Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Ariana Adame, Director of Capital Projects for the City of West Sacramento, Calif. Connect with Ariana on LinkedIn.
- What I’m reading: “Let Them” by Mel Robbins
- What I’m watching: “Your Friends and Neighbors” on Apple TV
- What I’m listening to: “Manana Sera Bonito” by Karol G
A career in local government can take many shapes. Some professionals dedicate their entire careers to one city, county, or special district — rising through the ranks, forming deep relationships, and becoming fixtures in their communities. Others choose to move across multiple jurisdictions, collecting a breadth of experiences that shape them into adaptable, well-rounded public servants.
So which path is better? The truth is, there’s no universal answer. Both routes offer meaningful opportunities, but they come with different benefits, challenges, and implications for your professional growth and personal goals.
Whether you’re just beginning your public service journey or you’re a seasoned professional considering a new chapter, understanding the trade-offs can help you make informed, intentional decisions.
Staying with One Jurisdiction
For many, sticking with a single agency feels like the natural choice. You know the players, the politics, the budget cycles, and the local nuances. There’s comfort and credibility in deep roots.
Pros
- Institutional Knowledge
Years with the same agency gives you unmatched insight into its operations, history, and internal culture. You become the “go-to” person for context — why a policy exists, how a system evolved, or how to navigate sensitive situations. This long-range perspective often makes you a trusted advisor. - Long-Term Relationships
Time builds trust. Staying put allows you to form solid, lasting relationships with coworkers, department heads, elected officials, and community members. These connections can position you as a key influencer and collaborator, especially when change is needed. - Retirement and Benefits
Many public sector retirement systems reward long-term service within the same pension system. If your benefits are tied to years of service or a specific vesting timeline, staying with one jurisdiction can maximize your retirement payout and continuity in healthcare. - Organizational Influence
Tenure brings credibility. Over time, you may be given more leeway to shape internal policies, culture, or innovation efforts. You might also become a mentor to newer employees, guiding the next generation of public servants.
Cons
- Slower Advancement
Opportunities for promotion can be limited, especially in smaller agencies or during times of budget constraint. Advancement may depend on turnover, political shifts, or external forces beyond your control. - Risk of Stagnation
Over time, the day-to-day can become predictable. If your agency resists change or lacks professional development opportunities, it’s easy to fall into a routine that doesn’t challenge or inspire you. - Narrower Perspective
While depth has its value, staying in one place may limit your exposure to new tools, approaches, or service models. Without that outside influence, innovation can become harder to spark.
Working Across Multiple Jurisdictions
On the flip side, some professionals choose to move across cities, counties, or special districts every few years. These strategic moves can open doors, expand your network, and expose you to a broader set of challenges and solutions.
Pros
- Broader Skillset
Every jurisdiction is different — different organizational structures, political climates, and community needs. Working in multiple agencies sharpens your adaptability and helps you develop a flexible, well-rounded skill set. - Greater Mobility
If your current agency can’t offer upward movement, switching jurisdictions can allow you to step into a higher-level role, take on a new portfolio, or gain leadership experience more quickly than if you had stayed. - Expanded Network
Multiple positions across different regions or departments help you grow a larger professional network. These connections can lead to job opportunities, partnerships, and fresh ideas — especially valuable in the interconnected world of local government. - Fresh Perspectives
Bringing outside experience into a new agency can be a huge asset. You’re often able to spot inefficiencies or suggest improvements that long-time staff might not see. Agencies seeking innovation value that fresh perspective.
Cons
- Limited Legacy
Shorter tenures may prevent you from seeing projects through to completion or establishing yourself as a long-term leader. You might have less influence on organizational culture or lack the deeper community connections built over time. - Retirement Complexity
Moving between jurisdictions, especially in different retirement systems (e.g., switching between CalPERS and another state system), can complicate your retirement planning. Vesting periods may not align, and benefits could be fragmented. - Perception Risks
While career mobility is becoming more accepted, too many short stints (especially under one or two years) can raise red flags for hiring managers. Stability, commitment, and organizational fit still matter in public service.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Whether you’re debating whether to stay, leave, or return, consider these questions to guide your reflection:
- Am I still learning and growing here?
- Do I have space to lead, innovate, or influence?
- Are my goals aligned with this organization’s direction?
- Am I fulfilled by this community and its challenges?
- Do I see a future here—or am I staying out of habit or fear?
Career Paths Aren’t Always Linear
Careers in local government are shaped by many forces — leadership transitions, organizational restructures, shifting community needs, or even economic downturns.
Sometimes the choice to move isn’t yours. If you’ve ever had to leave due to layoffs, contract limitations, or political turnover, you know that job changes in the public sector aren’t always planned. In those moments, it helps to remember: you may not control the change, but you always control your response.
Use unplanned transitions as opportunities to reflect. What have you learned? What kind of work excites you? What values do you want your next agency to embody?
A career in local government is a commitment to service — and there’s no single path to making an impact. Whether you plant roots in one place or grow by moving across many, each decision is a chance to shape your professional identity.
The most successful public servants are not those who check all the boxes—they’re the ones who are self-aware, adaptive, and intentional. They lead from where they are, keep learning, and stay committed to their purpose.
So ask yourself: Do I want to be a steady anchor in one community, or a catalyst for change across several? Your answer may change over time. That’s not only okay — it’s a sign of growth.
A Note for Uncertain Times
In today’s environment — marked by fiscal uncertainty, shifting priorities, and workforce transitions—you might find yourself making a career move out of necessity, not choice. If that’s your reality right now, know this:
Even when the decision isn’t yours, your mindset, your next step, and your direction are.
Lean into what you’ve learned, trust your instincts, and stay grounded in your mission. Public service needs people like you—people who are willing to adapt, reflect, and keep showing up for their communities.