ICMA has been highlighting best practices of cities and counties that have developed exemplary programs to assist veterans and their families and offers a nationwide network of city and county managers to spread the word about these programs. ICMA is partnering with national, state, and local government organizations to ensure that local governments have the tools needed to reintegrate and care for veterans and their families.

ICMA's Veterans Committee

The Veterans Advisory Committee was established in October 2020 and its mission is to enhance local government through the inclusion of veterans who share the passion, skills, and knowledge to succeed in public service. This committee's goals are to:

1) Bring awareness to ICMA members about the skills of veterans.                                        

2) Raise visibility of a local government career path among military members.  

3) Develop and strengthen relationships between the veteran community and local governments.

 From Military to Local Government Employment

Resources to guide members of the military as they look to translate their passion for public service and work ethic into positions in the local government profession.

• Do you have questions about what a career in local government is? Find the answer here.
• Read the ICMA publication Veterans Guide to Finding a Job in Local Government.
• Post your resume and look for jobs on the Government Jobs Website.
• Read Breaking Into Local Government: A Guidebook for Career Changers, an ICMA publication.
• Check out the other career resources publications.
• The ICMA Coaching Program hosts a one-to-one coaching resource called CoachConnect where you can search for a free career coach.

Transitioning Resources

• National Association of County Veterans Service Officers is a resource to locate veterans service officers nationwide. Different counties provide different levels of support in terms of career-building resources.
•  Military Officers Association of America provides career and transition assistance resources.
• Military OneSource provides information for veterans and transitioning service members.
• VetJobs provides assistance with resumes and LinkedIn.
• Visit Resume Builder for a comprehensive guide specifically designed to assist military personnel transitioning to civilian careers It includes  tailored cover letter examples, expert advice, and tips to help veterans effectively communicate their unique skills and experience to potential employers.
  Mission Wisconsin is a free resource to coach veterans through the transition process.

Veteran and Community Resources

• National Resource Directory - The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a resource website that connects wounded warriors, service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them.
• VA Office of Community Engagement - The mission of the VHA Office of Community Engagement is to serve as a trusted resource and a catalyst for the growth of effective partnerships at the national, state, and community level and as a facilitator/access point for public and private entities interested in partnering with VHA to benefit veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
• Cope Notes - A text based program to train your brain and combat anxiety.
• Web-based resources for veterans - Veterans Mental Health; Veterans Addiction Recovery Resources; Alcohol Abuse Resources; Make the Connection; Veterans Guide to Vocational Schools and Apprenticeships and Guide to VA Services.