Policy Making In the Public Interest Chapter 6 Moving From Analysis to Recommendation

Moving to Recommendation Public Policy- addressing unmet needs, strengthening values held by society, or, enacting opportunities that will enhance quality of life of our citizens. Determining policy needs, analyzing policy options, and then preparing a recommendation, constitutes only the first half of the policy process

Policy Analysis & Recommendation Policy Process Demand for Policy Action Policy Analysis & Recommendation Legislative Action Policy Implementation Policy Evaluation & Modification

Analysis Process First prepared and analyzed by staff, final approval by city/county manager, then submitted for legislative consideration. All impacted staff sections should review and make comment for modification, agreement, or disagreement for policy analysis and recommendation. Preparer of policy should respond to all staff review comments and possibly modify recommendation All staff comments become part of policy recommendation record Staff policy analysis format found in appendix B to textbook

Submission For Legislative Action Format for Request for Legislative Action Found at appendix C in textbook. Format used should follow umbrella concept. Policy submitted should have basis in strategic plan. All staff analysis including matrix & dissenting opinion(s) should be attached . Information about the budgetary impact, and comparative best practices should be detailed. Strategic Planning Sustainability Analysis Comparative Analysis Submission For Legislative Action

Wrapping It Up Rational policy analysis with extensive citizens stakeholder involvement will help prevent the nations political dysfunction from infesting local government. Rational analysis moves away from power based, win-lose contests. The public interest as determined by each community is the center piece of rational policy analysis Staff and elected officials must become civic educators. Educating our citizenry about the processes of government and involving them in policy setting process. Demand for speed of decision replaced with citizen-stakeholder inclusion, strive for consensus, and quality of policy Philosophy of public interest must become an integral part of political and organizational culture