Historically, public sector agencies have operated on a fairly standard model, one that relies primarily on in-house staff providing a traditional range of services (which varies based on the governmental unit), supported by a steady stream of tax revenue and various fees. In recent years, however, many communities have begun to question this approach, as it is becoming clear that simply increasing property and sales taxes to generate additional revenue is not politically tolerable – or necessarily sustainable -- and may not be relied upon to support the growing cost of government.

This case study was submitted to the Alliance for Innovation for consideration at the 2010 Transforming Local Government Conference.