ICMA identifies concerns of importance to local governments, conducts surveys, undertakes related research, and disseminates results and analysis for the benefit of cities and counties nationwide and around the world. In addition to the research we conduct independently, we welcome partnerships with universities, nonprofit and private-sector organizations, and government entities to conduct surveys, develop reports, and create case studies.
Research Topics
ICMA's research addresses local government practices on topics of perpetual and emerging interest. Among them are:
- Resilient and Sustainable Communities
- Smart communities
- Shared service delivery
- Economic development
- Community planning
Survey Research
Through its survey research, ICMA seeks to provide useful data, information, and analysis to local decision makers, based on a network of experts and an extensive database representing all cities, towns, townships, villages, and boroughs with populations of 2,500 or greater and all counties.
Datasets from Survey Research are Available for Purchase
These datasets cover a variety of topics including service delivery, form of government, economic development, smart cities, cybersecurity, state of the profession, and sustainability. ICMA's survey data are sought by media and mined by academicians.
Research Reports and Publications
ICMA's research activities yield a growing body of information and knowledge about local government. Based on our research, we produce case studies, research reports, LGR: Local Government Review, and other products that provide data, thoughtful analysis, and insights into best practices.
Research Collaborations
As noted, ICMA welcomes partnerships to develop surveys, reports, and case studies that highlight successful local government practices and strategies that can serve as roadmaps for others. Partners include subject-matter experts and organizations whose research interests intersect with those of ICMA. Examples include:
- Arizona State University
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Cornell University
- Esri
- Institute for Building Technology and Safety
- Michigan State University
- Microsoft
- Smart Cities Council
- SAS
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
To explore potential research partnerships, contact Tad McGalliard (tmcgalliard@icma.org).
Resident and Employee Surveys
ICMA partners with National Research Center, Inc. (NRC), as our preferred provider for resident and employee surveys. NRC offers the National Citizen Survey, a cost-effective citizen survey service for local governments, the National Employee Survey, a comprehensive survey of employees that covers 10 dimensions of the employee experience, and the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults, a unique scientific survey of older adults’ perceptions about their communities and future needs.
Smart growth is development that serves the community, the economy, and the environment. It is based on planning decisions and service delivery policies that recognize the connection between development and quality of life. As the level of government responsible for land use decision-making and many other activities that directly influence land use, local governments are critical to the success of sustainable communities.
Smart Growth at ICMA
ICMA has worked on smart growth related issues since the 1990s, and is a founding partner of both the Smart Growth Network and the National Vacant Properties Campaign. ICMA’s Smart Growth Program is a multifaceted initiative that highlights issues related to strategic planning, implementation, and best management practices. Through our work on smart growth, ICMA has coordinated membership for the Smart Growth Network, provided expert advice, and developed publications, workshops, and other information resources on smart growth. ICMA has also researched communities that have updated their zoning and other codes to promote smart growth and has led several workshops on the management practices and planning functions necessary to implement these changes. Many local codes and ordinances, research documents, statutes, and policies are available at no charge in ICMA’s e-library and are listed below as a result of a project conducted by ICMA and the Local Government Commission, funded by the Bank of America and the Surdna Foundation. For more information on smart growth and ICMA’s work on this topic, visit the smart growth topic page on the Knowledge Network.
