Local government management is a vital aspect of democracy, ensuring communities thrive through ethical leadership, innovative solutions, and equitable policies. ICMA's Managing Local Government: Cases in Effectiveness, Second Edition, edited by Robert Blair and Kimberly L. Nelson, serves as a comprehensive resource of local government case studies for local government professionals, students, and educators.
Building on the popular first edition, the second edition provides all-new, real-world case studies that explore challenges and opportunities in local government management, offering actionable insights and strategies for effective governance.
"One of the goals was to have as many cases as possible coauthored by practitioners and academics," Blair and Nelson wrote. "The practitioners would provide the foundation for the case, and the academics would convert it to a learning exercise."
About the Authors and Contributors
Cases in Effectiveness features contributions from a diverse group of experts, including professors, researchers, managers, and consultants. Notable contributors include Devon B. Adams, Jason P. Armstrong, Meredith A. Newman, and Eric Zeemering, who bring expertise in areas such as policing, public personnel management, social equity, community engagement, and sustainability efforts. Their collective knowledge enriches the resource, making it invaluable for advancing local government management.
ICMA Code of Ethics: A Framework for Excellence
The ICMA Code of Ethics, adopted in 1924 and most recently amended in 2023, serves as the foundation for professional local government management. It outlines 12 tenets that guide members in their roles as trusted public servants, emphasizing principles such as ethical conduct, social responsibility, community engagement, political neutrality, and professional development. These tenets provide a roadmap for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance.
Key Themes and Case Studies
Cases in Effectiveness is divided into seven thematic parts, each addressing critical aspects of local government management, with three or four real-world, brand new local government case studies in each:
- Leadership and Governance: Explores relationships between city managers, elected officials, and staff, emphasizing trust, transparency, and collaboration.
"As the cases demonstrate, the CAO will often be in the middle of complications that arise in relationships among key officials," Blair and Nelson wrote.
- Ethics and Values: Focuses on balancing ethical considerations with practical management decisions, including cases on pensions and diversity efforts.
- Intergovernmental Relationships: Highlights collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors, addressing state mandates and cross-border issues.
- Public Health and Safety: Tackles crisis management and community trust through cases on police use of force and health department development.
- Budgeting and Finance: Provides insights into financial decision-making and prioritization, with cases on fiscal stress and capital budgeting.
- Community Futures: Examines strategies for addressing long-term challenges like homelessness, housing, and climate change.
"These can be the wicked issues. Planning for the future when there are so many problems today challenges local government administrators," Blair and Nelson wrote.
- Essential Services: Focuses on innovation and efficiency in service delivery, including cases on libraries and infrastructure.
Why This Resource Matters
Local governments are the backbone of communities, addressing critical issues such as public safety, infrastructure, and community development. This document equips leaders with tools to navigate complex challenges, make ethical decisions, and implement effective policies. It emphasizes the importance of ethics, equity, continuous improvement, community engagement, and leadership innovation in building resilient communities.
What Makes This Book Unique
- Real-World Scenarios: Brand new local government case studies based on actual events provide practical lessons.
- Diverse Topics: Covers a wide range of issues, from ethics to budgeting to public health.
- Practical Tools: Includes discussion questions and memo assignments for professional development.
- Expert Contributions: Written by seasoned professionals and academics, ensuring depth and credibility.
Who Should Read This Book
- Local Government Professionals: Enhance leadership and management skills.
- Students and Educators: Gain practical insights into public administration.
- Community Leaders: Understand the complexities of local governance and decision-making.
Explore the Full Version
Managing Local Government: Cases in Effectiveness is more than just a guide—it's a comprehensive resource for anyone committed to advancing local government management. With contributions from leading experts and detailed guidelines on ethical practices, this publication is a must-read for professionals, educators, and students alike.
Order in print or download the full digital version today to gain deeper insights into the principles and practices that shape effective local governance.
Visit ICMA's bookstore to access this and other valuable resources.
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
