New to Public Service
New to Public Service
Effective and efficient government among city councils, county boards, special districts and all levels of local government occurs through leadership and governance. This section offers materials explaining the nuts and bolts of local government structures and processes for newly-elected or newly-appointed officials, members of the public, media, and for students at all educational levels who want a better understanding of how local government works.
Effective and efficient government among city councils, county boards, special districts and all levels of local government occurs through leadership and governance. This section offers materials explaining the nuts and bolts of local government structures and processes for newly-elected or newly-appointed officials, members of the public, media, and for students at all educational levels who want a better understanding of how local government works.
Orientation Materials for Introducing Local Government to New Audiences
The Institute’s resources can help elected officials, staff and community members understand the roles and responsibilities of local government officials and local government agencies.
- Table of Contents (Editable Document, Updated August 2013)
- Responsibilities and Powers - Local Agency Powers and Limitations
- Responsibilities and Powers - Who Does What in California Local Government
- Responsiblities and Powers - Sources of Law Affecting Local Agencies
- Responsibilities and Powers - Legislative versus Adjudicative Decision Making
- Budgeting and Finance - Basics of Municipal Revenue (Counties, Cities and Special Districts)
- Budgeting and Finance - Financial Management for Elected Officials: Questions to Ask
- Leadership Skills - Governing Tips
- Leadership Skills - Understanding the Role of Chair
- Leadership Skills - Working Together to Achieve One's Goals: Some Strategies for Success
- Leadership Skills - Transparency in Local Government: Protecting Your Community Against Corruption
- Leadership Skills - Tips for Promoting Civility in Public Meetings
- Making Decisions - How Local Agencies Make Things Happen
- Making Decisions - How Your Agency Counsel Should Advise You When Agency Contracts Represent a Conflict of Interest
- Engaging the Public - Why Engage the Public?
- Engaging the Public - Principles of Public Engagement
- Orientation Samples & Tools from Special Districts
- Public Trust & Transparency - The ABCs of Open Government (Brown Act)
- Public Trust & Transparency - The Ethics of Speaking One's Mind
- Public Trust & Transparency - Key Ethics Law Principles
- Working with Media - Tips for Newly Elected Officials
- Working with Media - Short Sound Bite Secrets
- Working with Staff - Board / Executive Staff Communications Strategies
- Working with Staff - Common Staff Positions within Agencies
- Working with Staff - Elected Official Direction to Staff
- When Bad Things Happen - Saying You're Sorry
- When Bad Things Happen - A Leader's Role When Tragedy Strikes
- Comprehensive Resource - Guide to Local Planning
- Comprehensive Resource: Understanding the Basics of Public Service Ethics Laws
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