Joint Public Services
Joint Public Services (JPS) is a SEMCOG resource to help local governments and school districts work together to achieve a higher level of efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings. These issues are particularly important at a time of fiscal constraints. JPS also includes public/private partnerships where local governments and school districts partner with the private sector on projects that impact the quality of life in the community and region.
SEMCOG has developed numerous resources for communities interested in pursuing a collaborative venture.
The JPS Toolbox
For local governments, JPS is an opportunity to improve governmental efficiency, but it may not be appropriate in every circumstance. There are many benefits, but also challenges. Some of them are listed below.
Benefits of JPS
- Improve efficiency and/or effectiveness of public services.
- Increased cooperation between neighbors.
- Laying the groundwork for future cooperation and long-term relations.
- Make possible regional and sub-regional scale projects.
- Reduced duplication.
- Cost savings.
Challenges of JPS
JPS is not an easy solution to local fiscal issues. There are many challenges to intergovernmental cooperation or public/private partnerships, but most of these can be overcome with:
- Visionary leadership
- Supportive environment
- Effective communication
- Appropriate process and structure
- The right membership
- Leadership and resources
- Clear shared purpose
SEMCOG continues to support and promote JPS projects in the region to increase awareness of cooperative methods that will improve quality of life and conserve limited public funds. SEMCOG is also working with many partner organizations on research on intergovernmental cooperation.
For more information on SEMCOG’s efforts in JPS contact Naheed Huq.