Local Government Effectiveness and Collaboration
For many citizens, the quality of local government services is what defines a community. While certain services such as public safety and recreation programs are very visible, many functions of government are not evident to the public. SEMCOG can assist member local governments achieve a higher level of efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings. These issues are particularly important during this time of fiscal constraint.
Currently, SEMCOG is developing a searchable database of succesfully implemented efficiency and collaboration ideas and best practices. This database is being developed for use by SEMCOG members to drive improvements in their local government. In addition, the following resources are provided:
Efficiency Improvement Processes
- Self Assessment Tool - Gives local governments a better understanding of their effectiveness in providing timely services at a cost effective level.
- Long-Range Financial Plan (coming soon) - Provides insight into the future scenarios facing local government in order to develop long-range solutions.
- Efficiency Ideas - Successfully implemented "ideas" provide the driving force behind improvements in local government efficiency.
- Benchmark Data - Compare your local government to others within the SEMCOG region and across the country.
- Performance Measurements - See an excellent Performance Management approach from Vancouver, WA.
- Revenue Producing/Cost Reduction Checklist - The local accounting firm of Plante & Moran has developed a revenue producing and cost cutting checklist.
Joint Public Services (JPS) Collaboration Tools
SEMCOG University scheduled for September 10
Local government leaders can learn more about improving efficiencies at a SEMCOG University workshop - Improving Local Government Efficiency: What local governments can do to reduce costs without cutting services - scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2008, from 9 a.m.-noon at SEMCOG. With revenues dropping, learn how local governments can identify and implement efficiency improvements to avoid tapping fund balances, incurring debt, increasing taxes, or reducing services. Watch for more information as the agenda for this workshop is developed.
For more information, contact:
Dave Boerger
SEMCOG Consultant
Improving Local Government Effectiveness
Office: 313-324-3427
E-mail: boerger@semcog.org
Dave's focus at SEMCOG is to provide consulting and training assistance to member local governments within the seven counties of Southeast Michigan as they attempt to improve service effectiveness, operating efficiencies, and intergovernmental cooperation. Such efforts will help mitigate the need to cut services, tap fund balances, incur debt, or raise tax rates.