Trends to Watch in 2010

This article gives an overview of the economic downturn and how the financial picture is affecting local governments. It looks at promising local government initiatives to enhance retirement security and improve health care while controlling costs during a time when employee compensation and benefit packages are under increasing scrutiny. Complicating the situation is that the public sector expects many seasoned managers to retire soon, and replacing them will be a challenge.
Elizabeth Kellar, Joshua Franzel, Danielle Miller Wagner, and Joan McCallen, Washington D.C. Read article

From Textile to Biotech *

One community’s approach to economic diversification.
Mike Legg, Kannapolis, North Carolina. Read article

More Thoughts on Charter Reform

James H. Svara, Phoenix, Arizona. Read article

PM’s Website This Month Features These Exclusive Articles:

Community Engagement Comes to Mean a Commitment New!

David Waffle, Claudia María Vargas, Phillip Cooper, and Dick Reynolds. Read article

De-Termination Continues

In the December 2009 issue of PM, readers shared their encounters with employment terminations in “Tales of De-Termination.” They were prompted by the magazine’s call for stories in the September article, “Causes of Manager Turnover,” by James Thurmond. Replies received more recently and included in this article validate Thurmond’s 20 turnover factors. Read article

A Proactive Approach to Policing Liquor Establishments

The local government administration that creates a proactive strategy for partnering with bars and taverns before problems occur will save money and time and will be more successful in having sustainable and quality businesses in the community.
John Gray, Marysville,Washington. Read article

Ethics

Encores, Fans, and Futures

Career Course *

Tell Me about Yourself

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Innovation Edge *

Fire Safety Retooling

Balancing Act

Derailed Emotions

Management Minute *

An Unconventional Fire Station

Healthy Communities

Fitness with Partnerships

Short Story *

Local Government: Where Volunteers Make Big Decisions

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