Local governments receive lots of surveys—from companies, universities, researchers, and from ICMA. ICMA staff recognize that they are time consuming to complete, but they also provide tremendous benefits for local governments across the country. Only by collecting information on local government programs and practices can we make available the successful initiatives local governments are undertaking. The survey results allow ICMA to look at programs that local governments of all sizes have in  place—programs that can serve as models for other communities. And local governments have used survey results to generate council support for new initiatives and modifications in existing programs.

The Sustainability Survey provided content for articles in PM magazine highlighting local programs, such as the hybrid wind-solar installation in Genoa Township, Michigan. The IBM Center for the Business of Government funded a comprehensive report titled Breaking New Ground: Promoting Environmental and Energy Programs in Local Government because it was based on the Sustainability Survey results. Concord, Massachusetts, was recently highlighted in Local Government Matters because of its response to the E-Government survey, and Arcata, California, was highlighted for its e-democracy initiatives identified in survey responses.

Because ICMA is recognized as a source of data and information by federal agencies, the organization has been awarded grants and contracts for projects that benefit local governments and ICMA members. The new Alternative Service Delivery Survey is funded through a federal contract and will collect and report on changes in services delivery, innovative funding approaches, and regional cooperation.

Your responses matter. ICMA uses your responses to highlight the good work local governments are doing.  During these challenging times, it’s important to be able to showcase the achievements of local governments as they thoughtfully and creatively manage amid economic, social, and demographic changes.

Summaries of all ICMA surveys can be found here.