ARC is committed to helping member communities implement process improvement ideas, develop performance measurement processes to drive quantifiable improvements and utilize benchmark comparisons and efficiency assessments in order to create a government capable of adapting to the current fiscal climate.

Sample Ordinances and Documents

• City of Roswell Sample Budget Review Forms - exerpts of the Budget Review documents the City of Roswell put in place to facilitate budget decisions.  Includes a "Stop Doing" list, as well as selection criteria linking budget requests to strategic goals (pdf)
• Self Assessment Tool (PDF) Gives local governments a better understanding of their effectiveness in providing services at a cost-effective level.
• Performance Scorecard (PDF) See an innovative approach administrators from Vancouver WA used to measure and improve their city.
• Low Cost Citizen Satisfaction Survey (PDF) Efficiently measure resident priorities and satisfaction levels in order to assess services, improve performance, and build public trust.

Innovative Practices

• City of Duluth's Citizen's Budget Committee - an overview of the City of Duluth's approach to involving citizens in tough budget decisions (pdf)
• Energy Savings  (web) Perform an energy audit through Georgia Power to identify cost-saving opportunities while reducing pollution.
• Fiscal First Aid Toolkit  (web) When afflicted with financial distress, public managers first need to stabilize the ailing government. “Fiscal first aid” techniques can be used to stop the bleeding and provide immediate relief.
• GMA Budgeting Guide  (web) This publication has been prepared for municipal officials as a practical guide to the budget process.
• Local Government Efficiency (PDF) Article: Effective and cost-efficient delivery of government services is something that should be expected at all times.
• Local Economies Seek Own Revival (PDF) Article: Cities, counties and states across the nation are launching home-grown economic-stimulus plans aimed at spurring local spending and keeping small businesses afloat during the recession.
• Performance Measurement and Organizational Effectiveness (PDF) Presentation by Larry W. Maholland - ICMA Center for Performance Measurement
• Navigating Fiscal Crisis (PDF) A White Paper prepared for the International City/County Management Association by the Alliance for Innovation
• Long-Range Financial Plan (PDF) Provides insight into the future scenarios facing local government in order to develop long-range solutions.
• Performance Management  (web) An excellent book on improving local government effectiveness is offered by the ICMA. Contact Kellie Brownlow for information on purchasing the book at a discounted rate.