ICMA is leading a process to select 15 local governments to host Economic Mobility and Opportunity Special Assistants (EMO SAs). Selected local governments will receive funding to support EMO SA salaries and programming expenses over a period of at least two years. Learn more about the program at www.icma.org/emo-sa.
Local governments selected to host these positions will lead their own recruitment process to fill these roles. Position descriptions and application instructions specific to each locality chosen are expected to come online in the summer of 2025.
The Special Assistant, supported by local government executive leadership, will determine local priorities and a place-based implementation strategy for economic mobility. The special assistant will work with internal departments, external partners, and community stakeholders to host a co-design process within the first six months, which will serve as a foundational work plan for the special assistant’s tenure.
The EMO SA Program offers an exciting professional opportunity for local leaders. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who think holistically; who have a deep understanding of how structural inequalities affect long-term economic insecurity for communities; and who are passionate to collaboratively problem-solve with others are well-suited for these positions.
Imagine yourself in this role?
If you are interested in being considered for one of these roles, ICMA is collecting resumes and contact information from prospective candidates to share with host sites and to provide periodic program updates. Note that completing the form below does not guarantee that a host community will reach out to you.
Now Recruiting Host Communities to Receive Multi-Year Support
ICMA's EMO Special Assistants Program (EMO SA) offers a rare, significant infusion of resources to bolster local leadership and align actions and stakeholders around factors that enable all residents to climb the economic ladder. ICMA invites applications from local governments interested in hosting a full-time, senior level position to spearhead coordinated efforts to advance economic mobility and opportunity for residents.
Local governments selected for this opportunity will receive a grant from ICMA to support salary for and programming directed by their special assistant. Reporting to executive leadership in the local government, the EMO SA will work across departments and external partners to identify strategic priorities and develop a tailored implementation plan informed by a community-engaged co-design process during their 2+ year tenure. ICMA will also facilitate coaching, training, and customized technical assistance to support EMO SAs, individually and as a cohort. ICMA anticipates selecting 15 local governments to serve as host communities for EMO SAs.
This program from ICMA is made possible with support from the Gates Foundation.
Download the Host Community Request for Applications pdf
Apply Online as a Host Community
Register for April 30 Program Overview and Q&A Session
Upcoming Milestones
Please note that some of these dates are subject to change.
- April 16-May 30, 2025 | Application period open for local governments interested in hosting an EMO SA
- April 30, 2025 | ICMA will host a live program overview and Q&A session 2:00-3:00 PM ET. REGISTER
- June 2025 | ICMA will shortlist applications to serve as host communities and may request interviews. ICMA aims to select and notify 15 local governments by mid-June.
- Selected host sites will lead their own hiring processes for special assistants with input and support from ICMA. ICMA will also maintain an intake form to connect individuals interested in serving as special assistants with the selected host sites.
- Fall 2025 | ICMA aims for special assistants to be hired by fall 2025 and will convene program participants in person in Q4 2025.
If you have questions, please contact us at emo@icma.org
Interested in an EMO Special Assistant Role?
ICMA is collecting resumes and contact information from prospective EMO SA candidates to share with host sites and to provide periodic program updates. Individuals that are interested are encouraged to complete the Interest Form.
More on EMO from ICMA and our Partners
- 2025 National Economic Mobility and Opportunity Conference: Registration now open for this free national convening of local changemakers!
- Local Government Leadership for Economic Mobility and Opportunity: Special supplement to PM Magazine featuring data, examples, and inspiration for taking action
- Economic Mobility Catalog (Results for America): Case studies and implementation guidance on evidence-based strategies
- Upward Mobility Framework (Urban Institute): Including a data dashboard and other resources to help inform local action
- Opportunity Atlas (Opportunity Insights): Research and data to identify and dismantle barriers to economic opportunity
- For the latest news and information about EMO: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Economic Mobility & Opportunity at ICMA
