ICMA's EMO Special Assistants Program offers a rare, significant infusion of resources to bolster local leadership and align actions and stakeholders around factors that enable all residents to climb the economic ladder. The ideal host for an EMO SA is a medium-sized city or county with existing awareness of and motivation to improve local workforce development opportunities, housing affordability, household financial security, and other community conditions that make it possible for residents to live full, prosperous lives.  

Reporting to executive leadership of their local government, each EMO SA will work across departments and external partners to identify strategic priorities and develop a tailored implementation plan during their 2+ year placement. ICMA will also provide coaching, training, and customized technical assistance to support EMO SAs.

This program from ICMA is made possible with support from the Gates Foundation. 

Upcoming Milestones

Please note that some of these dates are subject to change.

• Local governments interested in hosting an EMO SA will apply to ICMA; applications will be accepted from April 14-May 30, 2025.
• ICMA will host a live program overview and Q&A session on April 30, 2025 at 2 pm ET. REGISTER HERE
• ICMA will shortlist applicants for interviews and proceed to select 15 local governments to serve as host communities. ICMA aims to select and notify local governments by mid-June 2025.
• Selected host sites will lead their own hiring processes for special assistants with input and support from ICMA. ICMA will also maintain an intake form to connect individuals interested in serving as special assistants with the selected host sites.
• ICMA aims for special assistants to be hired by fall 2025 and will convene program participants in person in Q4 2025.

If you have questions, please contact emo@icma.org. 

More on EMO from ICMA and our Partners

• 2025 National Economic Mobility and Opportunity Conference: Registration now open for this free national convening of local changemakers!
• Local Government Leadership for Economic Mobility and Opportunity: Special supplement to PM Magazine featuring data, examples, and inspiration for taking action
• Economic Mobility Catalog (Results for America): Case studies and implementation guidance on evidence-based strategies
• Upward Mobility Framework (Urban Institute): Including a data dashboard and other resources to help inform local action
• Opportunity Atlas (Opportunity Insights): Research and data to identify and dismantle barriers to economic opportunity