Back in April 2023, James Freed and his attorneys were frustrated by the ICMA’s repeated efforts to stall and drag out the lawsuit. The ICMA refused to turn over evidence as required by law. The ICMA wanted to “run out the clock” as long as possible because they knew that they were playing from a…
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) regularly touts its “Code of Ethics” arguing that it is the “bedrock” of the profession. Some might argue that the ICMA has a somewhat haughty demeanor as the organization often gives off the vibe that it is the most ethical professional association in existence. The suggestion is that if…
In late 2018, Michigan city manager James Freed would express concerns about the social media activity of Martha Perego, then the Director of Member Services and Ethics for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). What followed over the next six years was Textbook 101 retaliation by Perego and her direct report, Jessica Cowles. He was…
In a shocking turn of events the ICMA Director of Advocacy, Jason Grant, signaled that the organization is ready to capitulate and settle the anti-defamation lawsuit filed against them by Michigan city manager James Freed. In an article published yesterday on the ICMA website, Grant continues the organization’s practice of gaslighting and lying to its…
A 20-page court filing released by Michigan city manager James Freed includes several bombshells and new pieces of information that have been previously unknown. It features testimony by ICMA staff members admitting they violated their organization’s own procedures. It also includes testimony by Jessica Cowles, the ethics advisor investigating Freed. On page 9 of the…
Throughout his legal battle with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Michigan city manager James Freed has been fairly tight-lipped with minimal public comments save for a lengthy podcast interview and a couple of news articles. Seemingly out of the blue, Freed released a statement yesterday afternoon with a couple of bombshells. He also attached…