Tips for Building Bold Strategic Plans and Turning Them into Results

Partnership for Public Service

When done well, strategic planning can help federal agencies develop an ambitious vision for the future—and a roadmap to get there—that inspires and guides agency employees and delivers results for the people of this country.

Maine Towns Are Banding Together to Coordinate Their Spending of COVID Fiscal Recovery Funds

Bangor Daily News

Maine communities are mostly still unsure what they’ll do with an influx of tens of millions of federal dollars from the latest congressional COVID-19 relief package. But leaders from about three dozen communities across the state have teamed up to coordinate their spending so they can use their individual awards to make larger, more enduring investments.

Transparency Stars Shine in Texas

Government Finance Research Center

Texas state government has created a “Transparency Stars” program that celebrates local governments that go above and beyond previous basic standards for open government, and aims to create a culture of transparency throughout Texas government by recognizing and rewarding exceptional transparency efforts.

What Makes Public Sector Measurement Meaningful?

Australia-New Zealand Schools of Government (ANZSOG)

Public services see quantitative measurements and targets as a key part of accountability, but a growing movement is questioning whether this focus has distorted priorities and led to the decline in less-measurable capacities.

Four Years Later, the Evidence Commission’s Impact Now Widespread in U.S.

Data Foundation

It’s no secret that the government collects a trove of data from the American people – estimated to cost $140 billion each year. But the value of that information is much higher, if it can be successfully and securely applied to make decisions about policies that improve lives and the economy. 

OMB Makes Major Updates to Customer Experience Guidance

NextGov

The Office of Management and Budget expanded the definition of customer experience and made significant additions and changes regarding how agencies should serve customers and deliver services in an update to its Circular A-11 guidance.

Resource of the Week:  Compilation of Links to State Fiscal Recovery Plans

National Association of State Budget Officers

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), allocated $195.3 billion for states and the District of Columbia and $4.5 billion for territories. States and territories are required to submit annual Recovery Plan Performance Reports. First plans are due to the U.S. Treasury; here are links to their plans and performance to date.