ICMA is excited to announce the latest application cycle for conference assistance to attend the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach/Los Angeles County, California, October 17-21, 2026.    

2026 Annual Conference Assistance Scholarship Offerings 

ICMA members who meet certain requirements are eligible to apply for the Conference Assistance Scholarship. Eligible applicants must be an active member of ICMA who: serves in a small community with limited financial resources, has three (3) years or less experience as a full-time local government employee, and/or represents a diverse background, identity, or belonging as it relates to local government professionals and communities. ICMA members who are graduate students are eligible to apply for the Edwin O. Stene Scholarship if they have little or no full-time experience in local government, internships excluded. 

For both scholarship categories, complimentary registration to the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference and a travel stipend to assist with travel costs are offered. Read more about eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply. 

What’s the Value? 

Recipients of last year’s Annual Conference Assistance Scholarships reflect on the impact of attending the ICMA Annual Conference, and the far-reaching impact of the awards:

“This was my first time attending the conference or any ICMA event, and I was unsure what to expect. What I discovered was an outstanding opportunity to meet managers from around the world, engage in valuable learning experiences, and connect with a wide variety of vendors.” Noah Saldo, city manager, Southport, NC 

Other key insights highlighted by previous award recipients include: 

• Gained opportunities for global networking and meaningful engagement with local government professionals from around the world. 
• Built connections with ICMA Student Chapters, Local Government Management Fellows, and other emerging leaders in the field. 
• Learned valuable insights from world-renowned keynote speakers and respected leaders. 
• Reinforced the importance of networking and embracing diverse perspectives through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and insights.
• Professional development opportunities that provided lessons and tools to strengthen local organizations and communities. 
• Participation in Speed Coaching events provided unique opportunities for talent acquisition and for emerging leaders and experienced local government practitioners to engage with one another.
• Conference attendance offered a chance to step away from the daily challenges of the profession, feeling recharged and inspired.

Take advantage of available scholarship opportunities to support your participation in the ICMA Annual Conference, an experience that can positivity impact your personal and professional growth. 

“Attending the ICMA 2025 Annual Conference in Tampa was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. The educational sessions, keynotes, and community events were incredible—smart, practical, and energizing—but the bigger impact was felt most on an emotional level. Being surrounded by people who understand the wins and frustrations of local government made me feel seen in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.” Erin E. Baynes, former planning and policy supervisor, Evanston, IL

Learn more and apply today through May 15 for this year’s Annual Conference Assistance Scholarships. Direct inquiries to scholarships@icma.org. 

Apply Today!

Other Options to Support Your Annual Conference Experience 

New members only can select the Join, Go, Save option on the conference registration site to save 50% off their first-year annual membership fee when they attend the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference. 

ICMA Members in Transition are granted complimentary registration to the ICMA Annual Conference. There is a limited amount of funds available to provide travel stipends to MIT members. For more information, contact Rosalyn Ceasar @rceasar@icma.org or 202-962-3544. 

The ICMA Member Partners Program continues its mission to provide scholarships for partners of ICMA members who have never attended an ICMA Annual Conference. 

Check your state association website since many of them offer ICMA Annual Conference scholarships. Many ICMA affiliate associations also offer scholarships.