This year, and in fact with this issue of PM, we are celebrating the centennial of the adoption of the ICMA Code of Ethics by ICMA members. To the association’s founders, the Code of Ethics became the way to demonstrate, to put into practice, the ideals that drove the birth of the council-manager form of government. In 1914, these were thought of as experiments by many. Was it possible to set forth a new way of governing at the local level, honoring democracy and good government — free from corruption and focused on delivering badly needed public services in an effective and efficient manner?

That “experiment” has stood the test of time and serves as a shining example of the courageous leadership that has represented this association for over a century. In the United States, many local governments are council-manager. Those communities and their residents have benefited from the professionalism and code under which city, county, and town managers and their staffs serve. Outside of the United States, while many mature democracies have crafted codes of conduct similar to the ICMA Code of Ethics, developing democracies have asked for ICMA’s assistance in thinking through a set of ethical standards by which their emerging professionals can be guided.

A Living Document

ICMA members have long placed an emphasis on continual improvement and making certain that local government leadership and management practices stay relevant over time. The Code of Ethics is no exception to that precept. Though the core principles have remained relatively constant, the guidelines provide an opportunity to recognize changes in society, technology, and culture. Given the speed of change, the need for ongoing assessment seems greater than ever as new challenges like artificial intelligence, multiculturalism, and incivility in public discourse test the capacity of professional managers. Yet ICMA members continue to demonstrate the resilience required to overcome and excel in the face of peril because the Code has served as a true north.

I often hear from members and have expressed myself how difficult it can be to adhere to the Code of Ethics, how sometimes it seems to get in the way of basic rights. While it can be a struggle sometimes, it is part of the journey. When you commit to the Code, it’s not only a professional commitment; it becomes a way of life. Countless members have resigned their position rather than compromise the integrity of their role. That is the power of this 100-year-old declaration.

Recommit to the Code

When something has been around a long time, we may tend to take for granted what it says, what the actual tenets and guidelines impart. I encourage you today as part of your legacy that will shape future generations of local government leaders as you were inspired by your predecessors, to recommit to this core element of democracy and better government — the ICMA Code of Ethics. Renew your pledge to honor the ICMA Code of Ethics here.

You can learn more about the 100th anniversary of the ICMA Code of Ethics here. This is also a great time to give to the ICMA Future of Professional Management Fund, which continues to support advocacy for professional local government management and encourage the next generation of local government leaders as we step into our next 100 years!

MARC A. OTT is CEO/Executive Director of ICMA, Washington, D.C.