Maxwell School Strengthens Longtime Partnership with International City/County Management Association – Syracuse University News

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

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing the agreement signed last May was celebrated at a ceremony during the ICMA annual conference September 21-25 in Pittsburgh. ICMA President Lon Pluckhahn, former President Jeff Towery and former Executive Director Bob O'Neill were in attendance, along with Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke.

Dean Van Slyke receives a proclamation from ICMA's Lynn Phillips recognizing the school's commitment to educating local government officials.

The conference also presented Van Slyke with a resolution from ICMA recognizing the school's long-standing commitment to investing in the next generation of local government officials and strengthening democratic governance, with a particular focus on supporting veterans in the transition public service and global engagement activities.

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

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

“ICMA’s primary mission is to support the growth and development of officials committed to local government management,” 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 in increasing access and participation in the profession of local government management and administration – particularly for our U.S. veterans serving in the service, and to local government professionals worldwide.”

Daniel Nelson, director of accelerated learning and global engagement, will serve as a liaison between the university and ICMA. Nelson received a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Maxwell School in 2004 and leads state and local initiatives, often collaborating with ICMA on program and mentoring opportunities for students and alumni.

Originally founded in 1914, ICMA is the world's leading association of professional city and county managers and other staff working for local governments. With more than 13,000 members, ICMA provides professional development programs, education, data and information, technical assistance, networking opportunities and training to thousands of city, town and county officials, their employees and other organizations around the world. ICMA is based in Washington, DC and hosts an annual conference in a different city each year.

The Maxwell School has a long-standing partnership with ICMA; This includes sponsoring students to attend annual ICMA conferences, where students network with many state and local government staff. Since 2012, MPA students have led the Maxwell ICMA student group, which provides programs, information, fundraisers and activities on campus and in the local community and participates in the ICMA conference each year.

Story by Michael Kelly