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SUBJECTS › MANAGEMENT › Best Practices in Local Government
Updated 12/09

Best Practices in Local Government

Contents

Introduction/Overview

This page contains a collection of information relating to best practices in local government programs and management. A number of organizations have made special efforts to identify and collect information about successful local government programs and management practices. This page also contains links to several local government awards programs, which are an excellent source for best practices information. Share your best practices program information and links - Contact Byron Katsuyama, Public Policy Consultant, MRSC.

Best Practices Databases and Collections

  • National League of Cities City Practice Resources - When your city is seeking solutions, avoid reinventing the wheel by using the City Practice Resources compiled by the staff of the National League of Cities. All of these resources describe successful efforts of cities of all sizes around the U.S. 
  • Government Innovator's Network - This dynamic portal produced by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government brings you timely examples of government innovation.
  • 2008 City Innovations Showcase - Initiated by the Florida League of Cities’ the Showcase highlights the “good things” that Florida’s cities are doing and provides a resource base of innovative ideas that encourages peer sharing.  
  • Best Practices of City Governments - U.S. Conference of Mayors. Includes a searchable database.
  • Model County Programs - The National Association of Counties highlight's a number of model programs identified through their annual achievement awards program that represent innovative and creative solutions to the problems local governments face. Includes a Model County Program Database searchable by year, state and program category.
  • Best Practices Reviews of Local Government - Office of the Legislative Auditor, State of Minnesota. The legislative auditor has responsibility to conduct "best practices reviews" of local government services in Minnesota. Includes best practices reviews of local government services on Snow and Ice Control, State Employee Training, Property Assessment, Non-Felony Prosecution, 9-1-1 Dispatching, Fire Services, and Preventive Maintenance for Local Government Buildings.
  • "Solutions for America: What's Already Out There," The Pew Partnership for Civic Change, 2002 - Profiles successful programs across the country, focusing on initiatives for young people, local economies, families, neighborhoods and collaborative change. Examples range from a downtown revitalization in Boston to an after-school program in Big Ugly Creek, West Virginia.
  • The National Governor's Association Center for Best Practices - The mission of the NGA Center for Best Practices is to help Governors and their key policy staff develop and implement innovative solutions to governance and policy challenges facing them in their states.
  • Council for Excellence in Government - The Council works to improve the citizen confidence and participation in government.

Awards Programs