ICMA is launching an invigorated effort to set the leadership standard for professional local government management. Through this multi-year initiative and under the guidance of a Leadership Advisory Board (LAB), the organization will develop clear learning paths to help members at any career stage gain easy access to professional and leadership development offerings that address the core competencies and skills essential to effectively running a local government. Going forward, leadership and ethics will be co-equal overarching priorities of ICMA.

Progress to date. In response to the 2014 Leadership Task Force recommendations, staff developed and the ICMA Executive Board approved a multi-year work plan and appointed a standing Leadership Advisory Board. Work plan items completed so far include:

• Updated the ICMA Practices for Effective Local Government Leadership, an effort led by the Credentialing Advisory Board and based on suggestions from the 2013-2014 Task Force on Leadership, 2014-2015 Task Force on Inclusiveness, and 2014-2016 Sustainable Communities Advisory Committees. 
• Launched the Local Government 101 online certificate program.
• Created a new career stage guide and calendar, distributed in print and online.
• Completed a gap assessment of ICMA’s existing leadership development programs.
• Created two leadership e-books, which can be found here and here.
• Launched the ICMA Blog on Leadership.

FY17 plan. The Leadership Advisory Board and staff are following a detailed work plan. Highlights include: 

• Agree on a definition of leadership that everyone can aspire to.
• Review the ICMA Practices for Effective Local Government Leadership to make them operational—identify leadership skills people should have for each practice at each career stage.
• Identify the best way to engage the wider membership.
• Identify the vehicle(s) for achieving these outcomes.
• Launch the Local Government 201 online certificate program.
• Continue to update the career stage guide/calendar.
• Overhaul the website to make it easier to find appropriate leadership and professional development offerings.

FY18 plan. Details will be determined by the Leadership Advisory Board and may include engaging with a curriculum specialist, updating the Applied Knowledge Assessment, adding onsite and online leadership development programs and content, maintaining and continuing to improve existing leadership development programs, and continuing to develop partners.

Learn more or get involved. Stay tuned for an update on this effort in summer 2017.

If you plan to attend the 2016 ICMA Annual Conference in Kansas City, stop by the ICMA University/Professional Development Team booth in the ICMA Pavilion (Exhibit Hall). Share your thoughts on the definition of leadership with LAB members or staff, and talk to us about the behaviors you associate with leadership skills!

In the meantime, if you have questions regarding this effort, e-mail Amanda Relyea, director, Professional Development, arelyea@icma.org.