The Center for Urban Policy and the Environment is devoted to supporting economic success for Indiana and a high quality of life for all Hoosiers. An applied research organization, CUPE was created by the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 1992. The Center works in partnership with community leaders, business and civic organizations, nonprofits, and government. CUPE's work is focused on urban policy, intergovernmental cooperation, community and economic development, housing, environmental issues, and fiscal affairs research essential to developing strategies to strengthen Indiana's economy and quality of life.
|
Survey: Local Officials Have Mixed Opinions on Local Government Reform
Local officials throughout Indiana are supportive of non-structural local government reforms, such as instituting joint purchasing agreements, but often oppose other measures such as consolidating power under a single county executive, according to results from the ninth Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (IACIR) survey, released today.
More than 800 mayors, town council members, county commissioners, school board officials, township trustees, and other elected officials from throughout the state were polled between July and September 2008 on issues ranging from public safety to infrastructure needs. This is the ninth in a series of periodic surveys designed to help the IACIR and the Indiana General Assembly understand the issues that are important to local governments. This year’s survey—the first since 2006—provides a look at how local governments across the state are reacting to recent efforts to consolidate local government and reform property tax laws.
“A lot has happened since the last IACIR survey was released. These new results allow us to take the pulse of Indiana’s communities to see how they’re coping with tough economic times and meeting people’s needs,” said Indiana Rep. Win Moses (D), Fort Wayne, chair of the IACIR. “This data will help state leaders identify priorities and lay the groundwork for effective local government in Indiana.”
Click here to view complete survey results.
About IACIR
The Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (IACIR) is a bipartisan commission, established by the General Assembly in 1995, to provide a forum to plan for and address the problems that arise as increasing demands are made on state and local governments. Indiana is one of 10 remaining state intergovernmental commissions. Led by Indiana Rep. Win Moses (D), Fort Wayne, chair, and Indiana Sen. Beverly Gard (R), Greenfield, vice chair, and staffed by the IU Center for Urban Policy and the Environment, the commission studies the interaction between governments at the state and local levels with the goal of improving cooperation and service to Indiana’s citizens.
Latest News
John Krauss Article Highlighted in IBJ and the Indianapolis Star
John Krauss recently wrote the cover story for the Spring 2009 edition of The Ripon Forum about Governor Daniels government reform efforts in Indiana. A portion of that article is featured in...
More
Drew Klacik Editorial Featured in IBJ
In this article for the Indianapolis Business Journal Drew Klacik discusses why central Indiana and the Midwest may be well positioned to lead the economic recovery. He focuses his argument on...
More
John Krauss to Present at National League of Cities Seminar
Nan Stager and John Krauss will present Engaging the Community in Dialogue: Conducting Effective Public Meetings at the National League of Cities Leadership Training Institute June 28-30, 2009....
More
More News...