How will we accomplish the strategic plan objective of expanding and diversifying the membership and the ICMA Executive Board?

As we explore options, it's critical that all member voices are heard.

Leadership diversity is an opportunity to become a stronger organization that provides better service to members and the diverse communities they serve. The question is: How can ICMA remain a top-notch organization of leaders and experts in city and county management while giving a stronger representative voice to the diversity in our membership? Making this happen might require changes to our board appointment and membership policies. The best possible policy changes require a dialogue with members to surface ideas and inform the process.

We are engaging the entire membership in this discussion over the next six months.

To kick things off, ICMA President Karen Pinkos is inviting you to participate in an online event on March 4, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM ET, that will include a focus group session. Moderated by an independent research firm, the online session will cover diversity within ICMA and its leadership. Anyone with a computer, tablet or phone can participate. If you are an ICMA member, you have received an invitation to attend. Please contact Member Services if you would like to attend but did not receive an invitation. 

The live focus group session is limited to 1,000 participants, so RSVP today to reserve your spot. If you can’t participate, there will be other ways to make your opinion known. The results of the online focus group session will be used as a basis for ongoing discussion and in-person sessions at upcoming regional and state conferences and events.

Your participation in the online session is completely anonymous. To reserve a spot, respond to the email* from ICMA President Karen Pinkos, sent February 12 (and reminder emails sent Feb 21 and 22), by clicking on the RSVP button.

Read more about the initiative.

Members with questions can contact membership@icma.org.

*If you did not receive an email because ICMA does not have your email address or because you have requested to not be contacted by email, contact Member Services to reserve your spot.