Advisory Council Trends and Changes Topics

In 2003, with input from many leadership groups and committees at NLC, the NLC Advisory Council identified Public Finance as a priority trend.  During 2004, the Advisory Council identified several more preliminary topics as focus areas for further research and exploration through 2005 including: Economic Vitality; Governance, Civic, Engagement and Trust; and Public Safety.  The work on these priority topics continues in 2007.

• Public Finance:  Recent shifts in the economy's foundation have dramatically altered the revenue system upon which local officals rely to provide services for citizens and maintain strong communities.  Due to such shifts, the partnerships between various government levels can grow strained.  NLC is working to help local elected officals find new ways to coordinate public finance systems in order to best serve the nation's cities and towns.

• Economic Vitality:  Transitioning toward an information economy, adjusting to globalization, and handling employment shifts are all matters of great importance to local officials and community members.  NLC is exploring the trends and changes affecting the nation?s economic vitality in order to help cities and towns prosper.

• Governance, Civic Engagement & Trust:  Local governance is established upon a foundation of trust between officials and citizens.  More than ever, communication and cooperation between local elected officials and citizens is being tested.  From the changing role of the media to growing dissatisfaction with election processes, NLC is studying these issues to grasp the emerging trends around governance, civic engagement and trust.  NLC recognizes the importance of sustaining partnerships between citizens and local officials and this examination will aid in such efforts.

• Public Safety:  The issue of public safety demands the attention of local elected officials in communities large and small.  From the mounting threat of terrorism to the management of prisons and municipal courts, cities and towns are grappling with the challenge of keeping communities safe.  NLC is looking closely at this topic to stengthen public safety on the local level by understanding ongoing trends and anticipating future needs.