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, 12 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 and 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 who is not yet credentialed and has at least three years of senior management experience in local government or a related field.
- Have the support of your employer for a one-year commitment of time to attend the educational sessions, and the tuition ($2,500) 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 in Washington, D.C., April 15-17 2026. Participants are responsible for their travel, lodging, and board 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 Long Beach, California, October 17-21, 2026. Participants are responsible for their conference registration, lodging, board, and travel costs.
Application Package and Instructions
The application deadline is Friday, December 5, 2025 Before submitting an 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 to ICMA’s learning management system.
