PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

City Managers Past and Present

Early City Managers were recruited from the ranks of civil engineers engaged in the development of the country’s infrastructure, building bridges, highways, dams and aqueducts. The skills required to execute large scale projects, navigate government procedure and manage sizeable groups of personnel translated well to the position of City Manager.

Today’s City Managers generally hold undergraduate degrees in business, political science, and or public administration. An increasing number also hold master’s degrees in business or public administration.

International Standards

To help establish industry standards, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) was founded in 1914. City Managers around the world can participate in the ICMA’s Voluntary Credentialing Program, to be officially recognized through a peer review credentialing process. In doing so, City Managers agree to adhere to the non-profit organization’s Code of Ethics which is enforced by a Committee on Professional Conduct.