Scholarship opportunities are currently Open

ICMA Annual Conference 2026 | Long Beach, CA

Apply Today

Cal-ICMA Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to a select few outstanding individuals from diverse communities and are aspiring to develop and grow in local government leadership. These scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity for recipients, who might otherwise face barriers, to participate in the ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference and the enriching ICMA Annual Conference, fostering inclusivity and promoting a broad spectrum of perspectives within the field.

Scholarships to | ICMA Annual 2026

Application Submissions Open

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 12:00pm Pacific Time

The Cal-ICMA Scholarship & Events Committee is pleased to share that four complimentary conference registration scholarships will be offered for selected awardees to attend the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA. ICMA will bring local government professionals together for unparalleled leadership and professional development, networking, and best-in-class programming that you won’t want to miss!

Please note that you must be an ICMA member in order to receive a scholarship. You also have the option to sign up as a member before you accept a scholarship offer. 

Pending Cal-ICMA Board of Director's FY 2026-2027 budget approval, the organization anticipates awarding the following 4 scholarships for the ICMA Annual Conference:

  • 1 Full Regular Scholarship: Free Conference Registration + $1,000 Travel Stipend 

  • 1 Full Veteran Scholarship: Free Conference Registration + $1,000 Travel Stipend

  • 2 Partial Regular Scholarships: Free Conference Registration + $500 Travel Stipend (each) 

    • *The travel stipend award will be provided on a reimbursable basis upon submittal of receipts for actual expenses paid. Receipts must be submitted to Cal-ICMA to receive reimbursement. The travel stipend does not cover conference registration fees. 

      Inquiries can be directed to the Cal-ICMA Scholarship and Events Chair-Elect, Alexander Fung, at afung@eastvaleca.gov. 

  • Selected winners will be required to:

    • Commit to attend the entire conference. 

    • Provide a letter of verification from a direct report/supervisor of your attendance (In the event that you're unable to attend, please notify the Cal-ICMA Scholarship and Events Committee at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the event date).

    • Post 3 social media posts during the event about their experience and tag/mention Cal-ICMA in their posts (@Cal_ICMA on LinkedIn / @Cal_ICMA on Twitter).

    • Attend the California Reception Mixer at the ICMA Annual Conference to receive recognition. 

    • Author a brief blog post for the Cal-ICMA Newsletter regarding the conference experience.

Apply Today

“Attending the 2023 ICMA Annual Conference in Austin, Texas offered me an extraordinary opportunity to meet local government leaders from across the country and around the world, and to witness the strength of solidarity and support throughout the profession.”

Claire Coleman, budget/financial services manager, City of El Cerrito, CA (2023 Awardee)

“It wasn't a particular session, speaker, or single moment that triggered this transformation. Instead, it was the cumulative effect of being surrounded by high-level professionals, engaging workshop sessions, motivational speakers, and the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone in an unfamiliar city.”

Traci Boyl, senior analyst, City Manager's Office, City of Ukiah, CA (2023 Awardee)

“I valued the candid conversations with peers about their strategies for achieving a better work-life balance. These honest and vulnerable insights empowered me to find an equilibrium between the joys found in both my professional and family life.”

Katrina Titus, senior management analyst, City of Ventura, CA (2023 Awardee)