City County Manager Symposium

Applications are now open for the 2025 NFBPA City/County Manager Symposium, taking place December 9-12 at the University of Georgia’s Georgia Center Conference Hotel. This highly competitive leadership program—hosted by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators in partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government—brings together top executives from across the country for hands-on training, peer collaboration, and transformative dialogue. Attendees will strengthen leadership agility, enhance team performance in hybrid work environments, and build lasting networks rooted in cognitive diversity and problem-solving excellence. Tailored for City and County Managers, CAOs, COOs, and other senior public leaders, this symposium also qualifies for the ICMA Credentialed Manager Program. Don’t miss your chance to join a distinguished cohort shaping the future of public service. Apply by September 30, 2025.

Emerge: Public Service Reimagined for a New Era

FORUM 2026: Grounded In Greatness

Grounded in Greatness As we gather in the historic city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from March 7–12, 2026, under the theme “Grounded in Greatness,” we celebrate the enduring values that define great leadership and strong communities. Philadelphia—rich in history, culture, and civic spirit—provides the perfect backdrop for a conference that honors our roots while charting the course ahead. This year’s FORUM invites us to reflect on the legacy of service, the strength of community, and the resilience that grounds us. It is a space to explore how deeply held values, bold vision, and collaborative leadership can drive meaningful progress in a rapidly evolving world. In a time when public service is both deeply challenging and profoundly important, FORUM 2026 will equip attendees with the tools, strategies, and networks needed to lead with purpose. From shaping policy to launching new initiatives, every action we take contributes to a future built on intentionality, strength, and service. The National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) remains committed to elevating leadership in public service and empowering professionals across the country with the insight and support to make lasting impact. FORUM 2026 continues this mission—bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners to inspire action, strengthen communities, and drive professional excellence.