The Center for Public Management and Regional Affairs engages in applied public policy and management research, technical assistance services, training and education, and database development in the areas of public management and capacity building, local government economic development, planning, and public program evaluation and policy research. The Center provides assistance to local governments (counties, municipalities, and townships) in southwestern Ohio and across the state.

February 2010 - Project Highlights

February 1st - Ohio Township Day Congratulations to all the elected, appointed, full & part-time employees, and volunteer citizens, that are the "heart" of grassroots government in Ohio. The Center celebrated Township Day along with 1,308 township governments across the State of Ohio.

Does Collaboration Beget Collaboration?
Researchers in the Center recently submitted a research monograph to the Ohio Commission on Local Government Reform and Collaboration. The study which was funded by a research grant from the newly formed state Commission, focused on the collaborative efforts of township governments in Ohio. The report found:
1...significant levels of collaboration currently takes place across townships in Ohio.
2...concluded that interlocal governmental collaboration is not a simple concept that should be narrowly defined in the context of informal and formal agreements.
3...and that local government collaboration moves through a progression that may ultimately lead to co-production.
The research report can be viewed here... more

2009 Southwest Ohio Local Government Wage & Benefit Survey
The Center is in the midst of conducting an annual survey on public sector wages and benefits in Southwest Ohio. The Center collects and maintains a database on municipal wages, salaries, and benefits and prepares reports on various public employee compensation issues. The 2009 data has been posted to the project website... more

Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program
Applications are now being taken for Funding Round 6 of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program in District 10 (Butler, Clermont, Clinton and Warren Counties). Approximately $2.6 million is available this funding round. The program helps to fund land purchases for preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and stream corridors. The deadline for submitting application is December 18, 2009. Clean Ohio Applications are available on the OPWC website. Please submit the application along with the District 10 Attachment B. Attachment B can be found on this web site as well as the web site shown above under “District Methodologies on file – District 10.” Questions may be directed to the District 10 NRAC ComMittee, Dave McElroy, Chair ... more