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The Verdict Is In: Strategies to Promote Collaborative Relationships Between Elected Officials

When hard times hit your organization, compassionate collaboration becomes essential. During the California JPIA’s 29^th Annual Risk Management Educational Forum (Forum), Paramount Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Rolling Hills Estates Councilmember Frank V. Zerunyan presented an insightful session titled “The Verdict Is In: Strategies to Promote Collaborative Relationships Between Elected Officials.” The panel, moderated by retired City Manager Mike Egan, explored how collaboration between elected officials can promote effective risk management and organizational success.

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Throughout the session, Egan emphasized each individual’s impact on their community. “‘When you join an organization, you change it forever. When you leave it, it will never be the same,’” said Egan, quoting Bellflower City Attorney Richard Holtz. “Organizational culture drives results, both positive and negative.” This focus on crafting intentional culture framed the session, underscoring the lasting impact of collaborative leadership on local governments.

Lemons and Zerunyan demonstrated the impact of organizational culture on their respective cities. Though demographically different, the cities of Paramount and Rolling Hills Estates share a solid commitment to staff longevity and collaborative culture. Paramount, which faced significant development challenges in the 1970s and 80s, exemplifies how a united city can overcome adversity. “Communities need to say, ‘these are our issues,’” said Lemons. “Once we recognize our problems, we can work together to solve them.”

Zerunyan emphasized the importance of honest communication, expanding upon Lemons’ point by encouraging the maintenance of well-defined roles between city officials and staff. “The city council’s lane is policy—the city manager is the ‘implementer-in-chief,’” he said. Zerunyan and Lemons emphasized the need for accountability, mutual respect, and open communication to foster a positive working environment.

Throughout the session, it became clear that a culture of compassion and service becomes essential in times of hardship, like Rolling Hills Estates’ loss of ten homes to land movement. “When you’re serving the public during a disaster, your role is to be as compassionate as you can be,” said Zerunyan.

When the City of Paramount made a concerted effort to counter urban blight in the late 20^th century, the community simultaneously created a culture of compassion and collaboration. By maintaining open lines of communication with faith-based leaders, law enforcement, residents, school board members, the chamber of commerce, media, and city staff, the city went above and beyond to foster a sustainable organization. By the end of the century, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors had issued a special commendation to Paramount for its significant turnaround.

The discussion also touched on the impact of social media in crafting community culture and modern governance. Lemons shared how myth-busting webpages can combat misinformation and protect credibility. Both speakers advised against relying solely on digital platforms, stressing the ongoing importance of personal presence and human connection in leadership within the local government space.

During the session, audience members raised concerns about dealing with disruptive elected officials and ensuring effective council meetings. Zerunyan advised establishing rules of decorum and providing opportunities for civil discourse, while Lemons highlighted Paramount’s concerted trust-building efforts and commitment to finding consensus throughout challenging situations.

The session concluded with a call to foster future generations of public servants. Lemons and Zerunyan advocated for mentoring youth and encouraging community members to serve on commissions and committees, ensuring that the next wave of leaders is prepared to uphold a culture of collaboration and service.

This engaging session reinforced the significance of collaboration as a best practice and a critical element of successful governance and risk management. Learn more about the importance of partnership and discuss how you can foster a collaborative culture at your organization with your regional risk manager.

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