Citizens, nonprofit organizations and local public officials - in increasing numbers - are using the arts and culture as vehicles to improve their downtowns, as well as to enhance general economic conditions within their communities. Public officials especially are learning that they can plant the seeds of urban renewal and, at the same time, promote their city's culture and arts. This not only renews their neighborhoods and downtowns, but also attracts tourists and private investment. A new eclectic economic development model has evolved and is beginning to work in a number of politically,...

Cities and towns across the United States are making concerted efforts to restore nature and increase green space as a means of community renewal and downtown revitalization. For local government the goals are twofold: to provide an enhanced cityscape that brings residents back to the downtown to live, work and play; and to bring in tourists and further private investment. The result is revitalized areas that provide an enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This work brings together essays from more than 50 experts throughout the United States, providing a wide-ranging...

Although the phrase "homeland security" evokes images of cataclysmic terrorist attacks, and a massive web of government agencies, it also comprises the prevention, mitigation, response and recovery from any disaster, man-made or natural, from the grassroots level to the federal government. Since September 11, federal, state and local governments, national organizations, and citizens have undertaken many diverse initiatives to enhance American emergency preparation and response programs. This handbook collects essays documenting numerous best practices in homeland security from throughout the...

Towns and communities across America once revolved around their downtowns. Here people shopped, worked, relaxed, and worshipped. Changing needs and developments, however, resulted in their abandonment. Over the past decade, citizens have begun to seek ways to rejuvenate their main streets. While these efforts have experienced varying levels of success, this handbook presents many of the more successful programs, providing practical and proven "how-to" insights for those communities seeking similar results for their downtowns. The articles collected here provide an introduction to the downtown...

Traditional local election methods--district, at-large, and hybrid approaches--are changing. There is a movement toward election reform. The purpose of Local Government Elections is to sort through and make sense of the various, sometimes complex, election system options at the local level. The book provides an introduction to local election practices and a review of traditional election methods. Also addressed are the issues, potential solutions, future trends and implications regarding local government elections. In addition, two appendices detail the National Civic League's...

Americans for years have treated the automobile as a form of freedom. People can now live in the country and work in the city. Suburbia and shopping malls were made possible by the automobile. And none of this would have been possible without huge legal and financial commitments made by all levels of government to expand America's interstate freeway systems, regional highways, expressways, arterials, commercial avenues, and residential streets. Our society now has a number of significant diseconomies associated with the individual use of the automobile. Traffic congestion and pollution in...

This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the various forms of government below the state level now in use in the United States of America. It sorts through the traditional commission, mayor-council, strong mayor, and council-manager models for counties, cities, townships and school districts. The book also treats those entities that transcend the traditional boundaries of cities and counties, including the evolving residential community associations and regional government structures. Further examination is given to sub-metropolitan districts such as municipalities and boroughs. A...

This work describes the operations of a typical municipal government and examines the many productivity trends that are occurring in city halls across America. Much of the focus is on the increasing need for planning in city government to ensure that productivity goals are met. It thoroughly examines the roles of the council, manager, and clerk in promoting increased productivity. It then looks at such municipal departments as legal, finance, fire, human services, library, police and public works, demonstrating proven techniques and structures in each that improve service. Instructors...

During the past two decades, many countries in the world have peacefully undergone a transition to more popular forms of self-governance. The United States represents the world model for evolving forms of democracy. This volume details how government currently works in America. Forty essays examine the condition of all five levels of government in America?city, county, regional, state, and federal. They describe and examine the structures, operations and services provided by each level, as well as how they are financed.

This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the rebuilding of America's urban areas. Beginning with an introduction into the condition of our nation's metropolitan cities and their urban problems, as they exist today, the book also discusses some 14 different practical tools available for public officials to use for inner city renewal. Sixteen case studies have been included to show real-life examples of the efforts of public officials to revitalize their inner city commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. This valuable tool for city planners, business people, and private...