Education Tracks

ICMA members seek education, resources, and practical guidance on understanding and advancing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their local governments and communities. Specific topics of interest surround understanding disability inclusion and accessibility issues (disability inclusion at work and why it matters, strengthening and diversifying your workforce with veterans, technology and accessibility); equity in recruiting, retainment, housing, public works, planning and other service areas; elevating inclusion in your budgets; unconscious bias and cognitive diversity; gender balance and BIPOC initiatives; student/next generation DEI issues such as key skills to achieve inclusivity and steps to success; and organizational equity initiatives (fair treatment, equitable pay, recognition, access to resources and opportunities).

This track will aid local leaders in overcoming major challenges around communication and maintaining civility in their communities. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to navigating polarization and the culture of contempt, best practices for working with mainstream and social media, managing mis/disinformation, effective community engagement, and fostering trust in local government.

This track will focus on the major economic development challenges and opportunities as communities seek not just to restore, but to redevelop and reimagine their local economies for long-term resilience. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to using American Rescue Plan resources, securing and managing other federal funds, how to leverage trusts/foundations, housing and homelessness issues, infrastructure, brownfield redevelopment, how to combat the shift to online shopping in a downtown/business district, and dealing with major local economic shifts and shocks.

Managers are at the core of strong communities. This track will highlight solutions to challenges of leading teams from different levels of the organization. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to council/manager relations, effective board and commission management, mid-level management support, ensuring mental health and happiness of employees, servant leadership and other leadership principles, recruitment and retention of employees, and volunteer recruitment.

This track will focus on leading practices for local governments to promote healthy, thriving, and resilient communities. Specific topics of interest include, but are not limited to climate change implications, emergency and disaster preparedness, environmental justice, the power of arts and culture, government sponsored events, and parks, recreation, and open space issues.

Personal development is an essential component of professional development. This track will help local leaders commit to a balanced life and enhance personal capacity. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to personal mental health, stress management techniques, and well-being for chief administrative officials, setting limits on the 24-hour job expectations, life in the fishbowl and effects on your family, finding your next job and when is a good time to start looking, how to interview in a public setting, succeeding in your current role, having fun, career wellness, personal care and growth, professional growth and retirement planning.