1 The profession of local government manager: evolution and leadership styles / Raymond W. Cox III
The profession of local government management
2 Achieving effective community leadership / James H. Svara
Appropriateness of community leadership by local government managers
Community-leadership aspects of local government management
Changes in the political context of community leadership
Sizing up one’s own community-leadership style
Understanding community dynamics
Identifying the actors in community politics
Behavioral components of effective community leadership
3 Enhancing the governing body’s effectiveness / Craig M. Wheeland
The professional manager’s responsibilities toward the governing body
Strengthen policy-making capabilities
Maintain a good work environment
Understand the governing body’s incentives
Understand and resolve conflict
4 Promoting the community’s future / Martin Vanacour
The expanding role of the manager
The changing scene in local government
The planning function and community strategic planning
The intersection of growth management, smart growth, and economic development
Community-building with citizens
Developing a positive legacy for the community
5 Essential management practices / Mary Ellen Guy, William Earle Klay, and David Coursey
The human resource management function
Budgeting and managing financial resources
Managing information technology resources
6 Policy implementation, productivity, and program evaluation / Joseph Cayer and Ronald W. Perry
Agenda setting and policy formulation
7 Relating to other organizations / Michael McGuire
The transformation of local government
8 Leading a manager’s life / William H. Hansell
The work and life of a manager
Appendix A ICMA code of ethics with guidelines
Appendix B Practices for effective local government management
Appendix C Declaration of ideals
Appendix D Promoting Professional Local Government Management
Appendix E Perspectives on Professional Local Government Administration for Mexico
Appendix F Local Government Management
Appendix G Professional Local Government Management: The Benefits to Your Municipality