Stressing the widespread benefits of local government being closer to, and in touch with, residents and businesses, Advance Colorado this week released a detailed report highlighting several innovative and effective policies enacted by county and municipal governments across the state.
The 37-page report, titled “Closer to Home: Local Government Solutions to Colorado’s Toughest Problems,” takes an in-depth look at a wide range of solutions, illustrating how local elected leaders proactively stepped in when state government did not or would not act in a timely and effective manner. The report shows how other Colorado local leaders can replicate these policy solutions in their communities.
“Local government is not only closest to the people, its elected leaders are often more in tune with the needs and concerns of area residents and businesses,” said Advance Colorado Executive Vice President Kristi Burton Brown, a co-author of the report. “The report highlights common-sense and tested solutions that other Colorado cities and counties can and should replicate.”
The policy areas discussed and the local governments highlighted are:
Homelessness – Colorado Springs and Mesa County
Public Safety – El Paso County and Greenwood Village
Auto Theft – Aurora and Westminster
Fiscal Policy – Lone Tree
Mental Health – Douglas County
Public Spaces – Lone Tree and Woodland Park
Among the key findings in the report are:
- Local government does not always have to shoulder the entire burden of tackling significant challenges. The report details partnerships with effective and proven non-profits to address such issues as homelessness and mental health issues.
- The most effective solutions ensure that citizens see transparent, accountable results and, in return, they reward elected leaders at the ballot box for being proactive.
- Local leaders should be willing to step in and spend political capital on innovative proposals that are directly responsive to community needs rather than waiting for state government to address issues.
“Proactive and innovative policy making at the local level across Colorado has proven effective in rapidly confronting problems residents and business owners are facing on a daily basis,” said Advance Colorado Policy Analyst Michael Tsogt, a co-author of the report. “Our hope is that these examples provide a catalyst for other local leaders to tackle similar issues in their communities.”
A copy of the report is available here: https://www.advancecolorado.org/issues/model-local-policies/