ICMA / Membership / Awards / Honorary Member

Honorary Member Award

Honorary membership in ICMA is awarded to an individual outside of the profession of local government management because of his or her distinguished public service and contributions to the improvement and strengthening of local government. Nominations for 2013 will be accepted through April 23, 2013.

Individuals eligible for Honorary membership include, but are not limited to, academic leaders, elected officials, and civic leaders. Criteria include:

  • Contributions to strengthening the structure of local government.
  • Leadership in increasing citizen understanding of the governance and management of local government.
  • Initiatives that brought about improvement and development of local government managers.
  • Programs, writing, or general career contributions that have enhanced the responsiveness and effectiveness of local government.

In summary, the candidate must have made a considerable contribution either to the improvement of local government and local government management or to the public's understanding and appreciation of responsive and well-managed local government.

Honorary membership is conferred by a vote of the association’s Corporate members, and nominations are solicited annually in the spring.  In June, a vote of the ICMA Executive Board determines which nominee or nominees will be proposed to members for formal acceptance by a vote at the annual business meeting.

A nomination for Honorary Membership can be made by any voting member of ICMA.  Forms are available here. Nominations are due by April 23, 2013, and should be emailed to awards@icma.org.

Contact Member Services coordinator Felicia Littky at 202/962-3656 or awards@icma.org with questions or for more information.