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Subjects › Management › Best Practices in Local Government
Updated 09/2011

Best Practices in Local Government

Contents

Introduction

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 Practices - 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.

Awards Programs

  • AWC Municipal Excellence Awards - The Association of Washington Cities Municipal Excellence Awards promote and recognize innovative and effective city government programs that significantly improve the quality of life in local communities. Includes project summary and contact information.
  • The Governor's Smart Communities Awards - Outstanding efforts of local communities and their partners is occuring throughout Washington State to create quality communities and this page highlights those successes.
  • Annual Awards for Excellence in Planning - American Planning Association - Washington Chapter:
  • Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2040 Awards - Each year the Puget Sound Regional Council honors outstanding real-life examples of how the region is achieving our ambitious vision for growing wisely and creating great quality of life in all the region’s communities. See the 1996 - 2011 Winners.
  • Awards for Municipal Excellence - The National League of Cities Awards for Municipal Excellence identify and showcase outstanding city and town programs that improve the quality of life in America's communities. Winners of this award exemplify excellence in city governance, best practices in municipal policy, and established model programs that improve the lives of their citizens.
  • Innovations in American Government - the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation in Harvard's Kennedy School is a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector. Through its annual awards competition, the Program provides concrete evidence that government can work to improve the quality of life for citizens and that it deserves greater public trust.
  • NACo Achievement Award Program - The National Association of Counties Achievement Award Program is a non-competitive awards program that recognizes innovative county government programs. Awards are given in a number of program categories such as arts and historic preservation, children and youth, community and economic development, jails-corrections, county administration, emergency management, environmental protection, health, human services, libraries, parks and recreation, transportation and volunteers.
  • America's Crown Communities 2010 - Awards for America's Crown Communities are presented annually by American City & County to recognize local government projects that are unique, cost-effective and have a short- and long-term impact on the community.