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
Communities that value learning, proactivity, and risk acceptance are better positioned to protect their residents and seize opportunities in the face of climate disruption.
Lessons on leadership and more.
Transforming empty lots into local treasures: lessons from the 2025 National Brownfields Training Conference show how brownfield revitalization can create lasting community assets.
Leave it better than you found it, on your own terms, and with your integrity intact.
ICMA releases two new case studies on impactful solar developments for local governments.
The effects are real and they’re dangerous—to employee well-being, to public trust, and to the long-term health of our communities.
News
The long-standing employer-employee compact no longer works. How do local government leaders begin to create a new mutually beneficial relationship with employees?
Congratulations to local government professionals who are newly joined, transfers in status (membership upgrades), and reinstatements as full ICMA members.
Congratulations to these recently retired ICMA members who have been granted Life membership.
Examining the 3 “C’s” of understanding the challenges, assessing community capacity, and making the commitment.
Self-advocacy, boundary-setting, confidence, and a support network are key elements for success, especially for women in local government.
The transformation of Kitakyushu, Japan, demonstrates how industrial cities can leverage their heritage to foster sustainable development.
