Syracuse Sun

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs has solidified its partnership with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) through a formal agreement. This collaboration, detailed in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in May, was celebrated at ICMA's annual conference in Pittsburgh from September 21-25. Key attendees included ICMA President Lon Pluckhahn, past President Jeff Towery, past Executive Director Bob O’Neill, and Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke.

Dean Van Slyke received recognition from ICMA’s Lynn Phillips for the school's dedication to training public servants in local government. He was also presented with a resolution acknowledging the school's efforts to support veterans transitioning into public service and enhance global engagement activities.

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

The MOU outlines plans for workshops and training activities supporting local governments worldwide. It will also connect veteran personnel interested in local government with courses at Maxwell through ICMA’s Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship.

“ICMA’s core mission is to support the growth and development of public servants who are committed to local government administration,” stated 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 to increase access and participation in the profession of local government management and administration—especially for our U.S. veteran service population, and local government professionals globally.”

Daniel Nelson will act as a liaison between the University and ICMA. An alumnus with a master of public administration degree from Maxwell School obtained in 2004, Nelson leads initiatives related to state and local programs while collaborating frequently with ICMA.

Founded in 1914, ICMA is renowned as an association representing professional city managers globally. With over 13,000 members based out of Washington D.C., it provides education, networking opportunities, technical assistance among other services annually across various locations.

Maxwell School's longstanding partnership includes sponsoring students attending these conferences where they engage actively within sectors relevant towards their future careers since establishing its own student chapter back around early 2010s till present day which facilitates numerous campus-based engagements involving fundraising efforts too alongside participating regularly each year during such events nationwide underlining importance placed upon nurturing next generation talent pool involved therein ever since inception thereof almost decade ago already now being further bolstered anew thanks latest developments arising thereof today indeed!