Women Leading Government (WLG) chapters help women succeed in public service by providing a platform for them to connect, network, and share best practices. WLG chapters offer professional development and training opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to resources to help women advance their careers and become effective leaders in local government. WLG chapters are typically organized by state or region, and function as their own membership-based initiatives. ICMA serves as a convenor and connector but does not oversee or manage the day-to-day operations of chapters.

History

In November 2006, a group of Cal-ICMA members recognized the need to grow talent and encourage women to excel. They joined together to form Women Leading Government (WLG). Organized by female managers of California’s cities, counties, and special districts, WLG was designed to assist female managers in their career development. Cal-ICMA's inclusive approach welcomed all people dedicated to public service and focused on the development of women leaders.  

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Based upon the success of California’s model, WLG chapters were soon replicated in other states in order to recognize and enhance the leadership roles that women hold 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 to succeed in public service.

By 2016, WLG chapters had formed in 16 states including: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Each chapter is unique in its organizational approach, whether existing under the umbrella of a state association or existing as a standalone nonprofit. WLG chapters vary in the amount and type of programming and events they offer. States like Virginia, Washington, Oregon, and Texas have created successful leadership institutes, and Arizona’s WLG annual women’s conference attracts over 500 registrants. WLG Chapters continue to form today as the network grows and takes shape.

Today

ICMA, through its SheLeadsGov initiative, complements the work of WLG chapters and other state-based women-focused leadership initiatives by providing mentorship and networking opportunities for women in local government, attracting women to local government leadership and supporting women in leadership roles, providing leadership opportunities for women to create a pipeline to ICMA leadership roles, supporting members in identifying and addressing gender disparities in local government, and guiding  best in class gender-balance initiatives that produce information, resources, and programs to support women in the profession.

To learn more about ICMA’s SheLeadsGov programming, visit the ICMA events page and follow the ICMA SheLeadsGov LinkedIn for regular updates.

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