4^th ANNUAL SMART GROWTH CONFERENCE

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2004

 Regional Governance Options: Table Top Discussions

Background: Conference attendees were charged with discussing the merits of four different regional governance options. These included: County/Municipality Merger, Single County Government, Regional County Merger and Multi-State “Super Region.”  Each table was led through a facilitated discussion. This directed discussion explored the merits of each option, the identification of the best governance option for the region, the identification of the first step in implementation and the identification of barriers.

 The following is a summary of some of the tabletop discussions. After the initial report from table 1 which followed the suggested report protocol, the remaining tabletop reports only addressed highlights so as not to be redundant.

Table 1: The County/Municipality Merger provides the opportunity to increase efficiency, decrease bureaucracy, achieve an economy of scale and increase communication.  The Single County Government provides the opportunity for establishing sufficient budgets, spreading risk and establishing a unified tax in addition to the merits of the first option. The Regional/County Merger provides the opportunity for better land management, law enforcement and competitive advantage. Table 1 suggested that there is another possible option,“3A,” that included all three tiers of government (regional, county and municipal).  Last, the Super Region was viewed as a great marketing tool but not a way to provide services.

Concerning the best option, the table was split between the County/Municipal Merger since it was the most likely and practical and the Regional/County Merger. Concurrent with any governance change, this table concluded its report by advocating for a change in the provision of education.

Table 2:  This table focused on which option is the best. Initially, they reviewed the merits of the County/Municipality Merger and the Super Region. They concluded that the best option is the Super Region since it is the best way to conduct comprehensive planning, economic development, air quality control etc. The table thought that it was the most powerful of the options but the least visible and threatening since the status quo is maintained in terms of governance. Additionally, this option is powerful since a vision can be realized in the long-term.

Concerning barriers, they thought that it would be opposed by the elderly since it is so radical and by politicians since local control is given up. Additionally, this option may threaten the regional commitment to neighborhood and ethnic boundaries. Because this option is outside of the box, a significant amount of effort will be need to be directed to education, promotion and marketing in order to insure its success.

Table 3:  This table agreed with much that had been said before. Their report time was used to address the process for adoption of an option. It was clear to this table that consensus needed to be achieved concerning the preferred option. This could only occur with more public meeting, education and other forms of outreach.  The table cautioned that we will need patience and we cannot promise something that we cannot keep or deliver.

The major barrier to implementation is the lack of trust. Additionally, it was thought that some folks would resist change if it appeared that the fiscally responsible were taking on the burdens of the fiscally irresponsible. Last, as we move forward, we must pay attention to the issues of inclusion and diversity.

Table 4: This table thought that governance and the delivery of services should occur at the county level. Nonetheless, this table suggested that the strength and identification with neighborhoods and municipalities should not be lost in merger discussions. Rather, this strength should be directed into a forum for advocacy.  In all cases, merger discussions about options must occur from the ground up in a participatory fashion.

Table 5: This table thought that the best option was the Super Region. Its strength was in the planning for and delivery of economic development. This option is the best response to the Brookings Report on the need to make the Commonwealth competitive again. Local government functions could continue as needed.  In order to implement this change, there will be a need for legislation.

The major barrier to this change is fear.

Table 6: This table posited that the major problem in the region is the failure of the center city due to mismanagement. This problem needs to be addressed through new governance. The most realistic option is the County/Municipality Merger. This table felt that the forced dissolutions brought about by the Single County Government and the Regional/County Merger made those options too politically difficult. The Super Region is too visionary at this point in time.

This table suggested that public task forces be formed in order to address all of the issues attached to the County/Municipality Merger. Because city residents needs some input/control on the use of taxes and revenues, County Council will need to be restructured. On the County side, there is a need for an expanded Planning Department. This table suggested that regional authorities could take on regional issues. Last, like other tables, it was suggested that education is important to the success of the region.

Table 7: At this table, there was general consensus that the County/Municipality Merger was the best. On the plus side, the public will see a consolidation of services while on the negative side, the public may be concerned with the dissolution of the city while 129 other municipalities remain. In this model, the table suggested that there must be an incentive to maintain a city, urban focus. As a last point, the table countered that the current fiscal crisis is also the result of an antiquated tax structure and inequitable resources.

Table 8: Initially, this table had a pragmatic discussion on what would be the most likely model. Participants concluded that this model is the County/Municipality Merger. The governance model would continue with a Chief Executive but the council would be expanded to include more representation for the city. Some at the table argued that some of the council seats should be at-large.

Many functions should easily adapt and improve with this model. These include: planning, economic development, public works, enforcement and parks. The table suggested that a new department should be created that dealt with immigration.

The ideal model for the table was the Super Region. In this model, the region would connect to the east or act as the gateway to the west or become the center of Appalachia. In this model, the Super Region should concentrate on eds and meds.

Table 9: This table opted for the Super Region model. However, they argued that the boundaries be more virtual than actual. In this model, the region would link with similar economies.

On a more practical side, the Super Region could include the merger of the contiguous 10 counties. In order to create this model, legislative intervention may be necessary. A marketing message would have to be carefully crafted. This model could advance a focused economic plan and jobs could be the payoff.