Ukrainians learn government, economic development in Galena

GALENA–On Tuesday, Sept. 18, a group of 20 Ukrainian city officials–mayors, economic development experts and journalists–sat in the council chamber at Galena City Hall to hear from Galena Mayor Terry Renner, City Administrator Mark Moran and Galena Country Tourism President and CEO Rose Noble.

The delegation, part of a two-week tour organized by the International City County Management Association (ICCMA), visited Galena as part of a multi-stop experience in the U.S., wanted to hear about local government structure and economic development successes in Galena.

According to Scott Annis, program manager for ICCMA, the U.S. Aid-funded program has participants from Ukrainian communities about the size of Galena. In the Ukraine, Annis said, communities are decentralizing, transforming 1,000 into 200. Because of that, the officials were in the U.S. to learn ways to improve services, build new roads, improve schools and health care and learn models of economic development and governance.

In Galena, the group toured the city on a trolley, met with city officials at city hall, had lunch, explored Main Street, met with Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society Executive Director Nancy Breed and then checked out the view from Chestnut Mountain Resort.

At city hall, Renner talked about working together with the city’s citizens to accomplish goals and make the community a thriving place.

Renner explained how council meetings work and how city staff conduct day-to-day business.

Moran spoke about the city’s budget and how the city prioritizes infrastructure and amenities to welcome visitors.

The city’s sustainability efforts during the last decade were another focus area for Moran, who pointed to the two solar arrays, at the wastewater treatment plant and city hall, as examples.