Details
Overview
Leadership ICMA is an intensive, one-year program designed to cultivate essential competencies for professionals in local government management. These competencies include personal leadership, integrity and ethics, team building, advocacy, community building, communication, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, strategic planning, community engagement, initiative, risk-taking, vision, creativity, and innovation. The program also facilitates networking within the profession and strengthens connections between local government managers and their professional association.
Over the course of the year, twelve class modules are scheduled, culminating in a capstone project where participants demonstrate their mastery of the concepts presented throughout the program. Each module requires participation in an instructor-led course, completion of self-paced materials including short video lessons, recommended readings, interactive content, and activities. Additionally, the class will meet in person twice during the year.
Eligibility
Leadership ICMA is tailored for individuals dedicated to a professional future in local government management. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an ICMA member with at least three years of management experience in local government or a related field.
- Have a current completed ICMA Leadership Assessment. (Please note that the results of this assessment remain confidential and are not considered during the application review process. If you have not taken the Leadership Assessment within six (6) months of applying for Leadership ICMA, you will have time to take it after being accepted into the program.)
- Have the support of their employers for the educational and travel costs associated with the program.
Tuition and Travel Costs
Tuition for the Leadership ICMA program is $2,500, plus travel costs as outlined below:
Orientation: The initial orientation and team-building session will be held at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, WI, from April 1 to April 2, 2025. This will be immediately followed by ICMA’s Local Government Reimagined Conference (April 2-4, 2025) for those who wish to further their connection and professional development. Attendance at the conference is optional.
Participants are responsible for their travel, lodging, and board for both the orientation and the Local Government Reimagined Conference, with the following exceptions:
- Lunch and dinner provided by ICMA on the first day of orientation.
- Lunch provided by ICMA on the second day of orientation.
ICMA Annual Conference: The conference will take place in Tampa/Hillsborough County, Florida, from October 25-29, 2025. Participants are responsible for their registration, lodging, board, and travel costs.
Application Package and Instructions
The application deadline is December 31, 2024. Before submitting your application, ensure that you have completed the application essay questions and secured completed reference and commitment forms. You will be asked to upload these documents along with your resume on ICMA’s learning management system.
