As part of ICMA’s Next Generation Initiatives, ICMA partnered with the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN), and National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) to design a program to intentionally attract recent (and inexperienced) MPA graduates and promote a diverse candidate pool. 

The Local Government Management Fellowship (LGMF) was born as a career development opportunity for graduates in full-time one- to two-year management-track local government positions under direct mentorship from a senior government leader, most frequently the manager or administrator. Finalists are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, initiative, creativity, and positive attitude. They then interview for 12-month fellowship appointments at local governments across the country, during which they receive direct mentorship from a senior government leader at the organization. (Appointments may be extended beyond the one-year term.)

The LGMF continues to provide a groundbreaking career entry opportunity for fellows and provide communities with impactful change. Over the past 20 years, the program has generated 425 fellows, more than 35 who have taken on a chief or assistant chief administrative officer role, and alums who have continued a mentorship cycle through hosting fellows. This record demonstrates that the program continues to meet the designed goals, with the added bonus that the fellows themselves have made a substantial impact in the communities they have served and have demonstrated the importance of investing in career development. 

 See where fellows are now. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the Local Government Management Fellowship, an applicant must:

• Be a recent graduate or student enrolled in a public administration, public policy, or related field master's degree program.
• Satisfy all of the requirements for their degree program by August 31 of the year of the fellowship.
• Have no formal local government management work experience.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.
• Complete the LGMF application by the closing date.

Salary and Benefits Packages

Salary and benefits packages for fellows vary based on a number of factors and are determined by the host city. Both will be discussed with fellows at the end of the interview process, if they are to be offered a position with the host city.

ICMA Benefits

Those individuals placed in an LGMF host community receive:

• Complimentary ICMA membership for two years.
• Complimentary registration to the ICMA Annual Conference.
• Scholarship funds to support travel and registration to an ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference.
• Complimentary access to ICMA's Management Assessment.
• Complimentary subscription to PM magazine.

Become a Fellow  Host a Fellow 

Questions? Contact ICMA at lgmfprogram@icma.org.

Related Content:

• Become a Fellow
• Frequently Asked Questions (Fellows)
• Recorded Webinar on LGMF Application Process
• LGMF Placement Regions
• Where Fellows Are Now
• Fellow Directory
• Sign Up to Host 
• Share a Fellow