Recent articles by John M. Kamensky from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87484017 John M. Kamensky is a senior fellow with the IBM Center for the Business of Government. The Games of Government http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-video-games-local-government-public-services.html By using video games to engage citizens in improving their communities, governments can tap into a powerful force: fun. When Citizens Deliver Services to Themselves http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-citizens-co-delivery-government-services.html Technology is enabling citizens to be engaged as never before in designing policies and providing the services their communities need. The Accelerating Movement to Share Services http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-counties-shared-services-survey.html It's happening all over, and there's more to it than saving money. As a new study show, county governments are emerging as the key. The Art of Networking Government http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-collaborative-networks-public-safety-ibm-center-report.html Collaborative networks are happening all over. A comprehensive new study focusing on public safety provides a roadmap for spreading them across the governmental landscape. Transparency in Spending for the Long Haul http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-federal-recovery-act-transparency-accountability-states-ibm-center-business-government-report.html States have been on the front lines of a stimulus-driven revolution in accountability. A new report urges them to build on the lessons they have learned. How Oregon Networks for Solutions http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-oregon-solutions-network-community-priorities-governor-john-kitzhaber.html To address community-level priorities, the state has begun putting its agencies together with key public and private stakeholders. The approach has already produced some victories. Doing ‘Big Things’ in Government http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-doing-big-things-in-government-characteristics-of-success.html Government can’t succeed with massive projects? It can, and it does. But there are some characteristics that are key to successful major endeavors. Government’s Data Detectives http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-government-data-analytics-detectives-decisions-outcomes.html They are a growing corps, providing sophisticated analysis of the information governments collect to help leaders make better decisions. Forums for Smarter Government http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/state-federal-collaborative-initative-innovative-efficient-service-delivery.html New collaborative initiatives are tapping a growing willingness for Washington and the states to work together to find innovative ways to deliver services. Stimulating Lessons http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/recovery-act-stimulus-spending-reporting-requirement.html The Recovery Act is fading into history, but its tracking and reporting innovations are likely to be here to stay. A Path to Hometown Environmental Sustainability http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/path-to-local-government-environmental-sustainability.html Some local governments are moving boldly ahead with sustainability initiatives that link to broader community goals. Public Engagement in a Wired World http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/public-engagement-wired-world.html A guide to when and where public managers might seek -- or receive -- citizen input. Making Sense from Information Overload http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/Making-Sense-from-Information.html Governments need to apply the science of analytics to the vast amount of data they collect. Cybersecurity: Can States Keep a Secret? http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/cybersecurity-can-states-keep-secret.html Governments hold enormous amounts of personal, sensitive information from health records to rap sheets, from income taxes paid to welfare benefits received. GIS Helps Citizens Co-Deliver Public Services http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/gis-citizens-deliver-public-services.html The ability of GIS to empower citizens to actively participate in the delivery of public services is growing.