Host Communities to Receive Multi-Year Support
ICMA's EMO Special Assistants Program (EMO SA) offers a rare, significant infusion of resources to bolster local leadership and align actions and stakeholders around factors that enable all residents to climb the economic ladder. ICMA invites applications from local governments interested in hosting a full-time, senior level position to spearhead coordinated efforts to advance economic mobility and opportunity for residents.
Local governments selected for this opportunity will receive a grant from ICMA to support salary for and programming directed by their special assistant. Reporting to executive leadership in the local government, the EMO SA will work across departments and external partners to identify strategic priorities and develop a tailored implementation plan informed by a community-engaged co-design process during their 2+ year tenure. ICMA will also facilitate coaching, training, and customized technical assistance to support EMO SAs, individually and as a cohort. ICMA anticipates selecting 15 local governments to serve as host communities for EMO SAs.
This program from ICMA is made possible with support from the Gates Foundation.
The EMO SA Host Community application is now closed. ICMA aims to select and notify local governments by end of July.
Upcoming Milestones
Please note that some of these dates are subject to change.
- April 16-June 6, 2025 | The application period open for local governments interested in hosting an EMO SA has been extended to June 6, 2025 at 5 pm PST.
- April 30, 2025 | ICMA will host a live program overview and Q&A session 2:00-3:00 PM ET.
- July 2025 | ICMA will shortlist applications to serve as host communities and may request interviews. ICMA aims to select and notify local governments by end of July.
- Selected host sites will lead their own hiring processes for special assistants with input and support from ICMA. ICMA will also maintain an intake form to connect individuals interested in serving as special assistants with the selected host sites.
- Fall 2025 | ICMA aims for special assistants to be hired by fall 2025 and will convene program participants in person in Q4 2025.
If you have questions, please contact us at emo@icma.org
For the latest news and information about EMO: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Economic Mobility & Opportunity at ICMA
Interested in an EMO Special Assistant Role?
ICMA is collecting resumes and contact information from prospective EMO SA candidates to share with host sites and to provide periodic program updates. Individuals that are interested are encouraged to complete the Interest Form.
More on EMO from ICMA and our Partners
- 2025 National Economic Mobility and Opportunity Conference: A new national convening of local changemakers
- Local Government Leadership for Economic Mobility and Opportunity: Special supplement to PM Magazine featuring data, examples, and inspiration for taking action
- Economic Mobility Catalog (Results for America): Case studies and implementation guidance on evidence-based strategies
- Upward Mobility Framework (Urban Institute): Including a data dashboard and other resources to help inform local action
- Opportunity Atlas (Opportunity Insights): Research and data to identify and dismantle barriers to economic opportunity
