With the end of another school year, here are results of the ICMA Student Chapter Best Event Contest. Through this annual contest, ICMA shows its support for ICMA student members and all the work they do to engage students who aspire to join the local government profession. Each year, the Best Chapter Event Contest awards a select few ICMA Student Chapters with travel funds to attend the ICMA Annual Conference. Chapters present their most successful event to members of the ICMA Executive Board, highlighting topic, involvement, and impact, with a special focus on innovation this year. This year's winners are Georgia Southern University, University of Delaware, and University of West Georgia.

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University won the ICMA Student Chapter Best Event Contest for their in-person panel, "Transparency and Accountability in Government: The Role of Trusted News Media."  

This event focused on the importance of trusted and accurate information in local government in Statesboro, Georgia, a small college town. Recently, a Hyundai plant broke ground that is expected to lead to nearly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in the area, leading to concerns about the rapid growth and development and lack of input from citizens. The panel featured five distinguished speakers:

• Dal Cannady, communications director, Bulloch County
• Susan Catron, managing editor, Connect Savannah
• Jason Grant, director of advocacy, ICMA
• DeWayne Grice, founder and local publisher, Grice Connect 
• Jonathan McCollar, mayor, Statesboro. 

Panelists discussed the critical role of local media in ensuring government transparency and accountability and emphasized the importance of trustworthy journalism and its role in bridging the gap between government operations and the public. Local news can emphasize strong advocacy for government by bridging the gap between government operations and the public. The discussion underscored the indispensable role of the media in fostering, informing, and engaging citizenry. The event was well-attended by students, faculty, community members, and was also live-streamed. The panel provided valuable insight into the critical intersection of media and highlighting how informed residents can actively participate in shaping their community. The discussion concluded with a call for continuous support for local journalism and increased transparency in government.

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware won the ICMA Student Chapter Best Event Contest for their career trek titled "Coastal Community Resilience: Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Local Governance, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation." This immersive experience featured guest speakers, panel discussions, tours, and an exclusive look into the governance of the “Nation’s Summer Capital.” This event had a diverse group of guest speakers and panelists. 

Guest Speakers:

• Mary Ellen Gray, director of planning and community development, Rehoboth Beach
• Stan Mills, mayor, Rehoboth Beach
• Dan Slagle, executive director, Beach Main Street
• Kate VanVorst, event coordinator/member representative, Rehoboth Beach- Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Panelists:

• Trish Arndt, director of transportation sustainability and resilience, DelDOT
• Jesse Hayden, engineer program manager, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
• Matt Janis, chief building official, Rehoboth Beach. 

Organized to provide students with firsthand insights into city management, community collaboration, and coastal resiliency efforts, the event highlighted the unique challenges and innovative solutions of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The UD ICMA Student Chapter Executive Board, along with undergraduate and graduate students from the Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, collaborated with interim city manager Evan Miller and director of planning and community development Mary Ellen Gray to plan the event. It showcased how public administrators and community partners work together to develop sustainable strategies for their seaside community.

Chapter members, passionate about climate policy, disaster and crisis research, economics, and sociology, traveled 76 miles to Rehoboth Beach to gain a deeper understanding of local governance. Participants had the opportunity to network with distinguished experts and explore careers in city management, urban planning, environmental conservation, and public policy. This event provided invaluable insights and inspiration for students aspiring to make a significant impact in their communities. Watch the recap of their trek here!

University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia won the ICMA Student Chapter Best Event Contest for their webinar "Women, Leadership, and Careers in Local Governments: Challenges and Vision." The event attracted significant interest, especially among female students who make up about 65% of the MPA student body. As women continue to expand their leadership roles in local governments, the younger generation is increasingly interested in developing careers in this sector. However, a lack of information and deep, personal stories about how women can better compete in this profession has been a major roadblock for new generations. The chapter identified six major issues that most students want to know more about and that could be critical for career guidance: career motivation and rewards, trends and challenges in local government, essential skills and entry-level opportunities, professional development and resources, job prospects and salary expectations, and advice for aspiring local government professionals. The webinar addressed the challenges and opportunities for women in local government leadership roles, a topic identified as crucial by the chapter leadership team. 

Peggy Merriss, executive director of the Georgia City/County Management Association and former city manager of Decatur, Georgia, was the distinguished guest speaker. She shared her extensive experience and insights on career motivation, essential skills, professional development, and navigating the political landscape. She emphasized the importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous learning in building a successful career. The interactive session allowed participants to engage directly with Merriss, asking questions and seeking personalized advice. 

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound confidence and motivation to pursue leadership roles in local government. The chapter also provided additional resources, including access to mentorship programs, workshops, and networking events. This event significantly promoted professional management in local government and inspired future female leaders. The chapter plans to continue offering similar opportunities to support ongoing professional development for students and members.