The task of maintaining ethical leadership while avoiding partisanship has never been more critical. Local government organizations are challenged to support a balance that inspires trust, fosters transparency, and upholds the principles of democracy while embracing their roles as guardians of integrity and inclusivity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify key ethical challenges local government managers face in maintaining political neutrality and describe strategies for navigating partisan pressures while upholding professional integrity.
2. Understand best practices for fostering transparency and trust within their organizations and communities, drawing on real-world examples shared by experienced ICMA members.
3. Increase your knowledge of existing resources such as the ICMA Declaration of Ideals, the ICMA Constitution and the ICMA Code of Ethics.  
   

SPEAKERS:

1. Pamela Davis, assistant city manager, Boulder, Colorado
2. Michelle L. Ferguson, executive vice president, Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. and former assistant county manager, Arlington, Virginia
3. Michael S. Land, city manager, Coppell, Texas