About SheLeadsGov
SheLeadsGov promotes gender equality in local government management by connecting women in the profession and providing unique and invaluable resources to ICMA members. SheLeadsGov presents opportunities for connection and engagement through its virtual forums, in-person conference sessions and events, written articles, and more. The SheLeadsGov Committee was established by the ICMA Executive Board in 2023 to advise ICMA on how to best promote programs that support, encourage and prepare future and current women leaders of all backgrounds for professional positions in local governments. Find out more about the SheLeadsGov Committee here. Questions about SheLeadsGov may be directed to Jeanette Gass, senior program manager, ICMA.
Driving Gender Balance
A day of connection, empowerment, and inspiration while highlighting experiences of women...
The SheLeadsGov initiative continues to advance the importance of representation.
The SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum provided attendees the permission to ‘ditch the doubt’,...
Four ways to incorporate intersectionality and positively impact women in local government
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PM MAGAZINE
VOICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PODCAST
Adrienne Wise joins the show to share practical examples of how mental health improves work and retention in local government.
ICMA's new CEO and executive director, Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, joins the show to discuss bold change management strategies for local government leaders.
How local governments can create jobs that benefit residents, public works projects, and the local economy.
How Bucksport, Maine, engaged all of their citizens to identify what they love most about their community, the future they want for it, and how to achieve it.
Local Resources
Across the United States, many State City/County Management Associations, Municipal Leagues, or other organizations support women-focused initiatives on a local level. ICMA collaborates with these organizations to meet the goals and objectives of the SheLeadsGov initiative. Some resources are linked below. If there is an additional initiative or organization you would like featured in this section, please contact Jeanette Gass, senior program manager at jgass@icma.org with a brief description.
Blog Posts
Learn how Ireland’s Midlands are emerging as a model for just transition where collaboration and innovation are shaping a more resilient future for residents.
2025 ICMA Annual Conference connects members to cities in Ukraine for city-to-city exchanges.
The resumption of federal student loan payments has been a difficult adjustment for millions of public sector workers.
Effective local government leadership that creates room for others to rise.
The limits and challenges of data-driven and fast decision-making.
Reflections from the inaugural Women in the Civic Arena event.
News
How a hurricane-ravaged town partnered with FEMA to reduce risk, cut costs, and build back smarter.
A conversation with Local Gov 250 Champion Tanisha Briley.
When aging, depopulation, and disaster collide, traditional recovery plans may no longer be enough.
A structured rental vehicle approach can reduce costs, improve oversight, and ease administrative burden for local governments.
Real-time eyes in the sky can save lives, but the future of drones in public safety depends not just on speed and capability but on openness, accountability, and community trust.
How one fast-growing Colorado town is turning planning, practice, and after-action review into a stronger emergency management program.
