"Time or Priorities?"

Dear TAGITM Members,

How many times have we caught ourselves saying, “I don’t have time”? The truth is, we each get the same 168 hours every week. Work, sleep, family, exercise, and countless other obligations quickly fill the calendar. But often, the real challenge isn’t time itself, it’s how we set our priorities.

When we say we don’t have time, what we usually mean is that something else took priority. And that’s not necessarily wrong, our priorities shift as seasons change in life. In September, with school routines back in motion, projects hitting their stride, and the year’s final quarter coming into view, it’s a good moment to reflect: Am I investing my hours in what matters most?

For TAGITM, our priorities remain clear:

• Strengthening TAGITM’s Resilience – Through smart financial stewardship and strategic investments, ensuring our organization grows stronger and delivers greater value for members year after year.
• Harnessing Emerging Technologies – From AI to automation to data analytics, exploring how these tools can help local governments operate more efficiently, make smarter decisions, and better serve our residents.
• Building Collaborative Communities – Supporting one another through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships that expand our collective impact.
• Enhancing Member Engagement – Expanding opportunities for members to get involved, contribute ideas, and actively shape the future of TAGITM through events, committees, and peer-to-peer collaboration.

This month, I encourage each of us to pause and consider our personal and professional priorities. Where do you want your extra hours to go — mentorship, innovation, self-care, or giving back? The time is there. The question is, what will we choose to make space for?

I also want to highlight the many upcoming TAGITM events that give us the chance to grow, connect, and recharge. From regional meetings and training sessions to webinars and networking opportunities, these gatherings are excellent ways to invest your time in professional development and community. (See the full list of events on the TAGITM website or recent listserv announcements.)

As your TAGITM President, I remain inspired by how each of you invests your hours not just into your organizations, but also into lifting this community. Together, let’s make the most of our 168 hours.

Quick Takeaway

"You don’t lack time, you lack priorities. Choose wisely this month — invest in what matters most: growth, innovation, community, and yourself."

With respect and gratitude,
James O’Brien
President, TAGITM