Governments need to plan more rigorous evaluations of their programs, Jon Baron, president of the Coalitino for Evidence-Based Policy, told several hundred Minnesotans.
The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute is holding the sixth annual contest to encourage local government innovation. This time the winner gets $25,000.
Minnesota’s state auditor has started encouraging cities and counties to survey their residents to help get a better handle on priorities when it comes to local services. Street conditions get the lowest marks so far.
A two-year planning process to envision a better central Minnesota in 20 years is nearing a key point — selecting 22 “champions” to push and cajole local governments, businesses and others to take steps to improve handling of housing, natural resources, the workforce and more.
A report out today from the Pew Charitable Trusts says local governments across the nation are feeling a “one-two punch” due to declining property tax revenues and state aid.
Spending by Minnesota’s 87 counties has declined slightly over 10 years when adjusted for inflation, the new annual report from the state auditor shows. Property taxes are gradually accounting for more of the counties’ revenue.
Dave Peters
Jennifer Vogel