The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. ICMA is proud to invite local government professionals and thought leaders to contribute reflections, case studies, innovations, and other stories in celebration of American democracy and public service.

Help inspire the profession by sharing your written content that shows the role of local government in democracy. Your blogs and articles may be featured in PM magazine or e-newsletters. We may even reach out for a podcast or video interview. (All content submitted is subject to editing.)

Submit to research@icma.org 

What to Include:

• Your name, title, organization, professional headshot photo, and a one-to-two sentence bio
• Attached Word document of your article (preferred 1,000–1,500 words), including the headline and a summary sentence
• Attached images relevant to your story

Featured Local Gov 250 Contributions

Local Gov 250: Democracy at the Doorstep

Generation Z in Local Government

The Responsibility of a More Perfect Union

Celebrating 250 Years of the United States’ Democracy and the Role of Local Government 

“America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come.” — Noted by the Semiquincentennial Commission, formed by Congress to support and encourage national, regional, and local activities 

Local Government’s Essential Role

Much of the American democratic experiment has played out in our nation’s cities, counties, towns, and townships. Most people know that the Declaration of Independence was drafted in Philadelphia—one of the earliest local governments in the United States—and more than a decade later, the Constitutional Convention was held there.

Despite their lack of introduction in the country’s founding documents, local governments are closest to the people who live and work in places large and small in America. Local jurisdictions provide a substantial part of the services, utilities, and infrastructure necessary for modern life.

These same local governments are bastions of democracy where public meetings are held, constituents are engaged, and elections are managed.

Join the Local Gov 250 Collaboration

ICMA is excited to celebrate alongside a collaboration of local government associations and interested professionals to educate and advance the “democracy at the doorstep” facilitated by cities, counties, regional councils, and tribal governments.

Learn more at localgov250.org.

Share Your Story

Local government stories matter, and your experience can help move the profession forward.

Submit your Local Gov 250 content to research@icma.org today!