Local Government Assistance Project

The Local Government Assistance Project (LGAP) is an undertaking of the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy that partners with local governments in devising strategies and plans to use limited municipal resources to deliver basic services better and to invest sensibly in infrastructure.

LGAP’s goal is to develop an understanding of the usefulness of yearlong financial management, foster sound financial management practices, and introduce a longer-term fiscal policy perspective into in New York State municipalities.

SERVICES

LGAP works with municipalities to identify strategies and financial planning alternatives. The decision on whether and how to implement them rests solely with the municipality.

All LGAP services are provided without cost to a municipality. LGAP develops and maintains a client relationship with each municipality. The local leadership retains full control of the extent of the efforts undertaken, the services provided, the presentation of interim and final results, and the responsibility for all decisions and outcomes.

APPROACH

As municipalities are faced with ever more difficult operational decisions, the financial consequences of those decisions on future years’ expenses needs be fully understood.

Financial data is often difficult to understand. LGAP works with a municipality’s leadership to develop easily understood financial presentations. This is especially useful to people who do not work day-to-day financial matters, as it helps to inform public understanding and encourage discussion.

PARTNERSHIP

The first step is for LGAP to collaborate with a municipality in ensuring the correctness of their financial data and in devising multiyear estimates with assumptions that reflect their operating environment. This is an iterative process undertaken by the municipality’s executive and financial officer, with LGAP support.

Once the initial multiyear estimates are completed to the satisfaction of the municipality, LGAP is prepared to assist further with:

• Financial management and fiscal policy alternatives
• Presentation materials and public participation strategies
• Multiyear capital plans and debt affordability analysis
• Multiyear operating plans and budgets

PRESENTATION EXAMPLES

Charts and tables can present complex financial data in an understandable way. By anticipating the main concerns of their stakeholders, municipal leaders can facilitate more informed and productive discussions.

Each municipality has to devise its own approach to fostering public understanding and participation. The following examples are from actual presentation materials that have been useful in New York State municipalities.

• Budget Process Goals
• Multiyear Projections of Expenditures, Revenues, and Fund Balance
• Relationship of Spending and Taxation Decisions to Fund Balance
• Impact of Retiree’s Medical Insurance Obligations

CONTACT