ICMA identifies long-term trends and policy issues affecting local governments and prepares white papers and fact sheets. Working with state and national organizations that represent cities and counties, ICMA brings its professional management voice into national policy debates, regulatory matters, and problem-solving discussions with federal government leaders. ICMA participates in coalitions with state and local government organizations to support policy initiatives and takes positions on public policy issues. The Association also signs onto amicus briefs prepared by the State and Local Legal Center that support important federalism principles.
ICMA members provide advice and expertise on policies to inform decision makers. They serve on a variety of governmental and non-governmental boards, panels, commissions, and committees. ICMA's Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee (GAPC) tracks federal and state policy issues to further Association goals (see ICMA's Strategic Plan).
Advocacy - Coalition Activity
ICMA participates in advocacy efforts to support policy initiatives as part of coalitions with Big 7 state and local association partners and other organizations.
Policy Priorities
- Tax-exempt financing
- Revenue diversity (shrinking federal and state resources)
- Pension funding
- Infrastructure
- Managing health care costs
- Cybersecurity
- Climate change & Energy conservation
- Intergovernmental relations
- Regionalism and shared services
- Immigration reform
- Reintegrating Veterans
Recent Public Policy White Papers & Fact Sheets
- 2019 State and Local Fiscal Facts
- Blockchain Technology: Local Government Applications and Challenges (November 2018)
- Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): What Local Government Managers Need to Know (December 2017)
- State and Local Fiscal Facts: 2018 (February 2018)
- Infrastructure Financing: A Guide for Local Government Managers (January 2017)
- Municipal Bonds and Infrastructure Development - Past, Present, and Future (August 2015)
- Facts You Should Know: State and Municipal Bankruptcy, Municipal Bonds, and State and Local Pensions (February 2014)
- Management's Perceptions of Annual Financial Reporting White Paper (December 2013)
- Understanding New Public Pension Funding Guidelines and Calculations (June 2013)
- Pension Funding: A Guide for Elected Officials (March 2013)
- Intergovernmental Policy Council Proposal (December 2008)
Policy Matters
Policy Matters, a new member benefit, provides updates on trends, legislation, regulations, and legal matters affecting local governments. ICMA’s Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee and staff coordinate with our state and national organizations that represent cities and counties.
