ICMA is the professional and educational organization for chief appointed managers, administrators, and assistants in cities, towns, counties, and regional entities throughout the world. Since 1914, ICMA has provided technical and management assistance, training, and information resources to its members and the local government community. The management decisions made by ICMA's nearly 8,000 members affect more than 100 million individuals in thousands of communities--from small towns with populations of a few hundred to metropolitan areas serving several million.



ICMA's Mission

ICMA's mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and fostering professional local government management worldwide.



Core Beliefs

During ICMA's strategic planning process in 2000, ICMA members reaffirmed the Association's core beliefs. ICMA members believe in



Representative democracy

The highest standards of honesty and integrity in local governance as expressed in the ICMA Code of Ethics

The value of professional management as an integral component of effective local government

The council-manager form of government as the preferred form

The value of international association

Ensuring diversity in local government and in the Association.

Association Activities

ICMA offers a wide range of services to its members and the local government community. The Association is an internationally recognized publisher of information resources ranging from textbooks and survey data to topic-specific newsletters and e-publications. ICMA provides technical assistance to local governments in emerging democracies, helping them to develop professional practices and ethical, transparent governments. ICMA assists local governments in the United States through programs such as the Center for Performance Measurement, the Smart Growth Network, and other programs that focus on specific areas of need.



Information about ICMA's many products and services is available throughout icma.org.