About SheLeadsGov

SheLeadsGov promotes gender equality in local government management by connecting women in the profession and providing unique and invaluable resources to ICMA members. SheLeadsGov presents opportunities for connection and engagement through its virtual forums, in-person conference sessions and events, written articles, and more. The SheLeadsGov Committee was established by the ICMA Executive Board in 2023 to advise ICMA on how to best promote programs that support, encourage and prepare future and current women leaders of all backgrounds for professional positions in local governments. Find out more about the SheLeadsGov Committee here. Questions about SheLeadsGov may be directed to Jeanette Gass, senior program manager, ICMA.

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Driving Gender Balance

SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum Inspire Innovate Impact

A day of connection, empowerment, and inspiration while highlighting experiences of women...

Smiling woman with yellow dress.

The SheLeadsGov initiative continues to advance the importance of representation.

Six headshots of diverse, smiling women

The SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum provided attendees the permission to ‘ditch the doubt’,...

Five strong women, smiling after speaking on a panel

Four ways to incorporate intersectionality and positively impact women in local government

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PM MAGAZINE

VOICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PODCAST

This ICMA podcast tells stories, inspires ideas, celebrates progress, and acknowledges challenges faced by local government managers and staff in serving the public. Learn more about featured episodes from women in the profession.

Adrienne Wise joins the show to share practical examples of how mental health improves work and retention in local government.

ICMA's new CEO and executive director, Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, joins the show to discuss bold change management strategies for local government leaders.

How local governments can create jobs that benefit residents, public works projects, and the local economy.

How Bucksport, Maine, engaged all of their citizens to identify what they love most about their community, the future they want for it, and how to achieve it.

Local Resources

Across the United States, many State City/County Management Associations, Municipal Leagues, or other organizations support women-focused initiatives on a local level. ICMA collaborates with these organizations to meet the goals and objectives of the SheLeadsGov initiative. Some resources are linked below. If there is an additional initiative or organization you would like featured in this section, please contact Jeanette Gass, senior program manager at jgass@icma.org with a brief description.

Blog Posts

ICMA’s Tax Increment Financing: A Practical Guide for Analyzing TIF Risks, Benefits, and Outcomes

The mentor-mentee relationship is key to individual professional growth and organizational effectiveness.

Discover how local governments can build trust, humanize services, and boost engagement through authentic social media storytelling—no fancy equipment required.

Selwyn District Council in New Zealand has a new approach to keeping community members safe in its city recreation facilities.

Insights on pragmatic and scalable municipal climate action and innovation.

Insights that turn contingency plans from static documents into active tools.

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News

ICMA will award grants for research-based white papers to shape the next chapter of professional local government leadership, management, and service delivery.

Congratulations to local government professionals who are newly joined, transfers in status (membership upgrades), and reinstatements as full ICMA members.

If this package passes both chambers and is signed into law, Congress will need to pass six more appropriations bills by January 30.

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.

It is with sadness that we report the loss of these ICMA members.

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MORE RESOURCES ON EQUITY & INCLUSION

 

VIEW ALL ON EQUITY & INCLUSION