The “New Normal” for Local Government

Abstract

This article argues that the bursting of the housing bubble, the banking crisis and the resulting great recession of 2008 have altered the landscape for local governments. The authors contend that the economic recession has created a ''new normal'' for local government finances, employment, and services. This ''new normal'' perspective holds that the great recession of 2008 represents a break point for local governments, with implications likely to last long after the economy recovers. The authors suggest that the ''new normal'' for local governments will consist of fewer resources, smaller workforces, and new ways of delivering services.

Emotions of austerity: Care and commitment in public service delivery in the North East of England

“…However, what we see here is an apparent acceleration of these impacts and recognition that such emotional intensities are becoming an accepted feature of these occupational identities -part of what seems to be a 'new normal' within and beyond the UK (Martin et al, 2012). As the following example, which comes from the account of a former manager of a children's centre, makes clear, health related implications are not restricted to specific locations, but are becoming geographically dispersed because of common pressures.…”

Support for Suburban Growth Management: Lessons from Loudoun County, Virginia

“…Finally, another potential limitation is the timeliness of the data and the relevance of the results in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Historic gaps between revenues and expenditures because of lower property and sales tax receipts portend a new normal for local governments (Martin et al 2012). Managing growth is not a high priority today for many local governments who continue to cope with the remnants of the foreclosure crisis.…”

Financing Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement

“…These financial considerations have gained substantial attention in recent years as the "Great Recession" has led to greater oversight over the use of public funds (Martin, Levey, and Cawley 2012). The pressing issues urban communities face, and which residents and public officials may consider outside the realm of sustainability, compound the difficulty in justifying financial resources earmarked specifically for sustainability projects.…”