Women Leading Government (WLG) chapters help women succeed in public service.  Coordinated and supported by ICMA, WLG chapters provide a platform for women in government to connect, network, and share best practices for leadership development. They offer professional development and training opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to resources to help women advance their careers and become effective leaders in government. Women Leading Government chapters are typically organized by state or region, and function as their own membership-based initiative usually under the umbrella of their ICMA state association.

History

In November 2006, a group of California leaders in government who shared a strong desire to continue to grow talent and encourage women to excel, joined together to form Women Leading Government (WLG). The initiative was created by the Cal-ICMA Preparing the Next Generation committee. Organized by female managers of California’s cities, counties, and special districts, WLG was designed to assist female managers in their career development. Their inclusive approach welcomed all people dedicated to public service as members and focused on the development of women leaders.  

In 2011, WLG approved an affiliation agreement with ICMA to strengthen mutual efforts in support of women in the profession. The agreement outlined the ties and collaborative relationship between WLG and ICMA. Through mutually aligned goals, both organizations partnered and collaborated to create even more opportunities to foster professional management in local government.

Based upon the success of California’s model, WLG chapters were soon replicated in states to recognize and celebrate the leadership roles that women play in city and county management. By providing holistic professional development, networking, and dynamic career-building opportunities, new WLG chapters quickly grew their membership and programming aimed at helping women realize their potential and to succeed in public service.

In less than 10 years, WLG chapters had formed in 16 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Each chapter is unique in their approach to organizing, whether existing under the umbrella of their state association or becoming their own nonprofit, as well as their programming and events. States like Virginia, Washington, Oregon, and Texas have created successful leadership institutes, and Arizona’s WLG annual women’s conference attracts over 500 registrants.

By 2023, Utah and Florida WLG chapters were created, for a total of 18 chapters in the US.

Today

ICMA continues to support WLG chapters and state-based women-focused initiatives, like the 16/50 Project in Michigan and the Illinois Legacy Project. Through the SheLeadsGov initiative, ICMA remains focused to mitigate the effects of gender bias in the profession and ensure that ICMA membership is inclusive and mirrors the diversity of the communities served.

ICMA coordinates quarterly SheLeadsGov Huddles, a virtual convening of WLG chapter and initiative leaders to network and learn from each other. It is a phenomenal resource for women who are interested in creating future WLG chapters.