Episode #183: Barry Burton and Carl Harness – Regional Cooperation and Hosting ICMA in Tampa

Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton and Hillsborough County Chief Human Services Administrator Carl Harness join the show to discuss their shared commitment to regional cooperation in the Tampa Bay area. They highlight their partnership with Pasco County, regular joint meetings between commissioners and staff, and the importance of working across county lines to tackle shared challenges. As co-hosts of the upcoming ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa, Barry and Carl also preview what attendees can expect. With registration open in June and the conference set for late October, they aim to break previous attendance records and emphasize the event’s value for professional development and networking across all levels of local government. The conversation also touches on broader trends in city and county management, from the rising importance of professional communication teams to the evolving nature of citizen engagement. Barry and Carl note that while counties differ in size and challenges, many priorities—like water management, infrastructure, and public trust—are shared, making the ICMA conference a critical space for learning and collaboration.