Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Urban Studies and Planning Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Wayne State University

Series

Iowa

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Urban Studies and Planning

Elements Of Successful Interlocal Agreements: An Iowa Case Study , Kurt Thurmaier Oct 2005

Elements Of Successful Interlocal Agreements: An Iowa Case Study , Kurt Thurmaier

Working Group on Interlocal Services Cooperation

This paper explores the factors that contribute to successful interlocal agreements. Success is defined in terms of achieving agreement objectives, increasing the effectiveness of the public service, and increasing the efficiency of the public service. Influential factors of interest include the reason the interlocal agreement was created, the estimated costs and benefits of participation in the agreement, and the types and levels of communication between the parties to the agreement. The paper reports results from a survey of local governments (including cities, counties, school districts) in Iowa that have filed an agreement with the state. The sample of about 1250 …


Facilitating Interlocal Collaboration: Community And The Soft Skills Of Public Management, Ricardo S. Morse Sep 2005

Facilitating Interlocal Collaboration: Community And The Soft Skills Of Public Management, Ricardo S. Morse

Working Group on Interlocal Services Cooperation

This paper explores the issue of interlocal collaboration in non-metro areas and argues that the concept of community and related "soft skills" that go along with it are critical to understanding how increased collaboration can be encouraged. An action research process piloted in two Iowa counties provides the basis for this study and offers rich qualitative insight into some of the factors that influence non-metro interlocal collaboration.