ICMA - International City/County Management Association

What if one role could transform how your local government operates? Meet the ACAO, the force multiplier behind stronger teams, smarter strategy, and smoother leadership transitions. See why communities that invest in this position never look back. https://bit.ly/49tL5b5

ASSISTANTS AND DEPUTIES: The Value of an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer A leadership role that strengthens local government

"What if the key to better leadership was simply learning to listen? ICMA Midwest Regional Director Matt Fulton picked up 'Love Your Enemies' by Arthur Brooks after hearing him speak at and the message stuck.

In a time of growing division, his reflections on replacing contempt with warm-heartedness feel more relevant than ever. Read the latest 'In Our Region' column and see what it sparks for you.

IN OUR REGION: An Inspirational Read for Local Government Leaders An ICMA regional director shares a book that taught him leadership is less about having all the right answers and more about creating a climate where honest dialogue can occur.

Apply to Host the ICMA Global Exchange in 2027 or 2028! ICMA is now accepting host organization applications through July 10, 2026.

Past Global Exchange participants have returned home with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas to strengthen their communities through creative local government leadership.
Interested in hosting? Proposal requirements include:
• A draft agenda featuring 5 business days of programming
• Direct engagement with local government practitioners
• Capacity for 50–60 participants
• Dedicated planning contacts

✨ Hosting the ICMA Global Exchange is a unique opportunity to welcome an international network of local government professionals, expand global connections, and gain actionable ideas to support your community. Submit your application today! https://bit.ly/4dtZSoF

Now Accepting Applications to Host 2027 and 2028 ICMA Global Exchanges The call for host organizations for the 2027 and 2028 ICMA Global Exchanges is open!

Mark Crawley shows that retirement can be a shift, not a stop. After 45 years in local government, his 18 months of semi-retirement blends family, consulting, and continued service to the profession into a new rhythm of life. Discover how he is redefining what comes next. https://bit.ly/4tVQu1O

Transitioning into Semi-Retirement Before Retirement When you're ready to downshift but not quite ready to park the car.

“Lead with courage. Support one another. Protect your well-being. And never lose sight of why you chose this path in the first place.”

Bryan Heck, ICMA-CM, president of the Ohio City/County Management Association, shares a powerful reminder that public service is grounded in trust, resilience, and caring for both communities and each other. Explore his remarks and reconnect with the purpose behind the work.

The Strength to Serve Wise words from a state association president on leading with courage, supporting one another, protecting your well-being, and never losing sight of why you chose this career path.

Residents do not experience budgets. They experience government in moments that matter. Discover how journey mapping and segmentation can help cities and counties serve people better, reduce friction, and build trust, especially when resources are tight. https://bit.ly/4e6flLB

Rethinking Service Design in an Era of Fiscal Constraint How journey mapping and segmentation help cities and counties serve better--especially when budgets tighten.

Local government has been at the heart of American democracy for 250 years; help us celebrate it. Share your story and inspire the profession by showing the role local government plays in democracy. Submit your story here!

Local Gov 250 Call for Content: Share Your Story! Help celebrate the role of local government in American democracy.

This Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on those who gave their lives for our nation and recognize the veterans who continue strengthening communities through local leadership and public service. We remember. We thank you. We honor your legacy.

Local government leadership goes beyond implementing policy. It requires courage and the ability to lead up, lead out, and lead within. From long-term planning to crisis response and community trust, today’s challenges call for collaboration across elected officials, staff, and residents.

Explore what it means to lead in today’s local government.

Lead Up, Lead Out, and Lead Within City/county managers must have courage to lead up with their governing body, lead out into the community, and lead within their organization.

Public sector workers have unique retirement needs, and new research from MissionSquare breaks down where the gaps are. We are hosting a free webinar to dig into the findings and discuss what better support can look like. Register now! https://bit.ly/3PvLMtF

Supporting Better Retirement and Financial Decisions for Public and Private Sector Employees Join ICMA Partner MissionSquare for a webinar on how retirement plan providers can best support the financial decisions of plan participants.