As the U.S. economy maintains its generally slow growth rate, local government leaders have begun exploring new ways to deliver services.  Fiscal constraints are part of the norm for most local governments, requiring leaders to consider how they can contain costs, create new economies of scale, and expand services without breaking the budget.

In the public health arena, many new models for sharing administrative services – for example, billing and invoicing, communications, and other back-office functions -- have emerged producing positive results.  ICMA, working with the Center for Sharing Public Health Services at the Kansas Health Institute, undertook the National Study of Public Health Shared Administrative Services  with financial support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

The results of a national survey provided a picture of how local governments are tackling this issue, and three in-depth case studies showcase different models local governments have adopted for sharing administrative services.  To learn more, click here.