Local government measurement use to focus on performance and results

This paper discusses research results from five case studies of local gover nments with extensive experience in developing and using performance measur es to support program monitoring and improved service performance. The rese arch was sponsored by the Government Accounting Standards Board under a gra nt from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The goal of the research was to col lect information about use of performance measures in local governments wit h extensive experience in using measurement to support decision-making, pro vide reports to the public and decision makers, and to support assessment a nd evaluation of program results and outcomes. Local government models that support evaluation of program results are discussed. The paper also addres ses the importance of the link between local government performance measure ment and monitoring and more complex analytic exercises, including performa nce auditing and program evaluation. The conclusions address the present st ate of performance measurement for results: in local government, including areas that are likely to require additional attention in both experienced g overnments, as well as those just starting to manage for results. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.