In the above referenced article, John Nalbandian, Professor at the University of Kansas’ Department of Public Administration, discusses the “two overarching global trends” before the public administrator: administrative modernization and the search for identity. Administrative modernization can most easily be interpreted as improving the processes of government and delivering enhanced service to customers. The search for identity is simple – citizens want to know they matter, that their voice is part of community, that their input and interaction is valued. The future of public service in local government must include actions and efforts in each of these areas.

Sarasota County’s 2010 TLG case study centers on three recently completed community-centric efforts that sought open ended and broad based input and interactions with citizens. These projects were initiated as important investments in community ownership and understanding.

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