ICMA Conversations That Matter
Regional Peer Support Calls and More
Sometimes the most valuable professional advice comes from a colleague who understands exactly what you're facing. That was the idea behind ICMA's Regional Peer Support Calls: bring local government professionals together for candid, confidential conversations about the challenges of leading and serving their communities.
Launched as a pilot starting March 2026 through September, the Regional Peer Support Calls demonstrated the value of making time to connect with colleagues across the profession. Now continuing as ICMA Conversations That Matter, the program builds on that success while offering even more opportunities to participate, connect, and learn from one another.
And members have told us these conversations make a difference. In a survey of participants, 87% of respondents said they were likely or very likely to participate again. Participants especially valued the chance to speak candidly with colleagues who understand what they're going through. Hearing how others have handled similar situations, sharing ideas, and realizing they're not alone in facing difficult challenges were among the most appreciated aspects of the conversations.
What Participants Are Saying
Each session offered a space for open, honest dialogue and the exchange of real-world strategies that I immediately applied in my day-to-day role.
I appreciate the passion, honesty, and courage of my colleagues to share their knowledge, ideas, and experiences, which often validates my own efforts to succeed in my own position, and inspires me to keep trying.
More Opportunities to Connect
We're building on what members told us during the pilot. Participants appreciated getting to know colleagues in their own region, and we encourage members to attend their regional conversations regularly to strengthen those connections. But we also heard that scheduling conflicts sometimes made participation difficult. To help ensure members don't miss out, they can now join conversations in any ICMA region when the dates and times work better for their schedules.
We're also introducing topic-focused conversations and dedicated discussions for current chief administrative officers, providing additional opportunities to connect around shared experiences and challenges.
All conversations retain the informal, yet confidential approach participants valued during the pilot. Facilitated by ICMA Regional Directors, these are opportunities for members to help shape the discussion around the issues and experiences they bring. There are no formal presentations or prepared agendas.
Find a conversation that works for you! Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions you'd like to attend.
Regional Conversations
Join colleagues for monthly, confidential conversations about the challenges and opportunities of local government leadership. Members are encouraged to participate regularly in their home region but may also select individual sessions in any region.
Choose your region below to view the December 2026–March 2027 schedule.
Eastern Region
Southern Region
Central Region
Great Plains Region
Western Region
Topic-Focused Conversations
Sometimes a particular challenge deserves its own conversation. These sessions bring members from across ICMA's regions together to explore specific issues facing local government professionals.
Like the regional conversations, these are facilitated, confidential discussions where participants share experiences and learn from one another. They are not panel discussions or presentations.
Upcoming Conversations
Chief Administrative Officer Conversations
There's something different about sitting in the manager's chair. The responsibility for leading an organization, navigating relationships with elected officials, and making difficult decisions can sometimes feel isolating. And while there's tremendous value in connecting with colleagues throughout the profession, we've also heard that sometimes managers just need to talk with other managers who understand the unique pressures of the job.
These dedicated conversations provide a confidential setting for chief administrative officers to share experiences, talk through challenges, and learn from colleagues who are wearing the same shoes.
Participation is reserved for individuals currently serving as the chief administrative officer of a local government organization, including city/town managers, county managers, administrators, and equivalent positions.
Upcoming CAO Conversations
Registration is required. ICMA staff will confirm eligibility and provide Zoom meeting details and calendar invitations to the email provided for selected conversations.
