It's my favorite time of year! I always love to see what resonated with readers most from 12 issues and more than 200 articles in PM magazine. 

We take a look at website metrics from Google Analytics, newsletter click rates, reader feedback, and social media engagement. And this year we've included four bonus articles worthy of an honorable mention (articles that ranked in the top 20 and were among the most talked about on LinkedIn).

As always, articles on leadership and career development were popular, as well as several on workforce challenges and innovation. It was interesting to see that misconduct and hostility were themes in three of the top 10 articles.

A piece on rethinking budgeting from our friends at GFOA ranked high on the list. And using AI in local government, which has been a dominant theme of ICMA content and educational offerings throughout the year, came in at #5.

ICMA gives a big thank-you to all the 2025 authors who took the time to capture their stories, advice, and expertise in writing and share them with the PM audience and beyond. Watch my recent interview where I talk more about PM's award-winning year and what to expect in 2026. 

Check out the full top 10 list below, plus four honorable mentions: 

1. A Disruptive Elected Official
What can the chief executive do to bring the outlier into the fold and help the governing body function well?
by Jan Perkins, ICMA-PM and Keith Metzler

2. What I Wish I Had Known as a Younger Leader
Leadership lessons learned the hard way, as told by senior managers in local government
by Dr. Frank Benest, ICMA-CM

3. Cities Come Together to Forge New Paths on Budgeting
Rethinking Budgeting trailblazers Liberty Lake, Denver Public Library, and Minnetonka share early experiences putting practices into action.
by Chris Fabian, Shayne Kavanagh, and Elizabeth Steward

4. ASSISTANTS AND DEPUTIES: Rethinking the Workweek
How one local government is taking a risk on innovation
by Carly Lorentz

5. Algorithm as Public Servant
How AI is reshaping local government and raising ethical dilemmas
by Renée Cummings

6. ETHICS MATTER!™ Confronting Misconduct and Rewriting the Rules
A first-time city manager’s struggle with a governing body member’s bad behavior that isn’t covered by the code of conduct.
by Laura Hagg

7. The Public Sector Workforce in 2025: Lots of Moving Parts
Examining the long-term trends and shifts found in MissionSquare Research Institute’s annual workforce survey
by Gerald Young

8. Living Where You Lead
The impact of residency and residency requirements on the recruitment and retention of the city manager
by Mitchell Berg, PhD, Heidi Voorhees, and Ian James

9. ASSISTANTS AND DEPUTIES: Keeping Morale Afloat Amid Rising Public Hostility
How local government leaders can have grace under pressure
by Emily Lewis

10. Don’t Abandon the Profession in Retirement
How to stay engaged and put your years in local government to good use.
By Rod Gould, ICMA-CM, Dr. Frank Benest, ICMA-CM, and Jan Perkins, ICMA-CM 

Honorable Mention

INSIGHTS: Unmasking Autism in Public Leadership
Finding my West Branch, a place where I could unmask, be myself, and be embraced for who I truly am.
by Adam Kofoed

Channeling Ted Lasso in Local Government
Three lessons from the iconic coach on leadership, community, and good intentions
by Alex Torpey

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership
Lessons learned from crisis management
by Mario A. Diaz

Getting to Know Our New CEO/Executive Director, Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM
A former local government manager and consultant, she sees building bridges and supporting members as her top priorities.

A Subscription to PM: A Gift Enjoyed All Year Long

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