City Management Dr Adnan A Alshiha Local Government

City Management Dr. Adnan A. Alshiha

Local Government: The Growing Challenges n Major expansion in the number and Varity of local government. n Overlapping boundaries n The forces of change produced demand to undertake more services. n Economic decline

Forces of Change A study conducted by: n International City Management Association (ICMA). n Title : The Essential Community : Local Government in year 2000.

Forces of Change Economic Change n Demographic change n Urban Change n Technological Change n Political Change n Ideological Change n

Economic Change n Higher energy Prices. n Resource scarcity. n Slower Economic Growth. n Slower government growth.

Demographic change n More retired people. n Fewer school children. n Smaller household. n Independence of women.

Urban Change n Population shift (development corridor). n Population movement from metro to rural region. n Decline in importance of central city. n Rise in importance of small commuinity

Technological Change n Communication Changes (TV). n Computers. n Automation. n High technology.

Political Change n Increase service demand. n Official Accountability. n Reduced central government spending. n Less central government intervention.

Ideological Change n Increase conservatism. n Quality of life concerns transcend Community growth

Strategies to enhance community within the context of forces of change Getting by modestly “doing more with less”. n Regulating the demand for goods and services. “What is enough": privatization), (Service charge). n Less dependence on central government. n Decentralizing government. n Altering the mix of government services n

The legal Aspect of local government n Local governments are governed by law. Such as their form of government, their authority, standards, liability. n Form of government: Mayor-council (weak or strong), Council-manager, and Commission form.

Local ordinance and resolution n Ordinance: permanent rules or laws for the community. n Resolution: are not laws but ministerial act of a special or temporary nature. n The valid enactment of ordinance or resolution requires adherence to specific procedure found in the statutes.

Metropolitan areas: problem and solution Regional problem may lead to: Inadequate local services or duplication of services. n Minimal intergovernmental cooperation. n Proliferation of local government n Poor land – use practice n Transportation and pollution problems n

Special district n Independent special – purpose unit of government with their own governing bodies. n Include: Water supply, sewage, seaport, and planning.

Liability of local officials and government Public officials can be sued. n Good intention may not be a defense. n Government can be sued. n