The United States federal government is the oldest in existence and stands as the chief democratic model in the world. However, the exact workings of the various levels of the United States government are a mystery to many. Because the basis for each level's operations is the charter that formed it, this volume uses model charters to provide a straightforward explanation of why American governments work. Each chapter covers a different level of government (city, county, regional, state, and federal) and begins with information regarding that government's history, future, types and...

The first section of this volume provides the reader with a comprehensive introduction and overview to the field of regional government in general, and of recent regional government innovations throughout the nation in particular. The second section provides 25 case studies that examine outstanding examples of public and nonprofit initiatives and programs that promote regional government throughout America. The final section studies current trends in regional governance, the evolving role of regional councils, and the regional challenges posed by increased global competition. A directory of...

Local officials are making investment decisions to enhance the quality of life in their communities and to improve economic development conditions. These new programs are not municipal give-aways, or, as some call them, corporate welfare programs, but efforts to invest wisely in downtown areas and neighborhoods with the goal of revitalizing them. This work presents case studies from Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Berkeley, Boulder, Cambridge, Charleston, Chattanooga, Chesterfield County, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, DuPont, Grand Forks, Hampton, Hartford, Hayward, Houston, Kansas City, Lake...

This reference work covers the rapidly evolving field of "cities and growth"; provides the framework and background for the emergence of best growth management practices in Americas cities in recent years; includes numerous case studies, or best practices available for reference; focuses on the future of planning practices; and examines future trends, societal changes, urban growth patterns, cities and their infrastructure, and cities and their environment.

The 31 articles in this book discuss the pros and cons of privatization of public services. Examined are the need for alternative service delivery; the process of privatization; concrete examples of privatizing services generic to local governments; precautions; and the future of privatization.

Since the late 1970s, Congressional legislation has prompted officials to develop inducements to entice new businesses to their communities. These economic development incentives often include land subsidies, low interest financing, flexible zoning laws and infrastructure improvements. The 37 articles in this work, written by some of the leading experts in the field, examine all aspects of economic development, including a general introduction and information on how to staff various economic development organizations. The application of public-private partnerships is covered in depth,...

This volume documents the growing trend for cities and towns throughout America to use museums and libraries as vehicles for economic development.

Timely [and] accessible for readers interested in local government--Booklist/RBB. Youd think strategic planning would be obvious. These 24 articles examine sound (proven) public sector strategic planning theories. They demonstrate the different kinds of planning used in 16 successful governments, and provide assessments of the future of this important tool.

Droughts, global warming and rising infrastructure costs have brought new attention to water as both an urban planning and an environmental issue. This volume presents many best-practice case studies to show how cities and towns throughout the United States are restoring their wetlands, watersheds, rivers, beaches, and harbors even as rapid urbanization has put more stress on water supplies. These collected accounts are designed to educate citizens and public officials about water-related issues and future concerns. Regional and national resource directories are included.

Roger L. Kemp examines how local governments and organizations are revitalizing their communities through multi-use stadiums and arenas which provide the best inner-city venues for sports entertainment, cultural events, and business expositions.