City governments are going bankrupt. Even the ones that aren't are often stuck in financial
chaos. It is easy to blame pensions poor leadership or a bad economy. But the problems go
much deeper. With decades of experience in local government author Mark Moses showcases the
inside world of the city decision-making process that has spawned these crises. It becomes
clear: City governments are maxing out their budgets because they are trying to maximize
services. This book likely the most ambitious attempt by someone who has worked in government
to radically examine the delivery of municipal services since 'Reinventing Government' was
published more than 25 years ago explores why city governments pursue an open-ended mission
and why bailouts and trendy budgeting processes will be at best only temporary solutions. Of
interest to current and future city council members regional and state government officials
those covering city government financial analysts city management and individuals and
organizations interested in influencing city policy this book argues that cities won't thrive
until city hall is disrupted.
