At its annual conference in September, the International Municipal Lawyers Association recognized Senior Assistant Town Attorney Matt Pentz as a Local Government Fellow. The association established the Fellows program in 1999 to recognize attorneys as legal specialists in the field of local government law and to encourage attorney proficiency and competency in the field. Applicants for this recognition must have at least five years of experience in local government law, submit letters of recommendation, and pass a two-part written exam. Pentz and Town Attorney Lisa Glover are two of only seven attorneys in the state who have attained this designation.

Chris Simpson, who retired as Cary’s town attorney in December 2020, received the Ball-Bluestein Award for Excellence in Municipal Law in August. This award, presented by the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys, is named in honor of Ernie Ball, former Cary town attorney and general counsel of the N.C. League of Municipalities, and Frayda Bluestein, a beloved professor at the UNC School of Government. The award recognizes those who have made valuable contributions to the field of municipal law. Current Town Attorney Lisa Glover was honored to both nominate Simpson for this award and present it to her at the ceremony, where Simpson was lauded for her intellect, professionalism, mentorship of attorneys across the state, and dedication to family.

Cary joined Threads, a social media channel described by media outlets as “Meta’s answers to Twitter,” in July. Threads will be another tool in Cary’s communications toolbox, allowing staff to engage in accessible and timely communications in ways that are convenient to Cary citizens, businesses, and visitors. Many other local governments, including Wake County, Raleigh, and Wilmington, have joined as well. Follow the account at @caryncgov.