The International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) student chapter met recently to discuss the plans for developing the organization for future semesters. The organization hopes to have a strong semester this Spring, with aspirations of growing student membership and participating in ICMA events. The organization hopes to create a platform that supports students whom are seeking a career in municipal government. Additionally, the organization hopes to create a network of students in Public Administration at the graduate level and introduce undergraduates to the benefits of the organization and the opportunities associated with participating in professional networks.
On March 10th2019 the student chapter of ICMA attended a reception for South by Southwest (SXSW). The reception began with a private after-hours tour of Austin’s new downtown library. The tour was an informative and inspiring look at how public facilities like libraries can contribute to the sense of space downtown and how public structures can utilize cutting edge architecture and sustainable designs to construct “buildings of the future.” After the tour, Texas State ICMA students walked to Austin City Hall where the city manager’s office was having a reception for the ICMA organization and which gave students the opportunity to meet and interact with public administration professionals and other student chapters. The event gave students a chance to meet face-to-face with professionals at the highest levels of municipal government.
Samantha Martinez, an MPA student and ICMA student chapter member, described the event as “a wonderful experience. . . . I truly enjoyed engaging with the ICMA leaders and other ICMA students from around the country at the Austin city manager’s reception afterwards. Everyone was insightful and inspiring to hear from.”
