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.

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Driving Gender Balance

SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum Inspire Innovate Impact

A day of connection, empowerment, and inspiration while highlighting experiences of women...

Smiling woman with yellow dress.

The SheLeadsGov initiative continues to advance the importance of representation.

Six headshots of diverse, smiling women

The SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum provided attendees the permission to ‘ditch the doubt’,...

Five strong women, smiling after speaking on a panel

Four ways to incorporate intersectionality and positively impact women in local government

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PM MAGAZINE

VOICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PODCAST

This ICMA podcast tells stories, inspires ideas, celebrates progress, and acknowledges challenges faced by local government managers and staff in serving the public. Learn more about featured episodes from women in the profession.

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.

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News

More than 200 members have been appointed or designated to serve on committees.

Chris Morrill, executive director/CEO of the Government Finance Officers Association, notes that the C-M form of government brings the best of both worlds to communities.

It is with sadness that we report the loss of these ICMA members.

From earning trust one interaction at a time to leading through uncertainty and change, reflections on the values that strengthen communities.

Congratulations to local government professionals who are newly joined, transfers in status (membership upgrades), and reinstatements as full ICMA members.

Congratulations to these recently retired ICMA members who have been granted Life membership.

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MORE RESOURCES ON EQUITY & INCLUSION

 

VIEW ALL ON EQUITY & INCLUSION