COVID-19 Resources

Anxiety & Stress Resources

CDC - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) How to Prepare

A variety of resources from the CDC.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

Advice from the AFSP for protecting your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

Trauma Takes Its Toll

Emergency responders are at heightened risk for post-traumatic stress disorders. Managers can help support their well-being.

Managing Your Stress During and After a Crisis

Knowing yourself and your limits is important in managing your stress during and after a disaster strikes.

Perspectives from Local Government Leaders on Staff Morale

Managers from across the globe share how they are maintaining staff morale despite social distancing.

Dealing with Your Own Stress: Coping Strategies in the COVID-19 World

In this 30 minute, recorded teleconference, David E. Morrison, M.D., a consultant, psychiatrist, and founder of Morrison Associates, Ltd., offered guidance and advice about how local government managers can cope with stress during this global health crisis. Download the accompanying PowerPoint presentation here.

Family Resources

Rise and Shine: Coronavirus Resources for Child Health and Parenting Advice

From the Children’s National Hospital site devoted to helping children everywhere lead happier, healthier lives.

Crisis Management Resources

How to Prepare for and Recover from Community Crisis Like a Pro

Handling any sort of crisis in your organization is hard, especially when it threatens to harm people or property, seriously interrupts operations, damages your reputation, and/or negatively impacts your organization.

Emergency and Disaster Resources

ICMA provides resources and technical assistance to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, both natural and manmade.

6 Stories of Recovery and Resilience

From Life, Well Run comes six stories of managers bringing their communities through disasters to a more sustainable future.

Texas Managers: Stories of Harvey Recovery in Process

ICMA Mountain Plains Regional Director Karen Daly has collected accounts from several managers, most of whom are still grappling with the long-term recovery process.

Cigna's Crisis Support Line

For all individuals seeking support during the COVID-19 global pandemic, Cigna offers a toll-free number, 855.287.8400 to connect to a qualified representative.

Assistance is available 24/7, for as long as necessary. The service is open to anyone in the US, free of charge to help people manage their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their everyday needs. 

Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.

Social Justice Resources

Building Resilient Communities

Part 1: Crisis Communications

A complimentary ebook designed to help you look at ways to develop sound crisis communication practices to help citizens and local government personnel understand and deal with dangerous situations in a timely and prudent manner.

Part 2: Public Safety

This complimentary e-book from ICMA brings together perspectives on public safety challenges from thought leaders in local government and public safety management.

Part 3: Community Engagement and Building Public Trust

Access to best practices and tips to help you meet and overcome disruptive challenges and achieve leadership excellence in your organization.

Policing Policies and Practices

The Model Police Officer: Recruitment, Training, and Community Engagement

ICMA's survey on police recruitment, training, and community engagement from the perspectives of management, police administration, officers, human resources, and the community.

How to Find the Right Interim Police Chief, Especially in a Crisis

The critical appointment of an interim chief in a city rocked by a high-profile investigation [PM Magazine, May 2020]

Black Lives Matter: Racial Disparity and a Review of Police-Community Relations

This article explores four critical elements inherent in police-community relations and police use of force: the context of race in society, the different perceptions of police based on race, the prevalence of police use of deadly force, and policies on police use of force. 

Moral and Ethical Leadership

The Seven Leadership Qualities for Times of Civic Disruption

Leaders at all levels can instill trust in our democratic systems.

Strengthening Your Moral Compass to Overcome Ethical Roadblocks

Integrating shared values between your personal and professional life builds integrity. [PM Magazine, March 2020]

The Importance of Ethical Leadership and Moral Courage in Public Management

It is the exercise of ethical leadership practiced by those engaged in the moral struggle that made the difference between success or failure. [PM Magazine, March 2020]

Learning Opportunities

Promoting Trust in a Divisive World

What are the keys to promoting trust in local government? How have local governments built and rebuilt trust? What are useful approaches and resources to support your efforts?

Recognize & Eliminate Bias

What are the effects of unconscious bias in the workplace? How can bias impact policies and actions and our communities?

Encouraging Inclusive Communities

How are local governments encouraging inclusive communities? What are effective ways to engage diverse segments of the community?