For 100 years, ICMA has supported and advocated for professional management of local governments throughout the world. Just 10 years after its 1914 founding, the organization added International to its name.

In 2014, the world is more complex at the same time that it is more compressed. More than ever, what happens in one locality potentially impacts other localities across the globe. Local government challenges are ever more urgent.

And the need for human connection and how local governments facilitate those connections—from such basic essentials as potable water to complex land use policies to improvements in governance and service delivery—are universal challenges.

The two articles here kick off a quarterly PM department that will emphasize ICMA’s international ties, underscoring a theme of connections. From Oregon, to Iraq, to Uganda, the writers bring to ICMA members the stories of networks, links, and local government challenges, solutions, and service, all reminding us of our connections to a special profession that touches people locally and worldwide, all at the same time.

We hope you enjoy the installments to this international department.