Today’s leaders must move forward in an era of rapid change. Community members' expectations are higher, technology moves faster, polarization is impacting governance, and public confidence in institutions is fragile. In 2026 and beyond, successful local government leadership depends on public trust, and ethics is how leaders will earn and preserve it.

In this energizing and uplifting interview, Pam Davis, assistant city manager of Boulder, Colorado, and Steve Bartha, town manager of Lexington, Massachusetts, (executive board members serving on the ICMA Committee on Professional Conduct as co-chairs) share how ethical leadership protects and builds civic trust and establishes credibility in today’s environment.

March Is National Ethics Awareness Month 

In this interview, ICMA's speakers cover:

1. The ICMA Code of Ethics and how today’s leaders can best apply it.
2. How ethics addresses modern issues like polarization, misinformation, social media, and AI.
3. How to handle political pressure while maintaining professional integrity.
4. Best practices that help leaders stay ethically grounded while successfully moving their communities forward.

For local government managers, assistant managers, department directors, and early-career local government professionals, this interview offers insight, practical examples, and inspiration on how ethical leadership strengthens public trust and positions your organization for success.

Resources

• ICMA Code of Ethics (Full version)
• Ethics Issues and Advice. Answers to common questions and how to seek advice on ethical issues by topic. 
• Ethics Training Opportunities. An overview of ICMA’s ethics training opportunities. 
• “What If I Want to March?” Taking part in our democracy while modeling the civility and nonpartisanship at the core of our profession [PM magazine, March 2020].

What's on Your Wall?

Is the ICMA Code of Ethics displayed in a prominent location in your office? It should be! Download a copy of the Code (tenets only) that is suitable for framing. 

Download the Code

#WhatsOnYourWall

“I choose to display my (Martha Perego autographed) copy of the ICMA Code of Ethics in my office as a constant reminder that the Code serves as both a compass (guiding my decision making) and a shield (to protect me, elected officials, staff, vendors, and the public, alike).  It is foundational to the work we do.” – Steve Bartha, town manager, Lexington, Massachusetts

“The ICMA Code of Ethics is a constant reminder of my commitment and responsibility to model the highest ideals of local government service in every action. It also communicates to all who visit that my office stands for the principles of equity, transparency, integrity, and political neutrality.” – Pam Davis, assistant city manager, Boulder, Colorado