Books in Print

Nine print publications that advance the profession and highlight proven practices in local government.

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Member Books

Public Policy

White Papers

The ICMA Executive Board directed the organization's Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee (GAPC) to produce annual policy white papers, depending on resources available and the topics that require a managerial perspective.  ICMA and the GAPC select key policy issues to which ICMA members bring an important perspective and produce white papers on these issues for general release to ICMA membership, other Big 7 organizations, and the general public. ICMA's Policy Papers Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): What Local Government Managers Need to Know (December 2017) Infrastructure Financing: A Guide for Local Government Managers (January 2017) Municipal Bonds and Infrastructure Development - Past, Present and Future (August 2015) Leveraging Local Change: The States' Role (May 2014)  Management's Perceptions of Annual Financial Reporting White Paper (December 2013) Striking a Balance: Matching the Services Offered by Local Governments with the Revenue Realities (December 2012) Coping with Crisis: How are Local Governments Reinventing Themselves in the Wake of the Great Recession? (December 2011) 211/311: Is There a Case for Consolidation or Collaboration? (July 2010) Measuring the Results of Economic Stimulus Investments: Local Government Leading the Way (October 2009) Restoring the Intergovernmental Partnership: What Needs to Change(July 2009) Immigration Reform: An Intergovernmental Imperative (December 2008) A Networked Approach to Improvements in Emergency Management (August 2006 with April 2009 update) Emergency Management and Homeland Security (An Overview) (August 2006) Forced Franchising: Why Telephone Industry Calls for "Shall Issue" Video Franchising Shouldn't Be Answered  (2006) Other White Papers Navigating the Fiscal Crisis: Tested Strategies for Local Leaders (January 2009) Navigating the Fiscal Crisis: An Introduction for Elected Officials (2009) A Proposal for an Intergovernmental Policy Council This proposal was created by ICMA and with the support of NACo and NLC.  The proposal outlines ideas on how to rebuild the intergovernmental partnership between the federal, state, and local governments. White Papers RFP Blockchain Technology: Local Government Applications and Challenges RFP  

Management

ICMA E-Newsletters

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Summary Survey Results

A quick glimpse at survey responses to important questions in such areas as economic development, cyber security, smart cities, and CAO salary & compensation.

Management

Check Out the Latest Issue of Public Management (PM) Magazine - September 2018

Inside: Read about early childhood outreach, must-reads for leaders, organizational ethics, and much more!

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About Public Management (PM) Magazine

Public Management (PM) is the official, award-winning magazine of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.

Code of Ethics

Ethics Matter! Advice for Public Managers E-Book

A collection of sound ethics advice from ICMA's Public Management (PM) magazine.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity: Protecting Local Government Digital Resources Report

To expand your understanding of the challenges and necessity of cybersecurity, download this free report.

Technology & Data

Smart Solutions: Technology Serving Communities E-Book

With publication of Smart Solutions: Technology Serving Communities, we encourage public administrators to become more familiar with the trends in smart technologies and consider the possibilities, challenges, and impacts of smart technology solutions in their communities. This publication is written for public administrators, elected officials, and academics who desire a primer on “smart cities,” or emerging technologies. ICMA and the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) offer Smart Solutions in a format featuring pertinent context, how-to guidance, diverse case studies, and relevant resource information on emerging technologies. Smart Solutions is intended to encourage further exploration.Nonmembers can access the e-book here.

Management

LGR: Local Government Review, December 2017

A 16-page special section of the December 2017 Public Management (PM) magazine, powered by TownCloud, is available to ICMA members and PM subscribers for free. What's Inside: Local Government Cybersecurity in the U.S.: Survey Tells a Cautionary Tale Pursuing Innovation in Local Government Powerful Storytelling: Leadership Narratives from UK Local Government Chief Executives Nonmembers may purchase e-copies of LGR through ICMA’s online bookstore.

Elected Officials

Making It Work: The Essentials of Council-Manager Relations

This free e-book for ICMA members offers a variety of suggested techniques and strategies.

CAO Resources

First-Time Administrator's Handbook

Steadfast guide for first-time administrators.

Human Resources

ICMA Manager Evaluation Handbook

This complimentary handbook is intended to highlight the value of a formal manager evaluation process and to assist local elected officials(...)

Veterans

Breaking into Local Government

A complimentary guidebook for career-changers looking to break into local government management.

Leadership

ICMA Job Hunting Handbook for Local Government Professionals

Job hunting can be time-consuming and anxiety-producing!

Leadership

Leadership in Local Government - Part 1: Managing Yourself in Local Government E-Book

The different levels of personal effectiveness: communication and listening, collaboration and influencing, time management and planning, and effective strategies.

Management

Leadership in Local Government - Part 2: Leading and Managing Others

Empowering others, performance & capability, recognition and motivating others, difficult conversations, and what matters most to emerging leaders.

Leadership

Leadership in Local Government - Part 3: Leading Teams and Change in Local Government

To lead an extraordinary team, it takes a leader that can create a culture of leadership that is centered on shared values and focused on a common goal.