Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons^™

Employability After Substance Abuse Treatment In Kentucky: An Analysis Of The Kentucky Treatment Outcome Study, Steven Scrivner

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Public funding of substance abuse treatment (SAT) in Kentucky dates back to the 1950s when legislators sought to curb the problem of alcoholism through legislative acts. The definition of substance abuse expanded through the years to include other substances such as cocaine, marijuana and opiates.

Employment after SAT is a critically important outcome for policymakers to consider when allocating funds because it assists in social re-integration, helps to prevent relapse and promotes economic self-sufficiency. Because of this, employment is an important factor to consider when assessing the impact SAT has on its clients (participants).

The Kentucky Alcohol and Other Drug …

Manchester Center: A Comparative Analysis Of Similar Local Nonprofits Using Financial Ratios, Brittani Wilson

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

The Manchester Center is a nonprofit agency located in Lexington, KY whose mission is "to enrich lives in our neighborhood through educational, recreational, and social activities." A project team from the University of Kentucky studied the Center's finances, internal business processes, employee development, and services to customers to develop a balanced scorecard. It became evident to the team that the center was strained financially and additional funds would be beneficial to the organization However, before any suggestions could be made it was important to determine where the Manchester Center stood financially compared to similar nonprofit organizations in the Lexington area. …

The Alternative? Alternative School Calendars’ Effects On Nonacademic Data In Independent Districts, Nick Grinstead

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

This study measures the effect of alternative school calendars, otherwise known as year-round calendars, on “nonacademic data”, which includes average daily attendance rates, retention rates (where retention rate is defined as percentage of students held back a grade level), and dropout rates. This measurement will be done on Kentucky’s Independent School districts, which have a unique advantage of never having a problem with overcrowding (which will be explained as an important consideration for measurements of effects of alternative school calendars) and in whose districts the majority of alternative school calendars in Kentucky have been implemented. The study will be performed …

Property Tax Revenue Decline In The State Of California And The Implications: An Examination Of Selected Local Governments In The State Of California, Ryan M. Mauldin

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

The Center for Responsible Lending projects California local governments to experience a $107 billion dollar decrease in home values and taxable property rolls as a result of subprime mortgage related foreclosures [Lending, 2008]. Due to Proposition 13, property taxes do not account for a substantial portion of local government revenue. They do, however, constitute 53% of statewide K-14 funding, as stipulated by Proposition 98 (Education Revenue Augmentation Fund or ERAF). As a result of ERAF, local governments (defined as counties, cities, schools, and special districts) receive less money through a complex fund shifting process that offsets statewide general fund spending. …

A Formative Evaluation Of Kentucky’S Environmental Compliance Assistance Program, Bonnie Wathen

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Kentucky’s Department for Environmental Protection’s Division of Compliance Assistance has the Environmental Compliance Assistance Program (CAP). CAP is a relatively new program that has had little to no evaluation and measurement. However, with limited state resources to be distributed to departments, it is imperative that programs be able to justify their existence. Due to this fact, I chose to evaluate the CAP for my capstone project.

Because inadequate data on outcomes is available at this time, I was unable to conduct a traditional summative evaluation or include any statistical analysis. Instead I chose to conduct a formative, or process, evaluation …

Business Improvement Districts: Should Lexington Establish One?, Melissa A. Hagan

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Downtown districts are falling victim to surges of new development increasingly taking place outside the city as people seek to escape fast‐paced city life for a more peaceful life in the suburbs. As people move to the suburbs, they either take the businesses with them or the businesses fail to maintain profitability in empty downtowns. Downtown Lexington has been no exception. The recent developments of Hamburg Place and, more recent the developments around Fayette Mall have attracted even more business owners away from downtown.

A new implementation approach for revitalization is gaining momentum, as downtowns are introducing policies that enable …

Redevelopment, Property Values And The Neighborhood Life Cycle: An Impact Analysis Of Downtown Lexington Redevelopment, Brett Anthony Rudy

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Over the past century, downtown regions have seen a great deal of transition, from powerhouse city centers to dilapidated slums. Downtown can be the hub of a city’s entire economic and cultural life, but it can also be the stigma of a city’s problems. It is easily one of the most dynamic regions of a city. But why do these regions fail? I contend there are forces at work, which lead to the failure of a downtown region, but there are also equal, if not more powerful forces that can lead a bring a city center back from the brink. …

State Corporate Tax Policy: Is Tax Competition The Main Determinant?, Gabriel Ramón Serna

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

In the past few decades state corporate income tax policy and coordination/harmonization of corporate income taxes have been regularly discussed in the tax policy literature. The reason for this level of attention is that capital is assumed to be highly mobile across nations or unions with multiple jurisdictions with differential corporate tax rates (Bucovetsky, 1991; Cnossen, 2003; Frey & Eichenberger, 1996; Gordon, 1983; Isard, 1990; Keen & Marchand, 1997). Further, much of the literature focuses on states’ “race to the bottom” in terms of corporate income taxation or incentives to base capital in their jurisdictions, and the tendency for this …

Evaluating The Healthy States Initiative Policy Forums, Jessica Harmon

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Since 2005, The Council of State Governments (CSG) has participated in a cooperative agreement funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) called the Healthy States Initiative. The initiative promotes public health by providing information resources to state legislators through publications and public health forums. CSG is interested in information about the impact of the public health forums on state legislators. More specifically, they would like to know if the forums have encouraged the participants to produce public health legislation, to support funding for public health projects, and to work closely with colleagues and various groups to improve …

Developing An Outcome Evaluation Instrument For The Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program: The Use Of Cognitive Interviews In Questionnaire Development, Andrea Walden

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Questionnaires can be useful tools for evaluating program outcomes in human services programs, in that they provide quick, easy-, and inexpensive-to-gather information about the program's success in meeting its objectives. Questionnaires may be easy to use, but they are not necessarily easy to design. If developed using sound methodology, the data gathered from questionnaires can be valid and of use to administrators, board members, direct-service staff, and funders in improving a program's services without a more resource-intensive program evaluation.

An exit questionnaire was developed to evaluate the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program's (BDVP) achievement of short-term outcomes. Short-term outcomes for the …

The Influence Of Veterinary Schools On The Veterinary Labor Market, Kyle Bosh

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Problem Statement:

Does the presence of a veterinary school in a state influence the supply of veterinarians practicing in that state? Citizens and animals in states without a veterinary school are at a disadvantage if the presence of a veterinary school significantly improves public health and access to medical services in those states that have a veterinary school.

Research Strategy:

The unit of analysis in this study is 50 states and the District of Columbia. The study is designed as a cross-sectional analysis of 2006 pet, 2002 livestock, 2006 human, labor, and economic data. The study uses simultaneous equations to …

Public Policy And Market Reality: Analyzing The Unfunded Liability In The Kentucky Non-Hazardous Employees' Retirement System, Kelly Dudley

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

In 2006, an issue of serious concern to state legislatures was the long-term security of the defined benefits that state and local public pension plans promise to current and future retirees (Snell, 2006). Public pension systems are growing in terms of members and the benefits they offer to their members. Part of this group includes the estimated 77 million baby-boomers who will be living the next 20 to 30 years in retirement (Wharton, 2006). These dynamic changes are raising the burden public pension plans place on government operating budgets. Expecting a large number of their employees to retire, public administrators …

Process Review Of The Final Acceptance For Federal-Aid Highway Projects In Kentucky, Michael M. Loyselle

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Federal funds for highway construction projects must comply with federal and state regulations. In Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) with the assistance of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administers the federal-aid highway program. FHWA and KYTC ensure quality of highway projects by inspections of activities conforming to plans, specifications and cost estimates; as well as with the testing of materials used in the project.

During the last five years, an emphasis stemming from reports of the US DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG) and US General Accountability Office (GAO) related to the financial processes in place to administer the …

Operation Unite: A Qualitative Analysis Identifying Critical Factors For Implementation, Crystal D. Pryor

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

UNITE is an acronym meaning Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education. It reflects the three-pronged, comprehensive approach deemed necessary to combating substance abuse in Kentucky Fifth Congressional District. Of Kentucky’s 120 counties, 24 of them do not have an organized regional drug task force. Fifteen of these counties with no active drug task force are represented in the Bluegrass Area Development District’s region. Current social and political perceptions across Kentucky recognize Operation UNITE efforts as largely successful. The evaluation responded to the following research questions: What factors lead to success in Kentucky’s Operation UNITE? Are these factors transferable in treating …

Do Per Capita Expenditures Affect The Quality Of State Government Management?, Rachael D. Putnam

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

In recent years, an increase in government accountability has come about in American society. The debate began about the consumer business model of government, with citizens demanding results, not just output, because most people viewed government as inefficient and ineffective. As a response, Vice President Gore National Performance Review endorsed the Government Performance and Results Act (1993) which required federal agencies to have “objective, quantifiable and measurable” goals into the federal government budget process (Kravchuk and Schack, 1996, p.348).

This, in turn, led the way to the Government Performance Project (GPP), a study orchestrated by the Governing magazine, in cooperation …

An Impact Study Of Local Historic District Overlays On Property Values In Fayette County, Ky, Suzann Vogel

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Beginning with Fayette County’s first historic district in 1958, the process of assigning historic zoning status to qualifying neighborhoods was seen as a viable option for preserving local built cultural resources. More than a communicative symbol, H-1 districting limits dramatic exterior changes and the demolition of structures certified as contributing to the unique character of Lexington, KY. Guided by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Division of Historic Preservation and Board of Architectural Review, the program currently encompasses 1,851 buildings over 14 districts.

In order to carry out the goal of preservation, historic districting in Lexington is applied in a blanketing …

Preparing For The Future: An Evaluation Of Alternative Methods For Estimating The Needed Capacity Of Nursing Home Beds In Kentucky, Michelle D. Woods

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Due to the aging of the generation known as “Baby Boomers”, the nation is expected to witness extraordinary growth in the total population ages 65 and over. Population projections provided by the United States Bureau of the Census suggest that this segment of the population will double in size to 72 million by the year 2030. In order to prepare for the anticipated increase elderly Americans, policy officials have been analyzing the potential effects on the nation’s long-term care system. Although Baby Boomers can expect to live longer than their predecessors, as they age, it is predicted that this generation …

Evaluating The Implementation Of The Kentucky Drug Endangered Children Training Network, Ramona Gabbard

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

In late 2004 the Kentucky Drug Endangered Children Alliance was created to bring attention to the methamphetamine problem in Kentucky and coordinate the efforts of many different agencies. The Training Network is part of the Alliance and seeks to educate the various service providers that may come into contact with the child victims of caregiver meth abuse and production. The Training Network estimates it has provided training to almost ten thousand individuals in the three years it has been at work.

My evaluation of the implementation of this training effort focused on the type and number of participants and whether …

Senate Bill (Sb) 172: Governance Of Nutrition In Kentucky Public Schools: Implementation Analysis Final Report, Bill Brumbach

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

This report is intended to evaluate the implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 172 in Kentucky's public schools. This law requires that all schools in Kentucky implement strict nutrition standards that apply to all foods sold during the school day. This report highlights the different methods used by selected schools in implementing the requirements in SB 172. In performing my analysis, I traveled to different schools in central and southeastern Kentucky to assess how these select schools were meeting the requirements of the law. Site visits allowed me to discuss implementation strategies with school administrators and aided in my understanding of …

Public Provision Of Service For The Elderly: An Empirical Analysis Of County-Level Senior Service Property Tax Levies, Brigitte Blom Ramsey

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Last year the baby boom generation began turning 60. Consequently, the number of senior citizens is expected to double by the year 2030. On average, a person reaching the age of 60 can expect to live an additional 22 years. (NCHS, 2003) Along with increased life expectancy comes a greater probability for chronic illness, physical impairment and loss of independence. Of those 85 and older, 55% will need some type of long-term care or personal assistance. (CBO, 2004)

A recent collaborative study, “The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population”, notes that less than half of …

Do Property Assessors In Kentucky Value Residential Property At Fair Market Value?, Brian Smith

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Assessors are required, as mandated by the Kentucky State Constitution and KRS 132.690, to assess property at 100 percent of fair market value. Fair market value is defined as the price a seller would expect to receive in an open and competitive market. Evidence from data and analysis in this paper indicates that property is under-assessed by approximately 25 percent. Though urban areas assess at a slightly higher rate, this is offset by rural areas, which do a significantly poorer job. This has important implications for local communities in Kentucky that depend on property tax revenue in order to provide …

Does The Incidence Of Public Official Liability Claims Increase In Years Following A Mayoral Election?, Laurel A. Curtis

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Elected and appointed public officials at every level of government face a growing number of lawsuits relating to countless activities such as zoning, budgets, administration, distributing permits and more. Public official (PO) liability claims alleging failure to promote employees, discrimination, and sexual harassment continue to skyrocket. It is critical to the vitality of American cities to protect officials who have chosen public service so that they can continue to focus on serving their communities.

The Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services (KLCIS), a member-owned insurance pool of Kentucky municipalities, offers general liability, public official liability, law enforcement liability, automobile coverage …

Neighborhood Effects Of Public Housing: How The Level Of Public Housing Concentration Influences Neighborhood Crime Levels, Paul Joice

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Public housing is plagued by the well known “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) phenomenon. People may support the existence of public housing, but oppose it in their neighborhood. This is particularly relevant to “scattered site” public housing – which has a much lower density than “traditional” public housing – because, by its very essence, scattered site public housing will be “in more backyards”. Public protests against such programs have made it clear that people don’t care about the positive effects for the public housing tenants nearly as much as they care about perceived negative effects on their neighborhood.

My goal is to …

Violent Personal Crimes On Campus: The Influence Of Size, Setting, And Police Presence, Chris Mckinney

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Statement of the Problem

Violent campus crime, in particular rape and aggravated assault, has become more pronounced in the last several decades. The judicial and legislative branches have responded through court decisions and legal enactments that require most universities to collect and report campus crime data. Many concerns have arisen as to the effectiveness and implications associated with such mandates. Some believe current laws do little to improve campus safety. Some suggested solutions to address campus crime have involved safety initiatives/programs and potential staffing increases to their campus police force.

Research Questions

• Are universities a reflection of surrounding community levels …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Lexington Police Department’S Disability Pension Plan, Eric A. Miller

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Injuries are taking Lexington police officers off of the streets and placing them on the disability pension rolls in rising numbers. Police officers in Lexington must have a total and permanent disability according to American Medical Association guidelines of impairment ratings to receive a disability pension. There is no minimum percentage of impairment an officer must have to receive a disability pension. This poses a problem because the Lexington police department gives at least 60 percent of their final pay to disabled officers regardless of the percentage of their impairment. Some Lexington police officers who are receiving disability pension payments …

Mental Illness And Barriers To Health Care Access, Charlene Powell

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Statement of Problem

Access to health care in the United States is major concern, despite the fact that the country spends more per capita on health care than any other country. Individuals with mental illness may face greater access problems than the general population.

Research Question

• Does mental illness predict greater difficulties with access to health care?

Methodology

The 2004 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was used to examine the barriers to health care among individuals reporting a mental illness diagnosis. Nine questions relating to health access problems were drawn from the survey and combined into an access index. Multivariate …

Elasticity Of The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Tax Structure, Bradly Settle

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

No executive summary.

Estimating The Economic Impact Of The New Arena At The Kentucky Horse Park, Alexis R. Bwenge

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

For the first time in its history, the World Equestrian Games (WEG) will be held outside of Europe in 2010. Kentucky has won the bid to host the event at the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) in Lexington. The games will last two weeks in the fall of2010 and organizers estimate ticket sales of 300,000, and over 1,000 athletes from 50 countries are expected to compete (Commonwealth of Kentucky).

However, for the Horse Park to be a suitable location to host WEG, it must have a climate controlled indoor arena. The current proposal for the arena plans for a 6,000 seats, …

The Effectiveness Of The Dunbar Neighborhood Association: A 79 Month Examination Of Criminal Activity In Lexington, Kentucky, Timothy J. Goobic

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the Dunbar Neighborhood Association’s ability of reducing crime for its residents. In November of 2002, a resident of Dunbar Neighborhood in Lexington, Kentucky established the Dunbar Neighborhood Association (DNA) to counter the perceived growing amount of criminal activity in her community. The DNA held monthly meetings and relayed information about perceived and known criminal activity to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Police Department. The police in turn promised to provide a beat officer who could be contacted by the DNA Chairwoman when she became aware of potential future crimes. The following study …

Ky Pharmacists’ Perceptions On Medication Errors (Me): A Tool For Legitimate Discussions With The Kentucky Board Of Pharmacy?, J. D. Hammond

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

No executive summary.