Unity, excellence, legacy, perseverance, continuity, discipline—all themes demonstrated in the recent summer Olympic games. Similarly, ICMA’s leadership will “pass the torch” to a new cohort of board members at the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference, taking place September 21–25, in Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA.

The ICMA Code of Ethics represents continuity in ethical excellence for 100 years. Inspired by the Olympics, we asked the incoming ICMA president, president-elect, and past president what the ICMA Code of Ethics represents for over 13,000 local government professional members of ICMA and the communities served by them throughout the world.

Tanya Ange, ICMA-CM

ICMA President (2024–2025), County Administrator, Washington County, Oregon

ICMA member since 2005

“As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ICMA Code of Ethics, this is a time to reflect on a century of commitment to our Code as the foundation that grounds us as local government professionals.

As ICMA members, we stand on the shoulders of those who have left a legacy in the communities we serve. A steadfast commitment to equity, transparency, honesty, integrity, stewardship of public resources, and political neutrality continues to guide us as we navigate today’s interconnected world of unprecedented and dynamic challenges. Our profession will continue to believe that ethical local government management remains a bedrock of our profession and basis for serving as stewards of democracy.

The ICMA Code of Ethics serves as a gentle reminder of our shared commitment to this noble profession and that we can rely on each other to meet the challenges of the 21st century together.”

Michael Land, ICMA-CM

ICMA President-elect (2024–2025), City Manager, Coppell, Texas

ICMA member since 1998

“The ICMA Code of Ethics embodies the ideals and aspirations that have shaped our profession for over a century. Amidst changing regimes and unpredictable circumstances, the Code is our compass, guiding our decisions, actions, and our future in public service.

The Code dictates the importance of ethical leadership because of the profound impact our actions have on the communities we serve. It ensures that we hold ourselves to the highest standards, regardless of the challenges we face. In the chaos of public service, the Code provides clarity and calm, instilling confidence in each other; it is a bond that unites us.”

Lon Pluckhahn, ICMA-CM

ICMA Past President (2024–2025), City Manager, Vancouver, Washington

ICMA member since 2006

“ICMA was born out of a public demand for good government in the local space, and the Code of Ethics is the way we have held ourselves accountable to that standard throughout history.

The Code draws a boundary for our elected officials and demonstrates to the public that we can be relied upon to provide sound advice and leadership that is not based on one view or ideology. It is a reminder that we have a responsibility to do the ethical thing; not necessarily the popular or easy thing. The Code of Ethics compels us to act in the best interests of our community members and to hold true to the promise of building a better future for everyone.”

Learn more about the 100th Anniversary of the ICMA Code of Ethics and access ICMA's ethics resources here.