with their leadership experience, commitment to service, and proven ability to manage crises, represent a natural fit for local governance. These individuals bring a unique set of skills and civic values that make them ideal candidates for roles in public service.
One of the most compelling reasons to focus on veterans is their high-level of civic engagement. Research shows that veterans are more likely to vote, volunteer, and pursue careers in public service compared to non-veterans. Their dedication to serving their country often translates into a deep commitment to improving their communities.
Arizona’s Veterans: An Untapped Resource
Arizona is home to more than 470,000 veterans, many of whom are transitioning from military to civilian life each year. These individuals represent an incredible, largely untapped resource for local government leadership roles. As our study points out, connecting veterans with these opportunities can be a win-win: veterans find meaningful post-service careers, and local governments gain skilled leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Programs such as the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge initiative are already helping transitioning service members enter civilian roles, including in government. Local governments can leverage such programs, as well as develop fellowships and internships to expose veterans to public service opportunities.
A Call to Action for Local Governments
At Government Leadership Solutions, we believe that building stronger leadership pipelines begins with tapping into resources like our veteran community. By creating pathways for veterans to transition into local government roles, we can address the leadership gap and ensure that our communities continue to thrive.
Local governments can take the following steps to support this transition:
- Engage with Veterans: Develop outreach programs to actively recruit veterans for public service roles.
- Establish Veterans’ Affairs Offices: Create or strengthen local veterans’ affairs agencies with a focus on connecting veterans to civic roles.
- Leverage Pipeline Programs: Participate in initiatives like SkillBridge to give veterans hands-on experience in local government before they fully transition to civilian life.
The leadership gap is real, but so is the solution. By working together, we can harness the skills and dedication of our veterans to build stronger, more resilient local governments.
Join the Conversation
Our research highlights the critical importance of addressing this issue, and we’re thrilled that Newsweek brought it to a national audience. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can support leadership development in your community or organization, we invite you to contact us.
Download the complimentary Executive Summary here.
https://www.newsweek.com/this-election-season-we-must-askwhere-americas-farm-team-opinion-1946237
