About SheLeadsGov
SheLeadsGov promotes gender equality in local government management by connecting women in the profession and providing unique and invaluable resources to ICMA members. SheLeadsGov presents opportunities for connection and engagement through its virtual forums, in-person conference sessions and events, written articles, and more. The SheLeadsGov Committee was established by the ICMA Executive Board in 2023 to advise ICMA on how to best promote programs that support, encourage and prepare future and current women leaders of all backgrounds for professional positions in local governments. Find out more about the SheLeadsGov Committee here. Questions about SheLeadsGov may be directed to Jeanette Gass, senior program manager, ICMA.
Driving Gender Balance
A day of connection, empowerment, and inspiration while highlighting experiences of women...
The SheLeadsGov initiative continues to advance the importance of representation.
The SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum provided attendees the permission to ‘ditch the doubt’,...
Four ways to incorporate intersectionality and positively impact women in local government
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PM MAGAZINE
VOICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PODCAST
Adrienne Wise joins the show to share practical examples of how mental health improves work and retention in local government.
ICMA's new CEO and executive director, Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, joins the show to discuss bold change management strategies for local government leaders.
How local governments can create jobs that benefit residents, public works projects, and the local economy.
How Bucksport, Maine, engaged all of their citizens to identify what they love most about their community, the future they want for it, and how to achieve it.
Local Resources
Across the United States, many State City/County Management Associations, Municipal Leagues, or other organizations support women-focused initiatives on a local level. ICMA collaborates with these organizations to meet the goals and objectives of the SheLeadsGov initiative. Some resources are linked below. If there is an additional initiative or organization you would like featured in this section, please contact Jeanette Gass, senior program manager at jgass@icma.org with a brief description.
Blog Posts
Discover how ICMA's partnership with Savi helps public servants automate PSLF, average $40K in loan forgiveness, and stay in public service.
Keeping competition and integrity at the center of bid specification development.
The value of leading, learning, and making an impact as an assistant or deputy without needing to be CAO.
SheLeadsGov: An assistant city manager shares how to lead successfully when the work is outside of your area of expertise.
Turning career rejection into resilience, growth, and renewed purpose.
When organizations invest in their people, share knowledge, and support growth, transitions become less about disruption and more about progress.
News
Why working mothers should be free to define success, pursue leadership opportunities, and adjust their priorities on their own terms.
An ICMA regional director discusses two books that made her reflect on her experience leading through transition and crisis.
Looking under the hood at the human capacity that helps local government build trust and get things done.
Bondurant, Iowa, turned an infrastructure challenge into a creative solution that saved taxpayer dollars, preserved a home, and benefited the community.
Bill Ayub’s public safety career taught him to make decisions under pressure—experience he now draws on as a city manager.
Congratulations to the following ICMA members on their recent local government appointments.
