Transforming Good Government into Better Government
The Good Government Movement has been around for over a century. How can local government build on these efforts over the next one hundred years?
The Good Government Movement is an enduring concept that transcends time and place, encapsulating ideals of transparency, accountability, fairness, and efficiency in governance. At the local level, it becomes even more crucial, as it directly impacts the daily lives of citizens and the vitality of communities. Today we are going to delve into the historical context and importance of the Good Government Movement in the realm of local governance. Furthermore, we are going to explore actionable strategies that can be employed to transform good government at the local level into better government for our hometowns.
The Good Government Movement gained significant momentum during the Progressive Era (late 19th to early 20th century). This period was marked by a growing concern over urbanization, industrialization, and political corruption. Reformers sought to address these issues through a range of initiatives.
Key national figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, as well as organizations like the National Municipal League, played pivotal roles in advancing the cause of good government. Their efforts aimed to reshape local governance in the United States by advocating for greater transparency and accountability.
Significance of Home Rule
The Home Rule movement, a vital component of the Good Government Movement, sought to grant local governments greater autonomy in managing their affairs. This movement was critical in devolving power to local communities and promoting self-governance.
Ohio was at the forefront of the Home Rule movement, with the adoption of a Home Rule Amendment to its state constitution in 1912. This amendment granted municipalities the authority to enact local laws without state legislative interference, exemplifying the state's commitment to local autonomy.
As we have discussed before in this publication, the Home Rule movement ushered in the concept of charter government on a local level, where local municipalities are given the option to to create their own charters and forms of governance that suit their communities’ own needs.
The Tangible Benefits of Good Government
Good government yields a multitude of tangible benefits that directly impact the lives of citizens. These include efficient and effective public services, such as well-maintained infrastructure. Transparent and accountable governance fosters trust among the populace, leading to increased civic participation and engagement. Moreover, good government promotes a stable business environment, attracting investments and creating job opportunities. Through responsible fiscal management, public funds are allocated wisely, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized for the betterment of the community. Ultimately, good government enhances the overall quality of life in a region, creating safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities for its residents.
In detail, here are the benefits of good local government:
Infrastructure
Efficient infrastructure management by local governments ensures that residents have access to safe and well-maintained roads, utilities, and public transportation systems.
Promoting Local Business
Local governments play a crucial role in fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Transparent and efficient permitting processes, tax policies, and support for local entrepreneurship are all integral to good government practices.
Job Creation
Efforts to attract and retain businesses in the community result in job creation and economic growth. Good government policies support job training and workforce development initiatives.
Social Services
Local governments, especially county governments, often administer social service programs, such as housing assistance and food programs. Good government ensures that these programs are efficiently managed and accessible to those in need.
Public Safety
Local law enforcement agencies and emergency services are essential for maintaining public safety. Transparency, accountability, and community engagement are key elements of good government in the realm of public safety.
Going from Good to Better
The Progressive Era brought in many reforms that created good governance procedures on the local level, many of which are still practiced today. However, as time has moved forward, efforts must still be made to prioritize these practices to transform our good government into better government for our local hometowns. Here are the practices that should always be a hallmark for well performing local government:
Budget Management
Local governments must manage their budgets responsibly, allocate resources wisely, and be accountable to the public for their financial decisions. Transparency in budgeting is a hallmark of good government.
Public Trust
Fiscal responsibility and accountability are closely linked to public trust. Residents need confidence that their tax dollars are used efficiently and for the betterment of the community.
Open Meetings and Records
Local governments should ensure that meetings are open to the public and that records are accessible. Posting meeting agendas and minutes online can enhance transparency.
Financial Transparency
Transparency in budgeting and financial reporting is essential. Local governments can publish budget documents, audits, and financial statements online for public scrutiny.
Public Engagement
Engage residents through town hall meetings, surveys, and public hearings. Inclusive decision-making processes foster trust and community involvement.
Codes of Conduct
Local governments should strongly consider establishing and enforcing codes of conduct and ethics policies for elected officials and public employees. These policies should include conflict of interest provisions.
Whistleblower Protection
Implement whistleblower protection programs to encourage the reporting of unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.
Environmental Responsibility
Promote sustainability and environmental responsibility by adopting green infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and climate resilience planning.
Where YOU Can Play a Role!
Better local governments also often prioritize processes that create robust public participation in the local government process. Local governments should consider implementing the following practices:
Community Engagement
Involve residents in sustainability efforts, such as community clean-up events, tree planting, and conservation programs. These initiatives enhance community well-being while promoting good government practices.
Empowering Citizen Advisory Boards
Create citizen advisory boards and committees to involve residents in decision-making processes. These bodies can provide valuable input on issues ranging from zoning to public services.
Participatory Budgeting
Implement participatory budgeting, allowing residents to directly influence the allocation of a portion of the budget. This enhances citizen engagement and ownership of local decisions.
Accountability in the 21st Century
Good Government also prides itself on being accountable and in the 21st Century this means more than just telling stories of what the local government does, it means sharing data, creating dashboards and comparing outputs and metrics to other like sized communities. Some data-driven good government practices include:
Data Collection and Analysis
Leverage data analytics tools to collect and analyze data on local government performance. This data can inform decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and enhance accountability.
Performance Metrics
Develop performance metrics and benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of local programs and services. Regularly reporting on performance can lead to more efficient and responsive governance.
Where it is Working in Other Communities
Other communities can often provide guidance on how to implement these practices. Here are a couple of quick looks at what other communities are doing to promote good governance.
City of Seattle, Washington
Transparency and Open Data
The City of Seattle has established a comprehensive open data portal that provides access to a wide range of government data, including budgets, crime statistics, and transportation information. This transparency initiative enhances public trust and informs decision-making.
Participatory Budgeting
Seattle has implemented a participatory budgeting process, allowing residents to allocate a portion of the city's budget to community projects. This program promotes citizen engagement and fosters a sense of ownership in local governance.
City of Austin, Texas
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Austin employs data analytics to improve traffic management, reduce response times for emergency services, and enhance city services. The use of data-driven governance promotes efficiency and accountability.
Sustainability Initiatives
Austin has embraced sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy adoption, waste reduction programs, and green building practices. These efforts reflect the city's commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being.
Bringing it all Together
The Good Government Movement is not a relic of the past but an enduring and vital concept that continues to shape local governance. Its principles of transparency, accountability, efficiency, and fairness remain essential for fostering thriving communities and ensuring the well-being of residents.
To promote good government at the local level, communities must commit to transparent and ethical practices, engage citizens in decision-making, leverage data for informed governance, and embrace sustainability initiatives. By doing so, local governments can fulfill their fundamental role as stewards of the public interest, effectively addressing the needs and aspirations of their communities. Good government is not a mere ideal; it is a living commitment that empowers localities to flourish and prosper. Together we can make a good government a better government for our residents and communities!
In Case You Missed It….
Earlier this week, our publication announced that it is collecting responses for its quarterly citizens survey. This presents an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions on your hometown, and the results will be featured in a future edition of this newsletter! Learn more by reading this short post: