Public Service Recognition Week is one of those observances that often flies under the radar, probably because the people it honors are too busy working to celebrate themselves. But it’s worth pausing to acknowledge what keeps local government running: the steady, day-in, day-out efforts of public servants who manage everything from storm drains to strategic planning—and everything in between.

This week, I had the privilege of working alongside the City of Boca Raton staff and City Council at a workshop focused on developing their long-term strategic plan. The work didn’t start this week, of course. For the past year, their management team has been gathering data, facilitating internal and community discussions, and drafting priorities to prepare for this session. What culminated in presentations and lively (but focused) dialogue between staff and elected officials is part of a broader effort to set Boca Raton’s course through 2035, 2040, and even 2050.

The conversations centered on real challenges and opportunities:

How to accommodate population growth without losing the city’s sense of place
How to adapt to evolving market trends and economic shifts
How to advance the city’s walkability and multi-modal transportation options
And, importantly, how to maintain Boca’s commitment to world-class service in a rapidly changing environment
Bold and ambitious ideas filled the room, layered with practical grounding—a combination that often gets overlooked in the narrative about government work.

I also had conversations with leadership from another city that is exploring the launch of a pilot ombuds program. The aim? To provide a neutral, confidential channel for employees to express workplace concerns and to reinforce a culture where staff feel seen and heard. If you’re interested in exploring a similar program in your city or county, I’d be happy to talk through ideas and options.

Elsewhere this week, I spent time with the dedicated staff of Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida Mediation and Arbitration office, who lead a band of dedicated mediators helping Broward County residents resolve disputes without going to litigation. Our work reminds me that public service isn’t always high-profile; often, it’s in the quieter moments—guiding people toward solutions, helping them avoid lengthy litigation—that local government’s impact is most deeply felt.

Because no week would be complete without some professional development, I attended the Broward & Beyond Business Conference at the Broward County Convention Center. This annual event, coordinated by the Broward County Government Office of Economic and Small Business Development, brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs, and government staff to exchange ideas, sharpen skills, and foster collaboration across sectors.

In every corner of local government, the common denominator is people. Not just the public being served, but the public servants doing the work, many of whom rarely get public credit for their dedication. Public Service Recognition Week gives us the prompt to say thank you. Still, more importantly, it’s a reminder that good governance depends on people who care deeply about their communities and put that care into action.

Not sure how to celebrate? Here are three simple ways to mark the week:

Thank a public servant—whether in person, by email, or even with a quick social media shoutout.
Attend a city or county meeting to see firsthand how decisions are made.
Share a positive experience you’ve had with local government to highlight the value of public service in your community.
#OESBD #BBBC2025 #OESBDConference