More than 8,000 municipal managers attended the International City/County Management Association this week in Tampa, Fla., but only about a dozen were recognized for longtime service to the profession.

One of them was Lower Burrell City Manager Greg Primm, who is coming up on 35 years as a municipal manager in four communities across Western Pennsylvania.

“It’s my love for local government,” Primm said. “In my mind, the most effective government is local. It’s where we have the most input and are readily available to the taxpayers.”

Primm said he joined the ICMA in 1991 when he first became the manager of Falls Creek, a small borough outside DuBois.

“I had to do everything. I was an office of one,” Primm said of his time in Falls Creek. “Without that job, I’d never be where I am today.”

The ICMA aims to assist local governments through advocacy, ethics training, research and professional development, according to its website. Primm said his biggest takeaways from being in the organization are connecting with resources and networking.

“ICMA has made me a better manager,” he said.

After working for Falls Creek, Primm would later take on management positions in Penn Township, Butler County and Allegheny Township before coming to Lower Burrell in 2023.

Municipal management isn’t for the faint of heart. A 2022 study from MissionSquare Research Institute found that 52% of state and local public sector workers were considering leaving the field, most commonly citing inadequate pay or burnout. Quit rates for local and state government employees increased from 6.1% in 2010 to 9.7% in 2016, and a record 11.7% in 2020, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“It’s a privilege to serve my community and learn from dedicated public servants along the way,” Primm said. “It’s really a fulfilling experience for me.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to spend my career in public service.”

In addition to his role as city manager, Primm also teaches bookkeeping classes for the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development. He’s also president of the Apollo-Ridge School Board.

Mayor Chris Fabry said Primm has had a tremendous career and that Lower Burrell is lucky to have him.

“ICMA’s recognition of his 35 years of service means a lot to him and it is truly deserved,” Fabry said. “His dedication, professionalism and commitment to our community are vital for Lower Burrell’s future success.”

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