Working with the National Civic League, Theodore Roosevelt, and others during the Progressive Era, the organization helped to professionalize local government and create reforms to reduce corruption.
As a condition of membership, ICMA members agree to submit to a peer-to-peer review under established enforcement procedures should there be an allegation of unethical conduct.
Members who are students, fully retired, working for a state or federal agency, or in the private sector are required to follow Tenets 1 and 3.
This self-directed program offers an opportunity for interested ICMA members to quantify the unique expertise they bring to their communities.
In 2022, ICMA announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening local government management practices through a global learning approach.
ICMA publishes original research on a variety of topics, including cybersecurity, innovation, and smart cities.
In addition, ICMA publishes a variety of print and digital products for local government professionals, including its award-winning monthly Public Management (or "PM") magazine.