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  1. Home

Form of Government

Form of government refers to the legal structure under which municipalities and counties in the United States organize, e.g., the council-manager vs. the mayor-council form of government. The topic also refers to governance issues and how a local government operates.

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 78 results
PM Magazine
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“Why I Give to the Fund” with Peggy Merriss
January 31, 2026

“This form of government has been good to me, and it’s important to me to give back in time, talent, and resources.”

PM Magazine
Local Gov 250 lead image
LOCAL GOV 250: A Throwback to 1987
January 31, 2026

Written nearly four decades ago, John Nalbandian’s article reminds us that American democracy lives in the everyday work of local government.

Article
Call for Research Proposals
Call for Research Proposals on Structure, Form, and Ethics: The Future of Professional Local Government
January 21, 2026

ICMA will award grants for research-based white papers to shape the next chapter of professional local government leadership, management, and service delivery.

Article
Thank You, Fund Donors, for a Great 2025!
January 5, 2026

ICMA met its goal for Fund donations in 2025 and looks to the future to support professional management.

Member News
giving Tuesday graphic v1
Consider the Future of the Profession this Giving Tuesday
November 20, 2025

During this season of giving, consider the Fund!

Member News
Council-Manager recognition ceremony.
Independence, Iowa, Receives Council-Manager Recognition
November 20, 2025

ICMA Executive Board approves request for council-manager recognition for Independence, Iowa.

Article
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From the Ballot Box November 2025 and New Form of Government Video
November 7, 2025

Election results show a need for greater public education and awareness about accountable government.

PM Magazine
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“Why I Give to the Fund” with Bob O’Neill
November 2, 2025

“I believe we have an obligation to give back to the people, programs, and places that helped us.”

Article
vote button resized
From the Ballot Box: July 2025
August 18, 2025

Voters in Blythewood, South Carolina, adopt council-manager government.

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