Local Government EfficiencyCreating a more efficient local government

SEMCOG is committed to improving governmental efficiency. Difficult financial times have made local government efficiency an urgent necessity that requires a methodical approach. SEMCOG members can request one-on-one consultation related to cutting costs and increasing efficiency in service delivery.

Efficiency Improvement Resources  

• Self Assessment Tool — Gives local governments a better understanding of their effectiveness in providing services at a cost-effective level.
• Long-Range Financial Plan — Provides insight into the future scenarios facing local government in order to develop long-range solutions.
• Benchmark Data — Compare your local government to others within the SEMCOG region and across the country. Check out the Michigan State University-sponsored Michigan Local Government Benchmarking Consortium.
• Performance Scorecard — See an innovative approach administrators from Vancouver, WA used to measure and improve their city.
• Performance Management — An excellent book on improving local government effectiveness is offered by the ICMA. Contact Dave Boerger for information on purchasing the book at a discounted rate. After viewing this Web site, visit the other informative ICMA Web links.
• Revenue Producing/Cost Reduction Checklist — The local accounting firm of Plante & Moran has developed a revenue producing and cost cutting checklist.
• Benefit Cost-Saving Ideas — Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) recommends a number of creative solutions to reduce pension and health care costs and liabilities.
• Low Cost Citizen Satisfaction Survey — Efficiently measure resident priorities and satisfaction levels in order to assess services, improve performance, and build public trust.
• Energy Savings — The State of Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Rebuild Michigan Program fosters partnerships that promote increased energy efficiency within a community. Also, RETAF is offering a no-cost energy audit funded by a State of Michigan grant.
• MiDeal, MITN, and HGAC — Receive discounts on goods and services by leveraging the State's negotiating and purchasing power and several Regional Bidding Systems.
• Managed Fleet Programs — See how the City of Ferndale is reducing costs and environmental impact by implementing a managed fleet program through Enterprise Fleet Management.
• Archived SEMCOG University Workshops — Provide comprehensive training associated with improving local government efficiency.

For more information and assistance, contact:
Dave Boerger
SEMCOG Consultant
Improving Local Government Effectiveness
Office: 313-324-3427
E-mail: boerger@semcog.org