As I celebrate my birthday on March 8th, I am reminded that this day holds significance far beyond personal milestones. March 8th is International Women’s Day—a global tribute to the achievements, strength, and resilience of women everywhere. It is a day to honor the progress made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable future.

This year, we celebrate “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This powerful message calls for action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all. At the heart of this vision is the next generation—youth, especially young women and adolescent girls—who are driving meaningful and lasting change.

With over 40 years of experience in municipal government—spanning large metropolitan areas to small towns, I have seen firsthand how governance structures influence the delivery of public goods and services. While the fundamental principles of municipal governance remain consistent, the approach to service delivery varies significantly based on a community’s size, resources, and local engagement.