International City/County Management Association

International City/County Management Association is a professional organization for local government managers and administrators, providing leadership development, technical assistance, and research to its members. The association has a long history of promoting excellence in governance, with members including city managers like Ted Gaebler and David Osborne, authors of Reinventing Government. The organization has also worked with other groups, such as the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors, to advance the interests of local governments. Additionally, the association has partnered with universities like Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy to provide educational programs for its members.

● History

The International City/County Management Association was founded in 1914 by a group of city managers who were seeking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local government. The association's early years were marked by a focus on professionalization and standardization of local government practices, with the development of model charters and codes of ethics. The association has also been influenced by the work of public administration scholars like Woodrow Wilson and Frank Goodnow, who emphasized the importance of professional management in government. Over the years, the association has grown to include members from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and has established partnerships with organizations like the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and the United Cities and Local Governments.

● Organization

The International City/County Management Association is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and is led by an executive director who is responsible for overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations. The association has a board of directors that includes city managers and county administrators from across the United States and Canada, as well as representatives from academic institutions like University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Government and University of California, Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. The association also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on issues like sustainability, public safety, and economic development, and work with organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

● Membership

The International City/County Management Association has over 10,000 members, including city managers, county administrators, and other local government professionals. Members come from a variety of backgrounds, including public administration, urban planning, and business administration, and have worked with organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Park Service. The association offers a range of benefits to its members, including professional development opportunities, technical assistance, and access to research and best practices. Members also have the opportunity to participate in ICMA's annual conference, which features keynote speakers like Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rahm Emanuel, and workshops on topics like innovation and leadership.

● Professional Development

The International City/County Management Association offers a range of professional development opportunities to its members, including workshops, conferences, and online courses. The association has a partnership with the Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government to offer a senior executive program for local government leaders, and also works with University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy to provide training programs on topics like policy analysis and program evaluation. The association also offers a certification program for city managers and county administrators, which is recognized by organizations like the National Association of Counties and the United States Conference of Mayors.

● Advocacy and Policy

The International City/County Management Association is actively involved in advocacy and policy work at the federal, state, and local levels. The association has a lobbying presence in Washington, D.C. and works with organizations like the National League of Cities and the National Association of Counties to advance the interests of local governments. The association has also taken positions on issues like fiscal policy, health care reform, and immigration reform, and has worked with members of Congress like Senator Susan Collins and Representative Nancy Pelosi to shape legislation and regulations. Additionally, the association has partnered with think tanks like the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute to provide research and analysis on key issues affecting local governments.

● Awards and Recognition

The International City/County Management Association presents a number of awards and recognitions to its members and other local government professionals. The association's award for excellence in local government management is one of the most prestigious awards in the field, and has been presented to city managers like Ted Gaebler and David Osborne. The association also recognizes innovative programs and practices in local government, and has partnered with organizations like the Alliance for Innovation and the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation to promote excellence in governance. Furthermore, the association has worked with media outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post to highlight the work of local government professionals and the importance of effective governance.