GOVERNING Summit on the Cost of Government - Sep. 12-13, 2011

Monday, September 12

8:30 am Registration and Breakfast

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Facilitator: Paul Taylor, Editor-at-Large, GOVERNING

9:45 am State and Local Perspectives

The economic recovery has had a mixed impact on state and local governments. This session will provide an overview of the state and local government situations, the impact of the recovery, and a glimpse at the year ahead.

Chris Hoene, Director, Center for Research & Innovation, National League of Cities

John Thomasian, Director, The Center for Best Practices, National Governors Association

10:15 am The Cost of Government

As states and localities continue to seek ways to provide services with woefully depleted coffers, it is time to reexamine the all-cuts budgeting exercises that so many jurisdictions have endured. Another approach is to examine the costs of government. What are the costs of providing services? How can they be measured? What are the real costs of deferred or reduced investment in critical infrastructure and operations? This discussion provides the opportunities to discuss the challenges and success stories of identifying and managing the costs of government.

Facilitator: Mark Funkhouser Ph.D., Director, GOVERNING Institute

Katherine Barrett, Principal Barrett and Greene Inc, and columnist GOVERNING

Sharon Winslow Erickson, City Auditor, City of San Jose

Richard Greene, Principal Barrett and Greene Inc, and columnist GOVERNING

Jan Martin, City Council President Pro Tem, Colorado Springs

11:15 am Break

11:30 am Focus on Revenue

An interactive conversation about revenue trends, both the current situation, and what the future may hold.

Scott D. Pattison, Executive Director, NASBO

12:45 pm Lunch

1:45 pm Focus on Benefits

In today’s economic and political environment, there is huge pressure on public sector leaders to control the costs of benefits, both healthcare and pension. At the same time, there is an obligation to meet commitments to current and retired employees. The discussion will explore success stories for balancing these competing obligations.

Facilitator: Jonathan Walters, Executive Editor, GOVERNING

David Crane, Stanford University lecturer, former aide to Gov. Schwarzenegger, former board member of the California State Teachers Retirement System

Marcie Frost, Deputy Director, Washington Retirement System

Captain Louie A. Wright, Local 42 President, International Association of Fire Fighters, Kansas City, Missouri

3:00 pm Break

3:15 pm Looking for the Silver Lining

In the spirit of “the answer is in the room”, the day will end with an open discussion of opportunities in crisis.

Facilitator: Paul Taylor, Editor-at-Large, GOVERNING

4:30 pm Adjourn

6:00 pm Reception and Dinner

Hay Adams Hotel
800 16th St. NW

Tuesday, September 13

8:30 am Registration and Breakfast

9:00 am Opening Remarks

Facilitator: Paul Taylor, Editor-at-Large, GOVERNING

9:30 am Moving Forward through Leadership and Policy 

What does it mean to move forward in this post-recession, not-quite-a-recovery environment? This morning’s conversation will highlight ideas on the path forward, and the leadership that it will take to move along this path.

Facilitator: Paul Taylor, Editor-at-Large, GOVERNING

Richard Ravitch, former lieutenant governor, New York

Mark Funkhouser Ph.D., Director GOVERNING Institute

James W. Payne, Judge, Director, Indiana Department of Child Services

12:00 pm Adjourn
 

• Overview
• Agenda
• Location / Hotels
• Sponsorships

For information on attending and general assistance contact:

Shayna Mayen, Registration Coordinator
GOVERNING
Phone: 916-932-1300 ext. 1314
E-mail: smayen@governing.com