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Navigating the Fiscal Crisis: Tested Strategies for Local Leaders

As the fiscal crisis around the country threatens more and more local governments, officials are faced with increasing challenges and a need for immediate action. The vision and the leadership of elected officials are keys to sustaining local governments through this crisis.

The ways that local governments responded to past economic downturns offer guidance on how to survive and even become stronger during times of fiscal stress.

To determine the lessons of past experience, ICMA (the International City/County Management Association) commissioned a white paper prepared by researchers from the Academic Network of the Alliance for Innovation.

This executive summary for elected officials:

• Describes the fiscal dimensions of the current economic crisis.
• Identifies what worked in previous fiscal cutback efforts.
• Explains why innovation is critical and how positive actions can be taken.
• Describes how local government actions can contribute to the economic recovery.

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