Myra Ray-Howett (MPA 21) Featured in ICMAs Public Management Magazine

As a full-time graduate student, ICMA Student Chapter Co-President, and Public Administration Fellow, Myra Ray-Howett has plenty to think about this semester. Yet, shes already thinking about her future. 

ICMAthe International City/County Management Associationrecently asked student chapter members to provide perspectives on the question As a future local government leader, how do you hope to work toward building equitable and resilient communities in your career?

Myras response is featured on the ICMA website and in October 2020 issue of Public Management (PM) Magazine. She said:

As our country faces economic hardships from a global pandemic and the looming effects of climate change, meaningful commitments and actions toward building equitable and resilient communities are more important now than ever before. Resilience comes in many forms; therefore, efforts to build stronger and more inclusive communities need to be creative, collaborative, and provide multiple benefits.

During my past summer internship in communications at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, I helped create case studies of environmental best management practices throughout the Chesapeake Watershed. I was inspired and energized by the various forms of projects in green infrastructure implemented by local governments and the options that exist to help fund those projects.

As an emerging leader in local government, I will support investments in green infrastructure because they are proven to create jobs, improve environmental sustainability, and when targeted in underserved communities that lack access to green spaces, mitigate existing environmental justice inequities.

I will foster a tight-knit community that can depend on and uplift one another by empowering residents of all ages to become community leaders. I will engage my community in the brainstorming, decision-making, and construction processes of green infrastructure and community revitalization projects. Residents will know that local leaders see them, acknowledge their worth, and will work with them to support a healthier and more civically minded community.

Myra is in her second year of the Master of Public Administration degree program. In her role as a public administration fellow, Myra works with Julia OHanlon on the Senior Center Grant-in-Aid Funding Formula Program and collaborates with Delawares local governments to update IPAs Directory of Delaware Municipal Officials.