Managing Local Government

Kimberly L. Nelson is associate professor of public administration and government at the School of Government at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, following six years in the Division of Public Administration at Northern Illinois University. Her research and teaching interests focus on local government management, local government form and structure, and innovation in local government. Her research on the effects of form of government on municipal performance and innovation have been published in leading journals including The American Review of Public Administration, Urban Affairs Review, and State and Local Government Review. She is also the author of book chapters and a regular presenter and participant at the conferences of the International City/County Management Association and the American Society for Public Administration. Dr. Nelson uses her research experience to inform her client work with local governments in strategic planning and improving local government-administrative relations, as well as to train local government leaders in promoting innovative practices. She received her Ph.D. in public administration from North Carolina State University.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1: Leading Local Governments in a Dynamic World of Complexity and Ambiguity Modern Metropolitan Complexity The Contemporary Context: Continuity and Change The Intergovernmental Landscape: Whos in Charge? Managing Challenges: Critical Competencies for Closing the Gap References Chapter 2: U.S. Local Governments in Historical Context Early Development of American Cities: 1700-1900 Urban Population Growth The Progressive Era Urban Service Delivery Improvements Post-Progressive Era Metropolitan Development Looking Forward References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 3: Types, Functions, and Authority of U.S. Local Governments U.S. Local Government Authority Local Government Types and Distribution Regional Models of Local Government Structure Local Forms of Government References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 4: Working across Boundaries Stressed Local Structure Reform Perspectives Snow White and the 17 Dwarfs State Restructuring Incentives Regional Cooperation: Looking Forward References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 5: Roles and Relationships Roles and Responsibilities in Local Government The Chief Administrative Officer versus the Manager Policy versus Administration The Local Government Manager as Organizational Leader Building a Leadership Team References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 6: Accountability and Ethics in Local Government State Government Oversight Ensuring Accountability in Local Government Ethics and the Profession of the Local Government Manager Conclusion References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 7: Enhancing Council-Manager Effectiveness Local Government Manager Characteristics Working as a Local Government Manager The Managers Facilitating Role Mutual Expectations Recognizing and Dealing with Problems in the Governing Body References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 8: Engaging the Public Why Engage the Public? History of U.S. Public Engagement Objectives of Public Participation Engagement Challenges From Participation to Power Virtual Public Engagement Making Engagement Work References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 9: Local Government Service Delivery In-House vs. Alternative Service Delivery Government-to-Government Approaches Public-Private Partnerships Other Alternative Service Delivery Tools Key Questions References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 10: Administering the Local Government Organization Building Organizational Capacity The Managers Toolbox The Journey from Planning and Measurement to Management Using the Tools as Manager References Resource List/To Explore Further Chapter 11: Emerging Issues and Management Challenges Facing Local Governments Wicked Problems Revisited Current and Emerging Issues for Local Governments Tackling Wicked Problems Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways References Resource List/To Explore Further Note Appendix: International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Code of Ethics with Guidelines

Nelson and Stenberg have crafted an accessible, quality resource that is both sound and real-world in its delivery. -- Michael R. Hattery * Review *

Having taught local governance for 15 years, I was pleased when this book was first published. It is so difficult to find good resources that arent also covering state government. I especially appreciate the inclusion of role and purpose of citizen engagement as a fundamental addition to political and administrative functions. -- Margaret Stout * Review *

This text provides students with much of the classic and recent research on local government management in a condensed and easily readable format appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate students. -- Samuel B. Stone * Review *