Recent articles by Jonathan D. Breul from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87484022 Jonathan D. Breul is executive director of the IBM Center for the Business of Government. 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. Four Strategies for Transforming State Government http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/Four-Strategies-for-Transforming.html As Obama seeks to bring transparency to the federal government, he has plenty of examples to draw from in the states. Making Mergers Work in Government http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Making-Mergers-Work-in.html One of the first official acts Bob McDonnell took last month as the newly inaugurated governor of Virginia was to create a Commission on Government... Making 311 Work http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Making-311-Work.html Baltimore mayor Shelia Dixon announced she will resign in February after being convicted of misuse of gift cards donated to her office. Interestingly, many citizens... Risk: When Things Go Wrong http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Risk-When-Things-Go.html Failure happens. Risk is omnipresent. The traditional approach to risk has been to minimize losses and make sure you have enough insurance coverage. But now... Shared Services: Less Costly than "Free" Services http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Shared-Services--Less.html Would you be willing to pay for your administrative services if you are already receiving them for "free?" But what if, by making a shift... Collaboration: First Step or Last Resort? http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Collaboration--First-Step.html Collaboration, governing-by-network, public-private partnerships, shared authority--whatever you call it, it's a hot topic in government circles. Renowned public administration expert Donald Kettl in his book "... What Keeps You Awake at Night: http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/What-Keeps-You-Awake.html David Letterman is not the only one with a Top Ten list! We've put one together as well, based on what we've heard from a... Making Sense From Information Overload http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Making-Sense-Information-Overload.html A major complaint in many government agencies is information overload. How do you make sense out of all the data coming in, and then use...