In recent years, local governments have faced increasing pressure from national events and divisive political movements. Despite this turmoil, the greatest strength of local government remains its enduring focus: building neighborhoods, fostering community connections, and delivering essential services like clean water, safe streets, reliable power, responsive police, thriving parks, well-maintained roads, and effective fire protection.This session explores how California cities can uphold nonpartisan principles through times of political and societal distress. Participants will learn how to safeguard organizational integrity by embedding core city values into policies and operations, including communications, strategic plans, handbooks, policies, and programs. Discover practical tools for reframing or avoiding partisan situations, while maintaining the city’s commitment to its timeless mission and the common good. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for gaining buy-in internally and externally, protecting staff's ability to focus on delivering the mission, and communicating effectively in a polarized environment—ensuring local government continues to do what it does best: serve all residents without getting swept into political or ideological debates.