Resources for the Local Government Enthusiasts

From Performance Management:

Have you ever wanted to know more about a local government topic and wondered where some of the most trusted and relevant research or best practices might be found? We wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a few resources that we use when doing this type of research through our support of County departments.

• International City/County Management Association: The leading organization in advancing professionalism in local government. They provide a wealth of resources for local government managers and employees through publications, data and information, trainings and professional development, and other member-focused connection opportunities. Their publications and research section is easily searchable and you will find information published directly by ICMA staff as well as member-contributed information. Also, did you know that ICMA has a Code of Ethics that serves as the guiding document for the local government profession? Give it a review. It’s a good reminder of our responsibility as government employees.
   
• Governing: A media platform that provides nonpartisan news on state and local government topics. Being able to read about the things that have worked in other parts of the country helps us think of how those ideas could be integrated into the services provided to Buncombe County residents. Register for their subject-specific newsletters to get email updates with relevant news items and consider how the ideas you see could be woven in to your work.
   
• Alliance for Innovation: You can tell by the name of this organization that they are focused on sharing and spreading innovative practices in local government. Their research section is robust and their platform for being able to ask questions and receive answers is impressive. Go ahead – ask a question about a problem you are currently facing. You might be surprised by the response and ideas that you receive!
   
• North Carolina Association of County Commissioners: The NCACC is an advocacy, education, and research organization that supports all 100 counties in the state. They often highlight best practices in local government, provide timely research, and share updates from the NC General Assembly that are of importance to county government. Subscribe to their publications to stay informed about their work.
   
• NCACC Legislative Brief: The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' (NCACC) primary communications vehicle for legislative information that impacts counties. The brief reports on the adopted NCACC legislative goals and other issues of interest to counties. The brief is delivered on Fridays while the General Assembly is in session. This brief will keep you updated on issues that have a direct impact to counties and what we do.
   
• Route Fifty: A source for state and local government news with a focus on technology and innovation. However, it cover a wide variety of other topics. If you are interested in keeping a pulse on what is new, exciting, or challenging in the government sector, this is a good platform to search through or subscribe to.
   
• American City & County: This magazine, which has been around since 1909, serves an audience of local and state government officials who are charged with developing and implementing government policy, programs, and projects and provides readers with news, government trends, policy alternatives, and operational solutions.