ICMA News

Sneak-Peek of a New Textbook on Performance Management

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:03:30 EST

Here's an excerpt from a new ICMA textbook,Leading Performance Management in Local Government, edited by the pre-eminent authority on performance management, David N. Ammons, which is due to publish August 2008.

EPA Honors Climate Protection Award Winners in ICMA Manager Jurisdictions

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:03:56 EST

The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico (Bruce Perlman, city manager), and Arlington County, Virginia (Ron Carlee, county manager), received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Protection Award.

Largest Speed Coaching Event in Local Government History (We think!)

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:28:59 EST

Early last month, 114 emerging leaders and senior managers engaged in the largest ever "Speed Coaching" event.

Viewing Performance Holistically: A Model of Expected, Optimum, and Actual Performance (Part II)

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:16:11 EST

Bob Bland, author of A Budgeting Guide for Local Governments, concludes his discussion of the barriers of effective use of performance data in budget decisions in local government, in the second article of this 2-part series.

Second Annual Mini Advice Sessions Offered in Richmond--Schedule Yours Now!

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:20:52 EST

Don't miss the mini advice sessions in the ICMA Conference Pavilion sponsored by ICMA Consulting Services, the Center for Performance Measurement, and the Ethics Training Staff, and the "Wine, Cheese, and Advice Please" reception Monday night.

ICMA Provides Local Government Flood Assistance Coordination Support for Iowa and Midwest States

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:01:59 EST

Devastating floods are wreaking havoc through the heartland of the nation. Communities in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are under threat and local governments, ICMA, and a number of other organizations are working to protect and sustain these communities.

ICMA Members Awarded by the Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants (IAMMA)

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:08:26 EST

The 2007-2008 IAMMA Executive Board honored ICMA members for their commitment to IAMMA and their dedication to the profession. These individuals were recognized at the IAMMA awards luncheon held on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

ICMA Member Keith Ashby Receives Outstanding Evaluation

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:39:05 EST

ICMA member Keith Ashby, city manager, Newberry, FL, recently got a glowing evaluation from the Newberry Commission.

Three Tools to Help Communities Fund Sustainable Systems

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:00:37 EST

The biggest sustainability challenge for many communities is not whether to improve environmental systems but how to finance improvements.

Special Pre-Conference Training Offered on Prevention Programs

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:02:42 EST

A new training seminar, Prevention Programs: Proven Strategies for Achieving Results, is designed to help local governments invest in social service programs more wisely.

Sustainability and Success Converge at Transforming Local Government Conference

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:49:50 EST

With its theme of "Creating Sustainable Futures: Global Issues/Local Solutions," the Alliance for Innovation's Transforming Local Government (TLG) conference was a great success.

ICMA Congratulates 2008 Annual Award Recipients

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:54:24 EST

ICMA received 100+ nominations to its awards program and selected these recipients for their contributions to professional management.

Cal-ICMA Coaching Program Featured At International Conference

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:51:26 EST

The Cal-ICMA Coaching Program was selected as a case study at the International Leading Practices Symposium, held May 29-30 in Queensland, Australia.

Final Service Awards List Published

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:23:31 EST

Email awards@icma.org no later than July 15 with changes.

ICMA and CDC Tackle Issue of Measuring Performance toward Community Obesity Reduction

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:27:03 EST

How do you know if your active and healthy living initiatives are on target? A team of ICMA members and the ICMA Center for Performance Measurement have teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create a way of measuring community performance in this area.

Department of Justice Medal of Valor - A Call for Nominations

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:12:02 EST

The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs is accepting nominations beginning May 30, 2008, for the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded by the President to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General who have exhibited exceptional courage in protecting or saving lives.

Viewing Performance Holistically: A Model of Expected, Optimum, and Actual Performance
(Part I)

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:15:09 EST

Bob Bland, author of A Budgeting Guide for Local Governments, discusses the barriers to effective use of performance data in budget decisions in local government.

U.S. Students Gain Insights in Videoconference with Afghanistan Staff

Fri, 30 May 2008 09:19:03 EST

Students of international development at William & Mary College described their videoconference with the staff of the Afghanistan Municipal Strengthening Program as "one of the highlights of our academic careers."

Speed Coaching at the ICMA Annual Conference! Pre-Register Now

Thu, 29 May 2008 02:48:10 EST

Got career questions? Want answers? ICMA is planning a great opportunity at the Richmond Annual Conference for you to get quick perspectives from volunteer managers and recruiters on your career interests. You might just find "speed coaching"--modeled after the popular speed dating concept--the key to accelerating your career satisfaction and success!

Fifteen Universities Join City/County Manager In Residence Program: Additional Managers Invited to Participate

Tue, 27 May 2008 04:35:57 EST

In order to help attract university students into the local government pipeline, the Cal-ICMA Coaching Program has launched the City/County Manager in Residence Program at California and Arizona universities. Fifteen university campuses have joined the program which will match City and County Executives with public administration and public policy programs in the academic year starting in Fall 2008.

ICMA Survey Results Show Some Local Governments Are Bringing Contracted Services Back In House

Thu, 22 May 2008 03:00:35 EST

Results of a recent survey "Profile of Local Government Service Delivery Choices" show that the primary reason local governments consider private service delivery is to decrease costs; yet 22 percent reported that they had brought services back in house during the past five years.

Case Study: Fitting School Facilities into Smart Growth

Wed, 21 May 2008 09:23:14 EST

The Smart Growth Network developed a free bonus ICMA IQ Report that offers strategies for how local governments and schools can bring planning efforts together to take a more community-oriented approach to schools.

Numbers Rising: There Are More Women Members of ICMA!

Mon, 19 May 2008 07:18:58 EST

Women continue to increase as a percentage of membership in ICMA. April 2008 membership statistics show that 23% of ICMA members from cities are women and 25% of all county members are women.

ICMA Salutes Police Officers During National Police Week, May 11-17

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:58:46 EST

Former police officer and chief encourages managers to participate in and support local law enforcement ceremonies.

Budget Artists Recognized for High Quality Budget Presentations

Thu, 08 May 2008 02:33:47 EST

The task of developing a municipal budget requires more than strong financial skills. ICMA's Resource Center showcases a number of sample budget documents including an award winner from Jerome, Idaho.

Prepare for Hurricane Season Beginning June 1

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:36:00 EST

The recent disaster caused by Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar reminds us that preparedness at the local level is critical.

Environmental Finance Tools and Sample Sustainability Program among Materials Available from ICMA Hosted Webcast

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:16:32 EST

The webcast Leading Your Community and Saving Money, Energy and the Environment, featured a number of tools and examples that are now online.

Graduation Blowout! Place Free Intern Advertisements in ICMA's Online Job Center

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:50:43 EST

Through August 31, 2008, ICMA is offering free internship and 2-for-1 "analyst" advertisements postings through our online Job Center.

Alliance for Innovation Invites Researchers to Join Academic Network

Thu, 01 May 2008 09:52:40 EST

The Alliance for Innovation has enlisted more than 70 scholars in the US interested in local government management research, and is now broadening membership to include the full range of public policies and international scholars.

The Budgeting-Accounting Interface: Maintaining the Financial Integrity of the Government or Nonprofit Organization

Thu, 01 May 2008 09:23:02 EST

In this installation of his ongoing series of articles to assist instructors using his book, A Budgeting Guide, 2nd Edition, Bob Bland discusses the importance of the budgeting-accounting interface.

City Manager Shares "Iraq Diary"

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:59:27 EST

What does a U.S. city manager face when he arrives as a consultant in Iraq?

Cal-ICMA Launches Monthly Professional Development Update

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:26:45 EST

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Cal-ICMA, we are pleased to provide California ICMA members this first monthly event calendar/information bulletin. The new monthly e-mail will provide information on a variety of professional development and networking opportunities offered by Cal-ICMA's coordinating organizations throughout the state.

New Funding Supports ICMA Work with Afghan Youth

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:01:01 EST

Building on its past success, ICMA has been awarded an increase of $6 million in funds to expand the Afghanistan Municipal Strengthening Program, which will include a new component focusing on youth training and mentoring.

News from the Cal-ICMA Coaching Program

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:11:45 EST

The 2008 Cal-ICMA Coaching Program has already conducted four telephone coaching panel sessions this year. Six more are scheduled between May 1 and November 6. If you miss a telephone coaching session, don't lament ...

New Appointments

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:24:36 EST

Deceased

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:53:13 EST

In Transition

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:47:27 EST

Two Opportunities for Service - ICMA Executive Board and Cal-ICMA Board of Directors

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:31:54 EST

The Cal-ICMA Board of Directors is seeking California ICMA members who are interested in being considered for several upcoming opportunities --- to serve as a Vice President on the ICMA Executive Board as well as several "At-Large" positions on the Cal-ICMA Board of Directors. The following paragraphs provide information on the positions, selection process, and deadline for expressing interest. We encourage our ICMA members to consider interest in these opportunities to serve our profession.

A New Era in Television: Five Things Your Residents Need to Know to Get Ready

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:39:14 EST

Next February, most televison stations will convert to all-digital broadcasting. Are your residents ready?

National Consortium Outlines Vision for Homeland Security

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:22:24 EST

New report encourages collaboration among state, local, and federal governments and the private sector to meet current and future security challenges.

311/CRM Technologies Help Citizens Connect with Their Local Governments

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:01:56 EST

A recent discussion among experts and a new report look at how 311 and citizen relationship management systems offer local governments an opportunity to better communicate with and provide services to their constituents.

Lean Tools: The 5-S Method

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:27:33 EST

It may seem like common sense to those of you who are naturally neat and organized--but to the rest of us, the 5S method provides good solid advice for eliminating waste and motion, says Craig Rapp, director of ICMA Consulting Services.

ICMA University Workshop Focuses on Getting the Most Out of Your Prevention Programs

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:33:29 EST

During this highly interactive seminar, held in conjunction with the 2008 ICMA Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., local government policy makers, staff, and service providers will learn about how to review and assess the effectiveness of prevention programs.

Applications Being Accepted for October 2008 Emerging Leaders Development Program

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:26:12 EST

Deadline for applications for this class is August 15. Class size is limited to 15. Reserve your spot today!

National Library Week: Reasons to Celebrate

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:58:24 EST

National Library Week, April 13-19, celebrates our country's libraries and their librarians and reminds us of the prominent role they play as the "go to" place for young and old alike.

Reduction in New Housing Starts Adversely Affects Local Governments

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:53:38 EST

Localities that have been hard hit by the loss of tax revenue due to foreclosures report that they have had to lay off staff, freeze vacant positions, reduce existing programs, and hold off on creating new programs.

New Survey Findings Reveal Local Governments' Views on Promoting Healthy Eating and Active Living

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:14:07 EST

ICMA's Active Living Approaches by Local Government, 2007 reveals the tools and strategies that local governments consider to be the most helpful in addressing active living goals and combating obesity--and the barriers that impede their efforts.

A Roadmap for Measuring Performance

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:57:02 EST

The newly established National Performance Management Advisory Commission will design a framework to help state and local governments access and implement performance management and measurement systems.

Building an Ethical Culture Is a Key Leadership Responsibility

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:11:53 EST

March is National Ethics Awareness Month, the perfect opportunity to promote a more ethical environment within your city, town, or county.

MMANC Recognizes Dr. Frank Benest with Longstanding and Continued Support Award

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:12:09 EST

The Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC), a membership organization of local government professionals in Northern California, annually recognizes individuals who have promoted the interests of aspiring local government managers. This year, MMANC is pleased to present its "Longstanding and Continued Support Award" to Palo Alto city manager Dr. Frank Benest for his consistent support of MMANC and mid-level professionals.

Local Government Managers Make a Difference in Iraq

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:03:08 EST

Three ICMA members left family, friends, and familiar surroundings to share their management experience and knowledge with newly elected local officials in Iraq.

Young Professional, Workplace Diversity, and Stene Scholarships Help First-Timers Attend Conference

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:33:16 EST

ICMA's 2008 Conference Assistance and Stene Academic Scholarship programs help young professionals, minorities, and women attend Richmond conference. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 16, 2008.

The First Steps to Introduce "Lean Thinking" in Local Government

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:06:16 EST

Ten key questions to determine if your organization is ready for the "lean thinking" process.

Budgeting's Safety Net

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:37 EST

In his monthly column to assist instructors using A Budgeting Guide for Local Government, 2nd Edition, author Bob Bland discusses how budget offices cope with fiscal disruption.

Communities Establishing Popular Dog Parks

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:57:36 EST

Local governments that have established dog parks share their strategies for success.

Residents Report Too Much Growth in Population; Too Little Growth in Jobs

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:01:40 EST

How would citizens in your community rate changes in population versus the number of jobs available?

Wastewater Plants and Drinking Water Systems: Saving Energy and Money

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:06:11 EST

The nation's wastewater plants and drinking water systems spend about $4 billion per year on energy to treat water. Individually, these operating costs can add up to one-third of a municipality's total energy bill.

Rockville, Maryland's Sustainablity Strategy Featured on ICMA tv

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:02:28 EST

Environmental Manager Mark Charles talks about Rockville, Maryland's sustainability initiatives.

Combating Violence in Public Buildings: Updated Procedures and Training Can Have an Impact

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:13:39 EST

Local government managers must balance the needs for open access, protecting local government employees and citizens, and maintaining budgets. ICMA's director of Public Safety Services shares some security ideas.

New Certification Program Seeks to Improve Municipal Financial Management in Guatemala

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:52:25 EST

ICMA has assisted in the design and establishment of a program to certify municipal financial managers in Guatemala.

Navigating Your Career: Challenges and Opportunities

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:58:48 EST

Don't miss this Telephone Coaching Panel on Wednesday, February 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Panelists include Karen Brust, City Manager, Del Mar; Matt Gruver, Senior Manager, CPS Human Resources; Nancy Hetrick, Senior Management Advisor, Management Partners, Inc. and Past President of MMANC; and Bob LaSala, President-Elect, California City Managers Department.

Budgeting, Game Plans, and Football

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:22:44 EST

In Professor Bob Bland's continuing column on his teaching tools for A Budgeting Guide, 2nd edition, he compares what makes winning football teams with a winning budget process.

Performance Measurement Can Keep Watchdogs at Bay

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:02:41 EST

If you're looking for ways to boost your local government's credit rating or simply to quiet community critics, keep reading.

Introducing the Leadership ICMA Class of 2009

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:44:12 EST

Thirteen members kicked off their two-year Leadership ICMA experience at the conference in October. Leadership ICMA is a competitive, intensive ICMA University program designed to cultivate key competencies needed for successful leadership at all levels of local government management.

ICMA's Public Safety Services Director Advises Managers on Measuring Police, Fire, and EMS Productivity

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:16:11 EST

Key questions local government managers need to be asking to make policy decisions about fire, police, and EMS departments.

In Iraq, Local Governments Still Being Shaped

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:28:11 EST

A recently released, two-volume handbook provides the first comprehensive overview of the organization and workings of Iraq's current national and subnational government systems--but the country still has many organizational issues still pending.

Tell Us Your Story

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:59:37 EST

Share your story about why you entered the local government management profession and what ICMA membership means to you. Thank you for contributing!

Affordable Housing Strategies Require Creative Approaches

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:46:32 EST

Local government managers and housing policy experts agree--there is no "one size fits all" to resolve the affordable housing crunch attacking America's working class.

Getting Hooked on Budgeting (Really)

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 04:09:01 EST

Good managers are hooked on budgeting, and those who aspire to be managers should be hooked, too. Bob Bland, author of A Budgeting Guide for Local Government, 2nd Edition, gives tips to spark students' interest in budgeting.

Ethics, Sustainability Resolution, and Improving Health Benefits on ICMA TV

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:35:54 EST

New stories reported from the ICMA Annual Conference are now available for viewing on ICMA TV. You can also watch segments on leading practices such as WiFi and Corpus Christi.

Results of ICMA's 311/Centralized Customer Service System

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:16:00 EST

Providing improved customer service was the driving force behind implementation of a centralized customer service system, according to survey respondents. Here's the report of survey results.

Indonesian Municipal Leaders Applaud Citizen Participation, Transparency in U.S. Local Governments

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:49:00 EST

During a visit to the United States in October, six elected officials from Indonesia learned much from local government officials during a study tour in Pennsylvania and at the ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh.

Northbrook Invests in Green Energy

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:58:47 EST

Northbrook, Illinois, is committed to its green building and retrofit program, and it has received positive feedback for its first major investment in green energy.

Communities Support Professional Local Government Management

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:23:19 EST

Of the seven campaigns in November, three municipalities successfully either adopted or retained the council-manager form of government and two municipalities will now provide for a position of local government management.

Five Ways Public Libraries Can Help Communities Achieve Strategic Goals

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 04:01:33 EST

"One of our core responsibilities as managers is to connect the dots to achieve the community's strategic objectives," according to Ron Carlee, county manager, Arlington County, Virginia. "We as managers need to think of public libraries as partners in this effort."

A Budgeting Guide: Syllabus and Other FREE Classroom Tools

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:14:10 EST

If you're looking for some great Excel exercises and engaging discussion questions for your budgeting class, check out these FREE classroom tools Bob Bland developed to accompany A Budgeting Guide for Local Government, 2nd Edition.

2008 Telephone Coaching Panel Dates and Topics Set

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:05:36 EST

Plan ahead to participate in these telephone coaching panels in the new year.

Megacities of India Seek Mega Solutions for Their Problems

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:48:59 EST

The Mega Cities Association of India was recently established to help city managers from seven cities with more than four million residents each to share ideas and experience in dealing with those cities' biggest challenges.

Centralized Customer Service Systems Can Benefit Everyone

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:45:31 EST

Centralized customer service systems offer an opportunity for residents to make their needs known at any time and to receive information back about the status of their requests.

Doing for Others Might Help You, Too

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:39:48 EST

Offering a hand to your peers who are facing an emergency or natural disaster might someday benefit you.

Washington, Oregon City Managers Build Self-Sustaining Relationships with Communities in Poland

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:58:55 EST

Through their own efforts, ICMA members from Washington and Oregon have worked to establish and strengthen relationships with colleagues in Poland.

ICMA Uncovers Ways to Cut Energy Use

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:39:15 EST

ICMA has joined the ENERGY STAR Challenge by committing to improve the energy efficiency of its building by at least 10 percent.

Bridges Characterize the Community and the Conference

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 03:48:30 EST

Pittsburgh was host to more than 3,300 local government professionals from around the world who attended the ICMA Annual Conference.

Linking Russian and Alaskan Cities for Economic Progress

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:25:09 EST

The culmination of the International City/County Management Association's CityLinks Alaska-RFE Partnership Program took place August 3-5 in Vladivostok in the form of a Best Practices Symposium.

Municipal Officials from India Admire U.S. Managers' Autonomy, Continuity

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:56:45 EST

Indian administrators who visited Pennsylvania municipalities drew contrasts between the ways that city managers in the two countries operate.

Enhancing Economic Competitiveness and Institutional Capacity in Lebanon

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:36:40 EST

ICMA recently began a new project in Lebanon to develop local economic development strategies, including well-defined projects with a high potential to create new jobs and attract investment.

Beat Your Greenhouse Gas Emission Targets - Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:20:51 EST

The EPA reports that if the energy efficiency of U.S. buildings improved by only 10 percent, Americans would save about $20 billion and reduce greenhouse gases equal to the emissions from about 30 million vehicles. Local governments have a big role to play.

Smart Growth Strategies Can Curb Climate Change

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:33:34 EST

Download this report on urban development and climate change prepared by the Urban Land Institute, Smart Growth America, and other collaborators.

Saving Money and Improving Performance

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:16:58 EST

Listen in on this environmental management systems webcast to learn how to save on long-term costs and improve environmental compliance and performance.

Management System Promotes Environmental Stewardship in Newport News

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:47:10 EST

Newport News, Virginia, is one of many local governments using environmental management systems to save on costs and improve their environmental compliance and performance.

Strengthening Local Government, Economic Development, and Service Delivery in Ethiopia

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:03:08 EST

Building on work initiated in 2005, ICMA has been awarded $1.45 million--an extension valued at ten times the original program--to expand activities in Ethiopia to include new municipalities and regions.

Momentum for Sustainability Continues as ICMA Forms Leadership Advisory Committee

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:05:27 EST

ICMA members with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability issues in their communities will help provide guidance to ICMA.

Libraries Included in Managers' Long-Term Sustainability Plans

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:55:24 EST

The viability of public libraries is at the heart of a new ICMA project, thanks to a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Improving Employee Health and Reducing Health Care Costs

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:57:46 EST

Obesity, heart disease, and stress management are often related health concerns that should be addressed through preventive and disease management programs.

Developing Existing Talent to Ensure a Future Leadership Pipeline

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 01:34:42 EST

What can local governments do to prepare the next generation of leaders and to develop individuals already in the leadership pipeline?

Top Ten Ways to Prepare for the Hurricane Season

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:26:28 EST

Whether your community is at risk for a hurricane, tornado, flood, or earthquake, here are tips on improving your local government's preparedness.

Alliance for Innovation Launched at Transforming Local Government Conference

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:23:42 EST

The new Alliance for Innovation was launched June 6, at the opening session of the Transforming Local Government Conference in Bellevue, Washington.

ICMA Awarded $14,000,000 to Manage Afghanistan Public Service and Community Development Program

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 06:01:21 EST

ICMA International team secured funding to support public service and community development in Afghanistan.

Budgeting in a Post-Modern World

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 04:27:23 EST

Of all the tools available to the manager to reshape an organization's policies and procedures, the budget offers the most accessible and efficient venue for innovation. Read this illuminating excerpt from the upcoming book, A Budgeting Guide for Local Governments, Second Edition.

Tips on Participating in ICMA Forums

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:26:21 EST

Looking for detailed information on how to get the most out of ICMA's new discussion forums? ICMA forum creaters have a few important tips.

Introducing Composting in Bulgaria as a Waste-Reduction Strategy

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:58:15 EST

As a new member of the European Union (EU), Bulgaria - which joined in 2007 - has been working to implement several local government programs to come into compliance with EU requirements. Waste management is among the issues being addressed.

Innovative Park to Teach Traffic Safety to Kabul's Children

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:57:33 EST

ICMA has designed and is constructing an innovative park in Kabul where children can learn about traffic safety while they play.

Trends in Decentralization in Central America

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 04:35:22 EST

The ability of local governments to effectively deliver services to their communities is impacted by their autonomy and the capacity of the leadership and staff.

ICMA Podcast 1: Bob O'Neill on Networked Emergency Management

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 11:56:27 EST

ICMA Executive Director Bob O'Neill discusses the benefits of a networked approach to managing response to natural disasters and catastrophic events.

Kabul Trash Dump Is Transformed into a Pedestrian Walkway

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:00:58 EST

For more than 30 years, the vacant expanse that stretched for more than a mile between the Maleqa Soraiia School for Girls and the Abo-Baker-e Sedique Mosque in the Wazir Abad section of Kabul's District IV served as a garbage dump for local families and businesses. Each day, hundreds of children had to walk through it to get to and from the school, and residents also had to cross it to reach the mosque. In May 2006, USAID and ICMA surveyed the scene and came up with detailed plans to convert much of the trash dump into a landscaped model street.

311 Means Customer Service in ICMA Case Study Featuring San Antonio

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 03:30:43 EST

In less than six years, the City of San Antonio, Texas, has more than doubled the number of customer service calls the city receives and has cut the number of calls it loses in half.

Ideas in Action: Welcome Center Serves Visitors and Locals

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 03:47:55 EST

Like many welcome centers, the Bedford, Virginia, city and county welcome center was designed to welcome visitors to the community and provide information about local attractions and activities. Unlike other facilities, however, the Bedford welcome center also serves as a community center for local residents by providing travel information and hosting meetings and private functions.

Go Teach a Course!

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 10:49:34 EST

Lifelong learning for experienced professionals often means teaching. The ICMA Advisory Board on Graduate Education urges members to share their experience by teaching the next generation. The advisory board has helped ICMA develop resources for managers who want to go back to the classroom.

Cal-ICMA Telephone Coaching Sessions Also Are Available As Podcasts!

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 10:43:22 EST

Did you miss a Telephone Coaching Session that you really wanted to hear? Want the flexibility to listen to past sessions without being tied to your workstation? Then Cal-ICMA's podcasting of the Telephone Coaching Panels may be just what you are looking for! Due to the generosity of MuniFinancial, we now have the availability of podcasting for these sessions.

Welcome to ICMA's Next Generation Website

Wed, 06 Apr 2005 05:27:41 EST

"Providing ways for the next generation of local government managers to train and develop themselves is vital to the future of our profession. ICMA can play an important role in developing new managers and assisting current managers who wish to support them in their efforts in many ways. One way is by creating a clearinghouse of information in this new website to help both new managers and senior managers easily participate in this important challenge.

For students, this website helps introduce you to the local government management profession and ways you can acquire practical experience in the field. The website includes FAQs plus basic information on internships and where to find them.

For those professionals making the transition into a city manager or career assistant position, the website provides job information, model employment agreements and a handbook to assist the first-time manager.

For the senior manager, the website provides information on how to support quality internships in your jurisdiction, discusses the transition issues facing the profession and "next generation" managers, and provides good background on the critical need for training of new managers.

It is our hope that this website will serve ICMA members at all career levels. Everyone has a role in supporting and sustaining good local government management. We hope these tools will help in this important effort."

Walter J. Bobkiewicz
City Manager, City of Santa Paula, California
Chairman, Subcommittee on Internships
ICMA Advisory Board on Graduate Education

The Mayor-Manager Conundrum that Wasn't

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 12:47:15 EST

The March 2005 issue of Governing magazine contains an abbreviated version of an opinion piece authored by ICMA Executive Director Bob O'Neill in response to a recent "Dialogue" column. Here is the full text of that article.

ICMA Awarded Four Year Contract in Guatemala - April 2005

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 03:41:40 EST

ICMA, as a subcontractor to DevTech Systems, Inc., was awarded a contract by USAID to implement a decentralization and local governance program that works at the national and local levels to enhance transparency and accountability resulting in improved citizens' trust in government.

News from the Hindustan Times

Tue, 27 Apr 2004 03:45:27 EST

The interaction between Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and City of Garland on resource mobilization, solid waste management (SWM) began at IMC conference hall today.

Local Governments Work to Create Jobs

Tue, 27 Apr 2004 03:25:46 EST

The nearly 200,000 attendees at last week's Hannover trade show may not have known it, but a new competitor emerged in the global competition for jobs: 14 Bulgarian cities who believe their communities are good places to do business, and now have the facts to back it up, thanks to the guidance of their 6 partner cities working under the auspices of USAID's CityLinks/Resource Cities Program.

Bulgaria City Meets In West Bend

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 02:45:11 EST

After a fairly intense grilling about the methods of instituting free market reforms in a former communist country and other esoteric issues, Mayor Ivan Kolchakov of Pazardjik, Bulgaria was given a breather with the last question: "What food did you like best in your visit to West Bend?"

Lockland partners with cities in Balkans

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 02:16:36 EST

This blue-collar town is going global through the efforts of its village administrator. Evonne Kovach recently traveled to Timisoara, in Western Romania, on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development to help that city with its economic development.

The Indo-Asian News Service: U.S. City Partners with Bangalore for Infrastructure Development Partnership - July 2003

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:18:08 EST

The American city of Reno has entered into a partnership with Bangalore to develop infrastructure in India's Silicon Valley.

BMP, U.S. City of Reno Sign MoU

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:05:20 EST

The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP), on Friday, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the city of Reno in Nevada, U.S., for integrating strategic planning with Bangalore's development.

Council accepts key to Bulgarian city

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 10:48:12 EST

Charlottesville's City Council extended the city's local-level international relations Monday, accepting the key to the city of Pleven, Bulgaria, as part of a weeklong exchange. The ceremony preceded the council's approval of a lease that will allow the Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville-Albemarle to expand.

Charlottesville mentors Bulgarian city

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 10:16:42 EST

Charlottesville officials have signed a pact for the city to act as an economic consultant and mentor to the Bulgarian city of Pleven.

Speech by Tim Grewe, Portland at Rayong MOU Signing

Fri, 07 Feb 2003 04:17:42 EST

This is a speech given by Tim Grewe, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Portland, at the signing of Portland's MOU with Rayong, Thailand September 28, 2000.