About ICMA
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of local government management worldwide. Founded in 1914, ICMA brings together more than 14,000 professionalscity managers, county administrators, deputy managers, and other municipal leadersfrom over 100 countries. The association serves as a hub for knowledge sharing, research, and networking, helping its members deliver effective, ethical, and innovative public services.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To promote professional local government management that reflects the highest standards of ethics, competence, and accountability.
Vision: A world where every city and county benefits from skilled, forwardthinking managers who improve the quality of life for all residents.
ICMA achieves its mission through four core pillars: professional development, research and publications, advocacy, and a global community of practice.
Member Services
ICMA offers a suite of services designed to support both new and seasoned managers:
- Peer Networks: Local and regional chapters provide opportunities for facetoface collaboration and mentorship.
- Publications: The monthly Public Administration Review and the quarterly ICMA Magazine keep members informed about emerging trends and best practices.
- Research Center: Conducts independent studies on budgeting, public safety, sustainability, and more, offering actionable data for policy decisions.
- Career Resources: Job boards, resume reviews, and leadership coaching help members advance their careers.
Education & Certification
Education is a cornerstone of ICMAs value proposition. The association provides:
- Annual Conference: A sevenday event featuring workshops, keynote speakers, and networking sessions.
- Online Learning: Over 200 webinars, selfpaced courses, and virtual workshops covering topics such as budgeting, equity, and technology.
- ICMA Credential: The Certified Public Manager (CPM) program and theICMA's Certification in Local Government Management (CLGM) demonstrate a managers competency and commitment to ethical practice.
- Graduate Scholarships: Financial aid for students pursuing degrees in public administration or related fields.
Advocacy
ICMA actively works to influence public policy at the federal, state, and local levels. Key advocacy initiatives include:
- Promoting fair and adequate funding for municipalities.
- Supporting legislation that protects the independence of professional managers.
- Championing sustainability and climateresilient planning.
- Defending the principles of transparency, open data, and public participation.
Members can participate in advocacy through policy briefs, congressional testimonies, and grassroots campaigns organized by the ICMA Government Affairs Committee.
Global Reach
Although headquartered in Washington, D.C., ICMA is truly international. Its global network includes:
- Regional affiliates in Europe, AsiaPacific, Africa, and Latin America.
- International conferences that highlight crosscultural solutions to common challenges such as urbanization, public safety, and digital transformation.
- Collaborative research projects with organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
These connections allow members to learn from diverse contexts, adapting successful models to their own communities.
How to Join ICMA
Joining ICMA is straightforward. Prospective members can:
- Visit the official website and navigate to the Join page.
- Select the appropriate membership category (e.g., Professional, Student, Associate).
- Complete the online application and pay the annual dues, which vary by region and membership type.
- Gain immediate access to member portals, resources, and upcoming events.
ICMA also offers a trial membership for new professionals who wish to explore the benefits before committing.
