Chapters & Initiatives

ICMA coordinates and supports Women Leading Government (WLG) chapters and initiatives to help women succeed in public service. WLG chapters provide a platform for women in government to connect, network, and share best practices for leadership development. They offer professional development and training opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to resources to help women advance their careers and become effective leaders in government. Women Leading Government chapters are organized by state or region, and function as their own membership-based initiative usually under the umbrella of their ICMA state association.

The League of Women in Government serves as the umbrella organization to support local and...

To help women succeed in public service by enhancing career-building models that develop...

Legacy Project

Helping women succeed in public service.

16/50 Project

Empowering Women to Lead Local Government

An overview of women members of ICMA.

ICMA equity and inclusion logo
Since 1974, with the first Task Force on Women in the Profession, ICMA

Driving Gender Balance

Five strong women, smiling after speaking on a panel

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

Teresa De Castro holding her daughter

If we want to keep women in our profession and we want women to keep advancing, we have to

And making sure they can stay in the workforce.

Photo of Judy Gilleland

A moment of gratitude for the city manager and other women who helped me get my start in

Laura Savage, Monica Spells, Katherine DeMoura, and Chelsea Jackson at the 2022 ICMA Annual Conference

Those in the assistant chief administrative officer role—or aspiring to be—can benefit

THE LATEST FROM PM MAGAZINE

A PM Special Supplement exploring what it means to be a woman in local government today

Firefighter Sandy Dostal, Excelsior Councilmember Lou Dierking, Tonka Bay City Administrator Kathy Laur, and Fire Marshal Kellie Murphy-Ringate

A city administrator with a burning desire to experience the world of firefighting

A feature of the PM special supplement, "Women Influencing Local Government," in honor of

Reno City Manager Doug Thornley signs symbolic purple chair.

How collaborative experiences can enhance virtual events to bring women together

Photos of Kelsey Scholarship recipients

ICMA is pleased to award this year’s Local Government Management Fellowship Judy L. Kelsey

LOCAL GOV LIFE PODCASTS

Professional Growth at Every Career Stage

Learn as a Mentee, Be a Mentor, and Pay It Forward

Hear how six female managers are earning the respect of their peers and breaking down...

SheLeadsGov Spotlights

Blog Posts

ICMA releases the first series of case studies on innovative and impactful solar initiatives for local governments.

An innovative approach to leveraging technology for better local governance.

ICMA 2023 John Garvey Scholarship award winner shares his experience.

How city and county managers can work with their finance and HR directors to mitigate fraud and embezzlement risk in local government.

Findings from a new research brief by MissionSquare Research Institute comparing the sentiment of younger public service employees.

Align budget and strategy to plan, prioritize, and allocate resources to coincide long-term goals with community needs.

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News

A great tool for awareness and employee recognition

A proactive approach has a positive effect on employee vitality and workplace culture.

Recognizing professionals who have had a one-of-a-kind local government experience through global knowledge exchange and fellowship programs.

Ideas for creating a workplace where everyone can thrive

Finding creative ways for parks and recreation to help our communities grow stronger and more connected.

How Tenet 11 evolved and maintains its relevance today

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