Regional initiatives matter, especially in today’s economy.   However, it matters more in context of our technology advancements and our means of connectivity.  We are more connected now than ever and it has enabled us to work together across the world.  So what’s stopping you from working with your surrounding local and state governments to make better communities?  We’ve pulled together some of the best resources from the Knowledge Network to get you started.

Guide to Successful Local Government Collaboration in America's Regions

The National League of Cities and the Alliance for Regional Stewardship published this guide for the future of local government regional initiatives.  It comes as a product of the National League of Cities CityFutures Program and is marketing trends and analysis of changes affecting cities in America.  

Joint Municipal Services: Working Together for the Residents of Our Region

A great example of a regional initiative comes from Canada where the City of Brooks and the County of Newell created a Joint Services Committee.  Through this committee they work together to discover regional similarities and differences and ways to solve problems.  Check out their presentation here. 

USAID and African Union Agreement Presents Opportunity for Local Development

Our Africa Regional Director, Michael Kunz, discusses the regional initiative taken on by USAID and the African Union and ICMA’s strategy in Africa.  Read more on this agreement to advance food security and promote climate change.  

Dubuque Gets Engaged: The Critical Role of Partnerships in Moving Sustainability Forward

The Sustainable Cities Institute at the National League of Cities published this report on the role of partnerships and their importance for moving cities forward.  The City of Dubuque, Iowa used regional and local partners like local businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools to move their initiatives forward.  

Atlanta Regional Commission Working with Clayton County Neighborhoods to Create an Age-Friendly Community

Check out this article on the Knowledge Network article on the Atlanta Regional Commission (a 10-county planning agency) and their Community AGEnda: Improving America for All Ages.  

Read more about Initiatives and ways to connect your region with these topic pages; Public-Private Partnerships, Sustainability, and Strategic Planning. 

How does your local government work regionally to strive for new initiatives?

Leave a comment below and tell us! 

Hilary Badger

Knowledge Network, Intern

ICMA