Research & Thought Leadership

The ICMA Strategic Plan, Envision ICMA, establishes thought leadership as a key organizational priority. To bring this priority to life, ICMA addresses the important trends, drivers, and issues affecting local government and maintains a resource network for professionals in the field. Through its survey research, ICMA has gathered more data on local government than any organization except the federal government. ICMA’s survey topics include contracting for service delivery, economic development, technology, cybersecurity, labor-management relations, and e-government. Longitudinal data are available from surveys that are conducted on a regular schedule. ICMA’s database of local governments includes all cities, towns, townships, villages, and boroughs with a population of 2,500 or greater and all counties. ICMA continually seeks opportunities to engage in applied research to advance the state of the art and the state of the practice. We conduct research on topics of perennial concern to local government, such as workforce development and health benefits, and those at the leading edge, such as smart cities, food security, and innovation. In addition, ICMA's work in more than 70 countries around the world has provided a rich database of challenges facing local government leaders and the solutions they have devised to address them. Armed with data and the collective experience of our members--both leading local government practitioners and academics--we share our expertise in support of our mission and vision. You can find resources in ourTopics area and in PM Magazine and Leadership Matters, the ICMA Newsletter.

Leadership Development

Career Stage Guide

ICMA Career Stage Guide offers local government professionals a leadership and professional development roadmap of valuable educational opportunities.

Equity and Inclusivity Resources and Videos

ICMA and our members are committed to ensuring that local governments and the association reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

ICMA’s Future of Professional Management

A new umbrella fund that combines Life, Well Run and the Fund for Professional Management.

Global Programs

ICMA draws on the experience of local government practitioners, researchers, and expert consultants to design, implement, and evaluate local government projects worldwide.

About ICMA's Strategic Partners Program

See how the ICMA Strategic Partner Program works to build relationships between the public and private sectors that benefit local communities everywhere.

Expanded Outreach through Technology

The ICMA Strategic Plan calls for the organization to explore and use technology to expand outreach to members and other local government professionals throughout the world. To rapidly disseminate resources and information describing leading local government practices ICMA uses this website ICMA.org as it primary information hub. The topics area covers more than 70 subjects relevant to users. In addition the website's Q&A feature helps local governments helps users get sample policies, new approaches, and more. Join our social media community and subscribe to our newsletter and blog, to get breaking news updates and alerts when innovative resources are added to the ICMA.org. For more indepth content, PM Magazine and LocalGov Life our podcast features stories and practical advice from the local government community around the world.  Through ICMA University, practitioners and students at any career stage can access our professional development remotely. We're working on enhancing all of our certificate programs to incorporate enhanced online learning modules and improved user experiences that can be accessed throughout the world.  ICMA partners with technology leaders such Esri, Sas, Board Docs, Smart Cities Counties, and more to bring new technology solutions for citizen engagement, transparency, and access to our members.