Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Local government leadership is evolving—faster and more fundamentally than ever before. From navigating workforce expectations shaped by remote work and generational change, to responding to the demands of emerging technologies and policy complexity, today’s leaders need more than operational expertise—they need resilience, vision, and the capacity to lead through disruption.
At SGR, we’ve always believed that leadership development is not just about preparing individuals for the next role—it’s about preparing organizations for the future. That means cultivating leaders at every level who are agile, ethical, and forward-thinking. It means investing in the kind of growth that doesn’t just build skill sets, but strengthens cultures.
According to the National Research Center and ICMA, more than 60% of local government leaders are eligible to retire in the next five years. Meanwhile, only 36% of cities report having a formal succession plan in place. And it’s not just about filling roles—Deloitte reports that organizations with strong leadership development programs are 4.2 times more likely to outperform their peers financially and 12 times more likely to have strong leadership pipelines.
One of the most impactful approaches we’ve seen is servant leadership—a model that emphasizes trust, empathy, and a focus on serving others first. Studies show that organizations rooted in servant leadership report 50% higher employee engagement, greater retention, and stronger performance. It’s a natural fit for public service, and it’s a cornerstone of the leadership development work we do at SGR.
We’re proud to walk alongside local governments who are asking bold questions:
- How do we build leadership pipelines that reflect our communities and values?
- How do we ensure continuity and innovation across generations of leadership?
- How do we equip our teams to lead not just today—but tomorrow?
The answers aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our leadership development offerings—from supervisory series to executive coaching to customized retreats—are designed to be as unique as the organizations we serve. But no matter the format, the focus is the same: shaping leaders who can serve with purpose, lead with courage, and adapt with confidence.
Because when we invest in our leaders, we’re not just shaping individual careers—we’re safeguarding the future of local government itself.
Darin Atteberry
Chief Executive Officer
SGR