Frequently referenced definitions of 'best practice' include the three goals of maximizing revenue, enhancing productivity and optimizing costs. The services and products delivered by government adhere to these goals, but the successful delivery of high-value services is only one of a broad range of best practices that are open for discussion.
Best practices can include a range of other important discussions, including such topics as:
- best practices in community governance (competitive bidding, contracted services, partnerships)
- best practices in level of service (LOS), including measurable and equitable standards for charging for service delivery
- best practices in leadership training, fiscal planning reductions, workforce downsizing and on-the-job training
- best practices in regional service delivery -- providing clarity as to how a consortium of local government providers may establish memorandums of understanding, interlocal agreements and other shared responsibilities
- best practices in the delivery of the most basic and key services that protect the health, safety and welfare of the community
So, we have an opportunity to jointly define the best practices that are important to us, from top to bottom, from delivering community outcomes to measuring the performance of a service activity. Follow the links below to read a diversity of thought on the principle of 'best practice'.