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
Sapient leadership turns water planning into more than management: it becomes stewardship.
The right technology infrastructure is central to strategic planning.
A comparison of U.S. and U.K. local governments.
Learn about the 2025 John Garvey Scholar and Tranter-Leong Fellows as they prepare to participate in an enriching and unique member experience.
Agencies need to build a roadmap that aligns priorities, budgets, and operations.
Learn seven concrete actions that can lead to measurable improvements in resident trust and satisfaction through technology.
News
Congratulations to local government professionals who are newly joined, transfers in status (membership upgrades), and reinstatements as full ICMA members.
The program is intended for managers and assistants/deputies with more than 10 years of continuous local government service.
Two lifelong friends share a deep bond formed during childhood that has endured into their professional lives in local government leadership.
Continuing the fight against scrap metal theft
Technology is rapidly changing how local governments communicate with the public. Here’s what’s happening.
How AI is reshaping local government and raising ethical dilemmas
