The current roster of ICMA Members in Transition (MITs) includes 179 individuals who were fired or forced to resign from senior local government positions. This is a sharp increase from 2009 and 2010, when the average number was closer to 150. In the years before that, the average number did not rise above 115.

Supporting MITs is one of ICMA’s priorities, so now seems like an appropriate time to highlight ICMA initiatives and provide feedback from MITs on how members and colleagues can help.

ICMA provides MITs with waived membership dues, complimentary conference registration, travel stipend scholarship opportunities, access to the virtual conference archive, one free web conference per month, and printed and electronic support materials. ICMA also lists MITs in the ICMA Newsletter with their permission, provides bimonthly conference calls where MITs can share advice and support, and offers valuable access to ICMA Range Riders.

During bimonthly conference calls, MITs have provided positive feedback on programs offered by ICMA and state associations, and they have expressed much appreciation for the support of their colleagues who have provided a job lead, temporary project offer, or words of encouragement.

James Bennett, city manager of Presque Isle, Maine, and ICMA regional vice president, shared, “The unfortunate reality today is that we are all just one decision or one election from becoming an MIT. That was my situation. The personal calls and outreach that members offered to me, as well as to my family, were probably the difference between a successful return to the business or a downward spiral into self pity and despair. That support, structured through our organization, is critical to all of us. I am proud that ICMA understands this and offers quality services for our members during one of the most difficult times in their families’ lives.”