Performance Measurement for Local Government Management: Getting it Right

Today, local governments routinely report performance measures to city councils, county commissions, and citizens. Many government officials want to do more with their measures. They want to use them not just for reporting but also for management purposes—to improve operations and services. But the measures governments have now often are inadequate for this expanded role. After teaching thousands of government practitioners about performance measurement, author David Ammons knows the questions these practitioners, as well as students of performance measurement, want answered. This book delivers. Performance Measurement for Managing Local Government answers the persistent questions confronting everyone who has ever tried to design measures, refine measures, or make measures the management tools they are supposed to be. This book describes the ins and outs of performance measurement, guides readers toward proper design of measures, illustrates common errors and ways to avoid them, offers tips, and even provides sets of suitable measures on which to build. ”For many years, David Ammons has been providing government professionals and policy makers with well-researched and practical tools for improving services to their communities.  His latest work is a call for performance measures that will inform and influence better performance management -- a challenge when citizens want more productive services at a time when local governments are faced with serious resource constraints. Performance Measurement for Managing Local Government provides tools and tips to develop the right measures so conscientious managers can ensure quality, efficiency and results for their communities.” (Chris Morrill, CEO, Government Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada) Read more