It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Budget Season! For communities operating on a July 1 fiscal year, March Madness means more than just college basketball. Spring is the time for many municipalities to forecast their resources for the coming year, prioritize new initiatives, and ensure they are following through on existing obligations. It’s…

Life, Well Run is pleased to announce the 2017 Community Heroes who were nominated by their jurisdictions for modeling dedication to local government and serving residents. Life, Well Run received a wonderful response to the call for Community Hero nominations that began in November 2016 with the support of ICMA-RC.  Managers sent in descriptions of their…

Teaneck, New Jersey<br />As the U.S. population ages, most communities will wrestle with a variety of issues related to elderly residents. Top of mind would be emergency services, transportation, engagement and activities, and appropriate housing. Teaneck, N.J.  (pop.40,000), is getting ahead of the curve with a program called Age-Friendly Teaneck.  The planning phase of the program began in…

Professional local government management—through which elected officials hire a highly trained, nonpolitical chief executive to oversee the day-to-day operations of a community—makes a significant difference in that jurisdiction’s creditworthiness, efficiency, and ability to build community, according to a recent review conducted by ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. ` A review of Moody’s Aaa-rated local…

McCordsville, Indiana<br />When a town manager is engaged and monitoring events that can affect her jurisdiction, changes can be managed with little disruption or opposition. This is evidenced by the successful annexation of about 1,000 acres of land and five miles of road by McCordsville, Indiana, that helped the mostly residential community respond to and prepare…