The Commission on Local Government Efficiency and
Competitiveness was
established as part
of an effort to streamline government at every level. New
York’s local tax burden is the highest in the United States,
which negatively impacts the competitiveness and quality of
life in its communities. One factor contributing to the high
cost of government is the multiplicity of local governments
that has evolved over centuries, numbering more than 4,200
taxing jurisdictions.
What is the role of the Commission?
The Commission will make recommendations on the measures
needed to advance partnerships among State and local
governments to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
local governments. It will address the issues of local
government merger, consolidation, regionalized government,
shared services and smart growth. The Commission will report
its recommendations by April 15, 2008.
Who and what is the Commission?
The Commission consists of 15 members including many current
and former local government leaders. It is chaired by Stan Lundine, the former Lieutenant Governor, Congressman, and
Mayor of Jamestown. The Commission’s work is supported by
state agencies that are involved with local government,
including the Department of State, the State Comptroller’s
Office, the State Education Department, Empire State
Development, the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform and
the Division of the Budget.
Is this just another study?
No. On the day of the Commission’s announcement, a
letter
was sent to local government officials across the State,
asking them to identify local initiatives in the areas of
local government merger, consolidation, shared services,
smart growth, and regional services. The Governor has
pledged to provide the assistance and support needed for
nearly 150 local initiatives (by
type; by county)
so we can learn how effective – or not – various state
programs are, and what state laws need to be altered to
facilitate these types of initiatives.
How can I give my ideas to the Commission?
You can submit ideas for reform
directly from the Commission website, e-mail us at
localgov@empire.state.ny.us, or mail your ideas to the
Commission on Local Government Efficiency and
Competitiveness, 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12245. We
encourage you to join with us in this effort.Download a copy of this information sheet
here. |
