How It Started

Like many lasting endeavors, the ICMA Future of Professional Management Fund began with a vision for the future and the passion of dedicated members and staff. Initially established as a foundation to separate dues-related activity from advocacy efforts, the Fund has not wavered in its support for professional management, the profession, and the adoption and retention of the council-manager plan.

Past Successes, Current Challenges

For 40 years, the Fund has supported advocacy efforts nationwide with many successes and lessons learned. What has not changed is that professional management is under constant challenge. In the August issue of PM Magazine, Phil Kiraly wrote about how strong partnerships help defend and advance the form and the importance of communicating the value of professional management. Sharing the stories about the difference that professional management makes increases the public’s trust in government professionals to serve the best interests of the community.

With Fund support, this year the city of Blythewood, South Carolina, adopted the council-manager form. In Conroe, TX; Pueblo, CO; and Ketchum, ID, teams launched efforts to adopt the council-manager plan, sparked important conversations about transparency and accountability, and the need for a new strategic campaign to help communities learn more about why professional management matters.

Growing the Strategy for the Future

In 2025, long-time donors met with ICMA Executive Director Julia D. Novak to discuss long-standing and new challenges to make the role of professional management more visible and to ensure support for council-manager government. They agreed on the need for a renewed focus on fundraising to support a broader agenda: (1) to embrace professional and leadership development for managers and (2) to explore new ways to promote the council-manager form and professional management before a challenge occurs. These efforts require strengthening relationships with state associations, national partners, and others. They also require educating elected officials and stakeholders on the benefits of professional management and supporting research that demonstrates how council-manager government can make a community stronger, more resilient, more ethical, and more responsive.

Donations Matter

Your support matters! Donations to the Fund make it possible to provide sustained advocacy for council-manager governance and to provide the tools and support needed for the future of the profession, and for the professionals needed to lead and manage our communities. Donate at icma.org/thefund.

Help Tell the Stories

There are many ways you can support this fortieth anniversary initiative. This year, we are collecting stories. Send us a story about how council-manager government has made a difference in your community and encourage friends and colleagues to contribute. Our goal is to have 40 stories to celebrate 40 years.

• Share a video testimonial, media spot, or other resource that highlights the value of the council-manager form or professional management.

• Send us a statement, quote, or challenge about public service and professional management that is inspiring to you.

• Share what has inspired (or would inspire) you to give to the Fund.

• If you have never donated to the Fund, explore how the Fund has supported professional management and watch the new video, “Council-Manager Form of Government Works Best.” Consider donating any amount.

• If you have given before, consider signing up for a small monthly or quarterly donation within your budget.

Make a difference this year by sending your stories, links, quotes, and ideas to rcarty@icma.org or fund@icma.org, or donate at icma.org/thefund!

Look for updates throughout the year on these new efforts, our 2026 fundraising goal progress, and ways you can support the council-manager plan and the development of capable and ethical professional managers. You can support the proud tradition of a profession dedicated to nonpartisan, accountable local government in this transformative era.