GET STARTED ON YOUR EQUITY JOURNEY
Tools and Research Learning Opportunities Glossary of Terms Podcasts
Audiocast Series Race and Social Justice Resources Courageous Conversations
Equity Officer Institute Equity and Inclusion Resources
ICMA's Path to Building Diversity (Interactive Timeline)
Equity Summit: 2021 Moving the Needle: Advancing Racial Equity in Local Government 2022: Ready or Not: Moving from Discourse to Action
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]
Registration is Open for the 2023 ICMA Equity Summit
Team rates available for teams of two or more!
Registration includes access to on-demand content for 30 days after the event ends.

Join us for this virtual learning event focused on advancing racial equity in local government.
PM Magazine

A late-breaking special edition of PM

Ideals for the profession [PM Magazine, August 2020]

The 2020 Local Government Excellence Awards Issue

Black Leadership in Local Government

Equity and Inclusion

Elevating Your Equity Work

Inspiring Leaders and Communities:
The ICMA Local Government Excellence Awards 2022
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Courageous Conversation Series

ICMA Courageous Conversation Series

Join us for this 90 minute webinar about how to put the American Rescue Plan Act resources to the best use possible in your communities.

How two local governments support small, minority, and women-owned businesses
Join us at ICMA’s inaugural Equity Summit, Moving the Needle, a virtual learning event focused on advancing racial equity in local government.
ICMA Leadership Institute on Race, Equity, and Inclusion

Open to ICMA members only, the application period is now open for the 2024-25 session and will close on May 30, 2024.
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, and social justice in your local government, ICMA invites you to apply to the 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
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
Blog Posts
"You have to go through the process. The process is not easy or a straight road. It’s windy and uphill. But you’ll get to the top and look back and appreciate the journey.”
Still planning out your conference schedule? Consider adding these sessions to your list.
We have curated 17 unique events geared toward global knowledge sharing and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities with attendees from around the world.
Best practices for local government leaders to consider when developing a sports complex.
DOJ is seeking feedback on the executive order that will require local government to assure website accessibility with timeframe based on population size.
Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative provides significant impetus for developing policies for a sustainable community.
News
Congratulations to these recently retired ICMA members who have been granted Life membership.
Congratulations to local government professionals who are newly joined, transfers in status (membership upgrades), and reinstatements as full ICMA members.
Putting your assets to work to create new revenue opportunities.
“For the first time in history, we have five generations in the workforce. We must view generational diversity not as a problem to overcome, but as an opportunity to embrace.”
ICMA members and their communities are making progress in prioritizing mental health awareness, and for those who need assistance, we’re here for you with resources to help.
Addressing the alarming mental health challenges and elevated suicide rates among first responders and public safety personnel, and learning how to help.