Local Government Efficiency

 
Creating a more efficient local government

SEMCOG is committed to helping member communities implement efficiency 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.

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