The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) recently held their 2025 Annual Conference in Tampa.  Over 5300 local government leaders from around the globe attended this exceptional event including keynote addresses, educational sessions, workshops, and field demonstrations.  Numerous officials from the Ridge League attended some, or all five transformative days at the Tampa Convention Center.  Prior to the conference, the City of Lakeland hosted a managers group from Australia and the City of Auburndale participated in an Assistant’s Exchange for deputy and assistant managers.

Ridge League Executive Director Bobby Green served on the Conference Planning Committee that successfully brought the event to the Tampa Bay area.  Hillsborough County Chief Human Services Administrator Carl Harness and Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton served as co-chairs.  Several Ridge League cities including Lake Alfred, Winter Haven, Auburndale, and Lakeland provided staff assistance to the host committee during day two of the event.  In addition, these employees were also able to attend an educational session and visit the exhibition hall.

It has been over thirty years since the last ICMA Conference was held in Florida.  The 2026 Annual Conference will be in Long Beach, California.