Full Description
City governments are going bankrupt. Even the ones that aren't are often stuck in financial chaos. It is easy to blame pensions, poor leadership, or a bad economy. But the problems go much deeper. With decades of experience in local government, author Mark Moses showcases the inside world of the city decision-making process that has spawned these crises. It becomes clear: City governments are maxing out their budgets because they are trying to maximize services. This book, likely the most ambitious attempt by someone who has worked in government to radically examine the delivery of municipal services since 'Reinventing Government' was published more than 25 years ago, explores why city governments pursue an open-ended mission and why bailouts and trendy budgeting processes will be, at best, only temporary solutions. Of interest to current and future city council members, regional and state government officials, those covering city government, financial analysts, city management, and individuals and organizations interested in influencing city policy, this book argues that cities won't thrive until city hall is disrupted.
Contents
Chapter 1 : Train Wreck Spotting (The Municipal Financial Crisis Is Here).- Chapter 2: Inside City Budgeting.- Chapter 3: What City Government Does and What City Government Is.- Chapter 4: Why City Council Decisions Go Wrong.- Chapter 5: Failed Financial Analysis.- Chapter 6: Budget Non-Solutions (Why Conventional Budget Solutions Fail).- Chapter 7: More Non-Solutions (Further Misguided Attempts to Achieve Financial Stability).- Chapter 8: Zero based Activity Scoping (A New Solution).- Chapter 9: Whither City Government.
