The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University has formalized an agreement with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) that promotes collaboration between faculty, staff, students, alumni and ICMA members.

A memorandum of understanding signed this past May detailing the agreement was celebrated at a ceremony during the ICMA’s annual conference held in Pittsburgh from Sept. 21-25. ICMA President Lon Pluckhahn, past President Jeff Towery, and past Executive Director Bob O’Neill were all in attendance, along with Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke.

At the conference, Van Slyke was also presented with a resolution from ICMA recognizing the school’s long-standing commitment to investing in the next generation of local government public servants and strengthening democratic governance, with a special focus on supporting veterans transitioning into public service and on global engagement activities. 

“It was an honor to receive this recognition and to formally announce and celebrate our expanded partnership,” said Van Slyke. “We have long found a strong partner in ICMA, and we are proud of the many Maxwell alumni who served as members and leaders of this important organization. This memorandum of understanding further strengthens that relationship and sets the school on a course for continued collaboration, in the name of good governance.”

Under the MOU, Maxwell and ICMA will explore expanded opportunities for workshops and other training activities to support local governments throughout the world. The partnership will also support veteran and military personnel interested in local government, by offering an opportunity to connect ICMA’s Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship with courses at Maxwell.

“ICMA’s core mission is to support the growth and development of public servants who are committed to local government administration,” said Ray Baray, acting CEO/executive director. “We are proud to partner with Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in our shared interest to increase access and participation in the profession of local government management and administration—especially for our U.S. veteran service population, and local government professionals globally.”

Daniel Nelson, director of accelerated learning and global engagement, will serve as a point of contact between the University and ICMA. Nelson received a master of public administration (M.P.A.) from the Maxwell School in 2004 and leads the state and local initiative, frequently collaborating with ICMA for programming and mentorship opportunities for students and alumni. 

Originally founded in 1914, ICMA is the world’s leading association of professional city and county managers and other employees who serve local governments. With over 13,000 members, ICMA offers professional development programs, education, data and information, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and training to thousands of city, town and county chief administrative officers; their staffs; and other organizations around the world. ICMA is based in Washington, D.C., and hosts an annual conference in a different city each year.

The Maxwell School has enjoyed a longtime partnership with ICMA; including the sponsorship of students to attend annual ICMA conferences, where students network with many working in the state and local government sector. Since 2012, M.P.A. students have run the Maxwell ICMA student chapter, which provides programming, information, fundraising and activities on campus and in the local community, and attendance at the ICMA conference every year.

By Michael Kelly