Intergovernmental relations is a system in which multiple government agencies in a common geographical area share power with each other. This system gives substantial power to different levels of government. The result may create conflicts and issues among multiple government agencies, and strong leaders must consider how to manage these conflicts effectively. At times, intergovernmental relations can develop stronger management among multiple government agencies. Consider the following question: Do intergovernmental relations force more collaborative governance in leadership?

One intergovernmental issue to consider is budget cuts. Budgetary constraints and cuts impact not only government agencies but communities as well. For example, if federal funding is cut from educational programs enacted by federal policies and programs, it can force the consolidation of programs and leadership roles. It may also impact communities, forcing public administrators to deal with the community backlash.

For this Application Assignment, review the virtual community and consider how intergovernmental issues such as budget cuts impact leaders and communities.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Review the article, "A Mixed Method Look at State Growth Management Policy." Consider the implications of expanding leadership.
• Review the article, "Financing Infrastructure in the 21st Century City." Think about how budgetary issues impact government agencies and communities.
• Review the article, "Adapting Intergovernmental Management to the New Age of Terrorism." Pay particular attention to the effectiveness of intergovernmental governance in management.
• Review the article, "Thinking Harder About Outcomes for Collaborative Governance Arrangements." Reflect on the impact of intergovernmental management.
• Review the video presentation of this week's news broadcast in the virtual community and the reactions from other parties around town.
• Consider how the budget cuts may affect your role and how you might address the budget cuts or changes in your role.
• Consider how intergovernmental issues apply to multiple roles in the community.

The assignment (2–3 pages):

• Review the virtual community from the perspective of the role you selected.
• Describe two ways in which the proposed budget cut might impact intergovernmental leadership and explain how.
• Explain from the perspective of your selected role whether or not you support the proposed budget cut and justify your response.
• Be specific and use examples to illustrate your answers

*********use these people in the paper, this is based on a "virtual community" and my position is BOARD MEMBER on the CITY COUNSEL.

Shady acres nursing home

"I've liked the Taylors through the years, Reggie and now Samuel—he's a good boy and wants to do well by the people of New Harbor. Samuel Taylor's got some important moves going for his side. The Port Authority budget cut is important—it doesn't look like the Port Authority has been doing their jobs with these mussels and the trash in the harbor. It's really a stinking mess out there. But I know Samuel's got a way to clean it up. He'll do it."

– Marty Culter, 86, African American, Republican

"Alec Coppel is smart, he's convincing, he's experienced, and I love him to pieces! He's been cracking down on pollution for years. He's been going after better education for years. Coppel killed in this debate. I've followed his career since I was—since I was a senior citizen! He's got spunk! This Port Authority budget cut Taylor just called, that's just cutting a deal to make more money for the rich. What about the poor, what about the inner cities? As mayor, Coppel would have this all fixed by now."

– Berta Vincent, 92, White, Democrat

"There's something about this Davenport that impresses me. I've always been a straight-line Dem, but she's a real straight shooter and she got this campaign kicking with minimal support. I respect her. She's passionate about her issues and a good, decent person with a lot of common sense. You get the impression she can do a few things at once—balance the budget, clean up the harbor, make the neighborhoods safer. She doesn't have a limited repertoire. Then you look at Taylor—a budget cut to make room for a tax cut—he's a one trick pony!"

– Dov Garten, 87, White, Democrat

New Harbor High school

"The fact that the Port Authority is taking a budget cut is a great step in setting priorities for this town. Our minimal 0.5% cut means that we can look forward to another solid year of programs. In New Harbor, we are committed to delivering excellent academic programs to each and every one of our students. We are working with the community, with parents, and with our dedicated teams of teachers to see to it that our children and young adults receive the individualized attention and guidance they deserve in order to thrive in a college preparatory environment. This budget will suffice for now, but it's hardly where it needs to be."


- Jennifer List, Superintendant of Schools, 52, Asian, Democrat

New Harbor Airport

Yes, we heard the mayor is now talking about a budget cut for the Port Authority. I know times are tough, but what does he think he can cut? At the airport, our security team is already understaffed. We need stronger security, not a cut in force. And I know no one here wants to get laid off. Personally, I was laid off 2 years ago this time, and my family and I do not wish to go through that again. We have barely recovered as it is. I sure hope Mayor Taylor thinks long and hard about these plans and what's right for the city. People's lives are at stake."


- Sheila Fountain, Airport Security Guard, 49, Native American, Democrat

Home

That Peacetree endorsement for Mary Davenport is interesting. She really has the environment's best interests at heart. I'm leaning heavily for Davenport—her campaign is clean and focused. I used to like Coppel too, but he seems so slick and greased against the backdrop of Davenport. His campaign is like a political machine. I don't feel like I'm listening to the real Coppel anymore, only sound bites."


- Jane Crzyinski, Homemaker, 47, White, Democrat

LLardo Importers

"Let's suffice to say that Peacetree's newfound advocate, Mary Davenport, will not be good for business, which will not be good for New Harbor. If, as Davenport proposes, no ships will be able to empty bilge water in the harbor, then that means no textiles, no commodities. But you need these things to keep things apace in a city, and that's what Ms. Davenport doesn't see. She's going to muscle out the mussels by muscling out the ships that deliver the materials we live on. Where is the reasoning behind this? Mary, let's work together to reach some better solutions."


- Alan Ilardo, Ilardo Importers, 37, White, Republican