Political Science 1101 - Dr. Raj

Until recently, policy evaluation has mostly meant assessing whether government programs raise reading levels, decrease teen pregnancy rates, improve air quality levels, lower drunk-driving rates, or achieve any of the other goals that government programs are ostensibly created to do. Whether or not such programs also have consequences with respect to future demands for government action and whether government programs can heighten--or dampen--citizen involvement in civic activities are questions that are typically overlooked. This book applies such questions to local government. Employing policy feedback theory to a series of local government programs, Elaine B. Sharp shows that these programs do have consequences with respect to citizens' political participation. Unlike other feedback theory investigations, which tend to focus on federal government programs, Sharp's looks at a broad range of policy at the local level, including community policing programs, economic development for businesses, and neighborhood empowerment programs. With this clear-eyed analysis, Sharp finds that local governments' social program activities actually dampen participation of the have-nots, while cities' development programs reinforce the political involvement of already-privileged business interests. Meanwhile, iconic urban programs such as community policing and broader programs of neighborhood empowerment fail to enhance civic engagement or build social capital at the neighborhood level; at worst, they have the potential to deepen divisions--especially racial divisions--that undercut urban neighborhoods.

This edition continues the emphasis of prior editions on such topics as the relationship of local governments to state and federal governments; the needs of local governments for territory, for personnel, and for adequate financing; and the principal activities and possible liabilities of local government. There is increased attention to land use control, an area of growing activity on the part of institutions, ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court to local zoning boards. This includes material not found in some books in this field, on such important concepts as "smart growth," "new urbanism," and "regulatory takings."

CYBERSECURITY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Learn to secure your local government's networks with this one-of-a-kind resource In Cybersecurity and Local Government, a distinguished team of researchers delivers an insightful exploration of cybersecurity at the level of local government. The book makes a compelling argument that every local government official, elected or otherwise, must be reasonably knowledgeable about cybersecurity concepts and provide appropriate support for it within their governments. It also lays out a straightforward roadmap to achieving those objectives, from an overview of cybersecurity definitions to descriptions of the most common security challenges faced by local governments. The accomplished authors specifically address the recent surge in ransomware attacks and how they might affect local governments, along with advice as to how to avoid and respond to these threats. They also discuss the cybersecurity law, cybersecurity policies that local government should adopt, the future of cybersecurity, challenges posed by Internet of Things, and much more. Throughout, the authors provide relevant field examples, case studies of actual local governments, and examples of policies to guide readers in their own application of the concepts discussed within. Cybersecurity and Local Government also offers: A thorough introduction to cybersecurity generally, including definitions of key cybersecurity terms and a high-level overview of the subject for non-technologists. A comprehensive exploration of critical information for local elected and top appointed officials, including the typical frequencies and types of cyberattacks. Practical discussions of the current state of local government cybersecurity, with a review of relevant literature from 2000 to 2021. In-depth examinations of operational cybersecurity policies, procedures and practices, with recommended best practices. Perfect for local elected and top appointed officials and staff as well as local citizens, Cybersecurity and Local Government will also earn a place in the libraries of those studying or working in local government with an interest in cybersecurity.

Social media offers tremendous opportunities in the public sector. Governmental entities can use it to communicate with the public, interested stakeholders, and each other. The promise of greater transparency and public participation, however, is not without risk. Local governments must consider the reliability and source of posted information, professional ethical obligations, and a host of other legal issues. Social Media and Local Governments provides practical information to government attorneys and officials in their use of social media in the government context. The authors provide concrete examples of how communities across the country implement social media; explore First Amendment issues, Sunshine Laws, and copyright and privacy concerns, among other legal considerations; examine public employee usage of social media, whether at or away from the workplace; and explore ethical issues faced by public officials. The book concludes with sample social media policy forms and a checklist for creating and implementing a new social media policy.