Assignment

In each of our first two classes we've touched on a question posed in our text.

"Given the strong political and public support for maintaining the structural, functional, and financial status quo, how can local governments continue to provide the level of services expected by their citizens in a rapidly changing world?"

For your second discussion board post, I would like you to reflect on this question specifically in the context of city management. Please construct a brief (2-3 paragraph) post using the knowledge you've gleaned so far, information from previous courses, and most importantly your personal interpretations. I recognize that we are still quite early in the class and I am most interested in your individual observations. All thoughtfully constructed and reasoned discussions will receive full credit.

If you find yourself stuck, here are a few leading questions to help you get moving:

- What role / responsibility do City Managers bear in answering this question?

- What are some of the ways that local government managers can influence / impact citizen perceptions?

- What activities can serve to undermine or improve a citizens perception of local government?