By Harry Sidhu
Where Real Problems Show Up First
When I served as Mayor of Anaheim, I quickly realized something many people don’t fully understand: cities are where America’s biggest challenges often show up first. Whether it’s homelessness, public safety, small business struggles, or housing shortages—these issues don’t begin in Washington, D.C. They start right here on our streets, in our neighborhoods, and in the homes of everyday people.
As local leaders, mayors and city officials are the first ones called when something goes wrong. We’re also the ones expected to act fast, find creative solutions, and communicate clearly. It’s a role that carries a great deal of pressure—but also incredible opportunity. Because when we get it right at the local level, we create models that can inspire solutions across the country.
We Know Our Communities Best
One of the most powerful tools local leaders have is proximity. We live in the communities we serve. We shop at the same grocery stores, drop our kids off at the same schools, and worship in the same houses of faith as our neighbors. This closeness builds trust, and it also gives us a front-row seat to what people really need—not what polls or headlines suggest, but what’s happening in their day-to-day lives.
During my time in office, I made it a priority to listen. I met with residents, sat down with small business owners, walked neighborhoods, and spoke with faith leaders. These conversations didn’t just shape policy—they shaped perspective. They reminded me that every decision made at City Hall affects real people.
National leaders often operate from a distance. Municipal leaders? We are right there in the mix. That’s what makes us effective, and that’s why local government is often the most responsive and efficient level of public service.
Innovation Starts at the City Level
Some of the most forward-thinking programs in the country started in cities—not in federal agencies. When Anaheim looked at ways to stimulate economic growth, we didn’t wait around. We launched public-private partnerships, streamlined business licensing, and supported industries like tourism and hospitality that drive our local economy.
We also took creative approaches to social issues, like investing in transitional housing and connecting unhoused residents with long-term support services. These solutions weren’t always perfect, but they were rooted in action—and they started a conversation other cities could learn from.
That’s the beauty of local leadership. We can test ideas on a smaller scale, adapt quickly, and share what works. In a time when national politics feels gridlocked, city governments continue to be laboratories for innovation.
Crisis Doesn’t Wait—And Neither Can We
Leadership is most tested during a crisis. Whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, or civil unrest, I saw firsthand how essential it is for mayors to lead with clarity, speed, and compassion. We didn’t have the luxury of waiting for guidance from higher up—we had to make immediate decisions to protect our residents.
In Anaheim, we worked closely with public health experts, mobilized emergency resources, and kept businesses informed. We coordinated vaccine rollouts and made sure vulnerable populations weren’t left behind. Was it hard? Absolutely. But we did it because that’s what leadership demands.
The truth is, municipal leaders don’t have time for politics as usual. We have to solve problems now. And more often than not, our work quietly becomes the framework for state and national solutions later on.
We Build Trust from the Ground Up
In today’s world, public trust is fragile. But trust can still thrive in cities. People may be frustrated with national politics, but they often still have faith in their local leaders—because we’re accessible, transparent, and accountable.
That’s a responsibility I took seriously. Whether people agreed with every policy or not, they knew they could reach me. They knew I cared about their voices. And when trust is built at the local level, it becomes the foundation for a healthier, more connected democracy.
Why National Leaders Should Listen to Local Ones
If I could give one piece of advice to our federal policymakers, it would be this: listen to your mayors. We are closest to the ground. We see how policies play out in real time. We know where the gaps are—and where the real opportunities for progress exist.
National change doesn’t always start in Congress. It often starts with a city planner, a neighborhood meeting, or a mayor walking down the street. That’s why elevating local voices is so important. It’s not just about civic pride—it’s about building smarter, more effective government from the bottom up.
Final Thoughts: Leading Where It Matters Most
Public service has given me many gifts. But the greatest one has been the chance to lead in a place I love, surrounded by people who inspire me every day. Being mayor isn’t about titles or photo ops—it’s about solving real problems for real people.
If we want to move this country forward, we must continue to invest in strong, local leadership. Because when cities thrive, so does America.