Message from the Executive Director
Actions ICMA is taking on racial equity and social justice.
ICMA has made a focused commitment to Race, Equity, and Social Justice in all forms, as a means to achieving thriving communities. ICMA works to achieve equity and social justice, to affirm human dignity, and to improve the quality of life for the individual and the community.
- Mission
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Creating better communities around the world begins with a commitment to social justice and equity. ICMA strives to ensure that our members and the overall profession reflect the diversity of the people we serve. We work to mitigate the effects of bias in all areas of local government by developing and promoting programs and initiatives in the areas of service delivery, hiring practices, leadership development, community engagement, and workplace culture. ICMA works to drive engagement and support of members, local governments, and partnering organizations on issues related to equity, systemic racism, and social justice.
- Vision
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ICMA is the race, equity, and social justice thought leader in local government. Our members and their communities have these values and principles ingrained in their culture and practices.
- Partners and Affiliates
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Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
NLC Race Equity and Leadership (REAL)
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN)
International Network of Asian Public Administrators (I-NAPA)
- Contact Us
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Have questions, comments and/or content to share? Contact us at speakup@icma.org.
- ICMA Executive Board Statement Regarding Systemic Racism
- Declaration of Ideals
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ICMA was founded with a commitment to the preservation of the values and integrity of representative local government and local democracy and a dedication to the promotion of efficient and effective management of public services. To fulfill the spirit of this commitment, ICMA works to maintain and enhance public trust and confidence in local government, to achieve equity and social justice, to affirm human dignity, and to improve the quality of life for the individual and the community. Read more.
- Moral and Ethical Leadership
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ICMA Code of Ethics: The principles outlined in the ICMA Code of Ethics and enforced by the Rules of Procedure govern the conduct of every member of ICMA.
It is the exercise of ethical leadership practiced by those engaged in the moral struggle that made the difference.
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]
Ideals for the profession. [PM magazine, August 2020]
2021 ICMA Community Equity & Inclusion Award WInners
2021 Community Equity & Inclusion Award: Under 10,000 Population
2021 Community Equity & Inclusion Award: 10,000-49,999 Population
2021 Community Equity & Inclusion Award: 50,000 and Greater Population
The Awards Issue, celebrating the 2021 ICMA Local Government Excellence Awards
PM Magazine
Black Leadership in Local Government
Conversations with Courageous Leaders
Ideals for the profession [PM Magazine, August 2020]
Equity and Inclusion
The 2020 Local Government Excellence Awards Issue
A late-breaking special edition of PM
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Courageous Conversation Series
ICMA Courageous Conversation Series
ICMA Leadership Institute on Race, Equity, and Inclusion
The application period is open for the FY22 session. Note: deadline has been extended.
ICMA / Kettering Foundation / National Civic League
Engaging citizens to solve community problems
ICMA EQUITY OFFICER INSTITUTE (COHORT)
If you are committed to addressing issues of race, equity, inclusion, and social justice in your local government, ICMA invites you to apply to the 2022 ICMA Equity Officer Institute.
Part of the Ask an ICMA Manager series.
With ICMA Equity Cohort member, Phillip Smith-Hanes, county administrator Saline County...
With ICMA Equity Cohort member, Kweli Rashied-Henry, racial equity officer, Durham County
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Conversations with Courageous Leaders
Join us at ICMA’s inaugural Equity Summit, Moving the Needle, a virtual learning event focused on advancing racial equity in local government.
A day of inspiration presented by ICMA and the League of Women in Government, sponsored by Cigna.
RESOURCES FROM ICMA
ICMA's Path to Building a Diverse and Inclusive Profession (1938 and beyond)
The application period is open for the FY22 session. Note: deadline has been extended.
Part of the Ask an ICMA Manager series.
Ideals for the profession [PM Magazine, August 2020]
ICMA's survey on police recruitment, training, and community engagement from the perspectives of management, police administration, officers, human resources, and the community.
Local government managers actively addressing social and racial inequity in their...
Seeking to become more inclusive, many jurisdictions are endeavoring to go “beyond compliance” and create programs that recruit, hire, and retain underrepresented populations.
Advancing Social Equity Goals to Achieve Sustainability: Local Governments, Social Equity, and Sustainable Communities
RESOURCES FROM PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Glossary of Terms
The City of Asheville, NC
Materials from our partners, along with reports and surveys that describe approaches that have impact and provide the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.
A Four-Step Reference Guide to Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining Employees with Disabilities
A variety of tools and resources from PolicyLink.
A variety of resources from Living Cities.
America's most detailed report card on racial and economic equity. We equip movement...
FOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS & PROVIDERS
City of San Antonio Office of Equity
Leadership for a New Era Series
A variety of tools and resources from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
Equity and Inclusion in the Profession
ICMA International Affiliates are tackling issues of equity and inclusion in cities across...
An overview of women members of ICMA.
Advancing equity and LGBTQIA+ participation in local government.
ICMA strives to ensure that our members and the overall profession reflects the diversity...
New Award Category Enhances the ICMA Local Government Excellence Awards Program
A late-breaking special edition of PM
Equity and Inclusion
Blog Posts
Using data to uncover disparities and advance inclusive growth can help your organization reach all new heights and your community achieve a more equitable distribution of well-being.
How Goodyear, Arizona, implemented and communicated a core-value program that increased employee satisfaction.
This case will set legal rules for local government regulation of guns outside the home.
Ideas on how to build a life beyond the superficial things and focus on the state of your well-being through resilience.
The Supreme Court's decision will impact how the federal government may regulate power plants to reduce greenhouse gases.
News
Congratulations to these recently retired ICMA members who have been granted Life membership.
Congratulations to the following ICMA members on their recent local government appointments.
ICMA recognizes communities for their commitment to the principles of performance management.
Congratulations to local government professionals who are newly joined, transfers in status (membership upgrades), and reinstatements as full ICMA members.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key considerations in the recruitment and retention of a talented and effective workforce that reflects the community it serves.
Bill pending in the House (S3011, passed by consent in the Senate), would give local governments greater flexibility and clarity on eligible uses of ARPA funds, including disaster recovery expenses
