During a recent government meeting, a city manager shared insights from their experience in Dothan, Alabama, emphasizing the importance of community belief in fostering economic growth. After spending three months engaging with local residents and officials, the manager noted a prevalent sentiment of doubt regarding the community's ability to compete with larger cities like Huntsville and Birmingham. To combat this, they focused on instilling a sense of confidence among residents, which ultimately led to significant achievements, including the successful attraction of the internationally recognized Hudson Alpha organization to Dothan.

The manager highlighted that this transformation was rooted in the community's newfound belief in its potential, stating, \"We energized the community and created belief that we could do anything that any big city was doing.\" This shift in mindset was crucial for the city's development and ability to attract major organizations.

In discussing the principles of integrity and ethics, the manager underscored their critical role in public service, particularly as a city manager. They recounted experiences of having their ethics publicly questioned, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity in both personal and professional conduct. \"I would never do anything that was remotely unethical,\" they asserted, reflecting a strong dedication to ethical governance.

The manager also provided an example of successfully managing a capital project in Auburn, Alabama, where they oversaw the redevelopment of Toomer's Corner, a vital intersection in the community. This project required extensive coordination with local businesses to mitigate the impact of the construction on the downtown area, showcasing the importance of community engagement in urban development.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the transformative power of belief in community potential, the necessity of ethical leadership, and the importance of collaboration in managing public projects.