Trusted and Valued Member Services

• Approved ICMA Form of Government Recognition for Fairport Harbor, Ohio, as a general management government.

• Received an update on final contract details with the University of North Carolina to develop a dashboard and current form of government database.

• Received an update on plans for a new online ICMA merchandise store, which was launched during the Annual Conference in Long Beach.

• Received a preview of the membership survey results. Results were shared during the Annual Business Meeting in Long Beach and can be found in the FY 2026 Annual Report. Overall, member sentiment improved across all core measures from 2025. 

• ICMA.org website project: The redesign is paused pending a broader technology assessment, with consultant selection anticipated in January 2027. Staff will continue targeted improvements to search capabilities, navigation, and content.

Focused and Relational Advocacy and Engagement

• Approved an affiliate agreement with Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL).

• Approved creation of an ICMA chapter with Cal-ICMA and an endowed fund for Cal-ICMA.

• Received a summary of state association conference reports highlighting common emerging themes and issues affecting members. The Board receives these updates quarterly.

• Discussed ICMA’s global focus. The Membership and External Outreach Committee (MEOC) affirmed that the global focus is aligned with their purpose. 

• The Board discussed the KDZ Report, which outlined a potential approach to ICMA’s work in Europe. MEOC recommended against advancing the KDZ proposals, favoring partnerships and shared learning over global membership and program revenue growth. 

Aligned and Sustainable Organization

• Approved a $50 annual dues increase for categories of affiliate members, professors, and full members not-in-service with a current annual rate of $200, bringing the rate to $250 beginning with the October 2026 membership renewal cycle. The increase was included in the FY2027 budget.

• Approved revisions to the ICMA Executive Board Governance Principles and Operating Procedures to reflect current Board practices, clarify expectations, and strengthen governance procedures.

• Approved appointments to the ICMA-RC dba MissionSquare Retirement Board of Directors: Eric Stuckey, city manager of Franklin, Tennessee, and Carol Houle, CEO of Inspire Digital Consulting, for four-year terms beginning January 1, 2027; and Wes Pierson, city manager of Frisco, Texas, to complete the term vacated by Robert Jones, ending December 31, 2027.

• Strategic Roadmap: Following adoption of the framework in summer 2026, staff developed implementation plans and workplans to advance its three focus areas. The Roadmap will guide ICMA’s priorities and resource allocation, and was introduced to members at the Annual Business Meeting.

• Preliminary FY2026 financial results: Results exceeded budget, strengthened by one-time Center for Public Administration Services (CPAS) sale proceeds of the former ICMA offices at 777 N. Capitol Street, and the conversion of remaining Gates Foundation grant balances to unrestricted funds, partially offset by conference cancellation fees. Net assets surpassed the Board’s five-year goal. Results remain preliminary and subject to audit.

• Annual Report: The FY2026 report highlights ICMA’s programs, partnerships, and financial stewardship across the Strategic Roadmap’s three focus areas, connecting the year’s accomplishments with future priorities. The report was released at the Annual Business Meeting.

• 2026–2027 board committee organizational meetings: Each committee met to confirm priorities and develop its workplan for the coming year.

• Committee workplan accomplishments:

Audit, Finance, and Governance Committee

• Monitored financial performance, accepted the FY2025 unmodified audit, and endorsed the balanced FY2027 operating budget.

• Advanced financial, investment, and Board governance policy revisions.

• Advised on a sustainable business model and completed tax filing review and audit planning.

Membership and External Outreach Committee

• Recommended member committee changes and standardized regional nomination processes.

• Advanced changes to the Credentialed Manager program and jointly revised conference site selection policy.

• Reviewed global partnerships and developed recommendations for ICMA’s revised global approach.

• Recommended Distinguished Service Award recipients and developed award naming and affiliate award policies.

Committee on Professional Conduct

• Completed Rules of Procedure revisions, approved in May 2026, clarifying ICMA’s peer-review process.

• Clarified complaint, hearing, confidentiality, and due process.

• Shared revision highlights through Leadership Matters and PM Magazine.