One small New Hampshire town built a state-of-the-art geographic information system (GIS) and an IT department that would be the envy of any big city.

The Nevada Taxpayers Association has awarded its Cashman Good Government Award to Douglas County for its innovative approach to budgeting and involving residents in the budget process.

When the economy fell into the tank in 2008, it was a defining moment for the city of Las Vegas. Facing a huge budget shortfall, the city not only had to slash its budget but also change the way it did business.

What gets Bozeman, Montana to the top of many most livable cities lists? Of course the beauty of the surrounding Rockies, wilderness areas, trout streams and rivers attract visitors. But City Manager Chris Kukulski and residents alike appreciate the city's infrastructure investments as well.

A community came together to solve its problems with one project.

Located approximately 30 miles west of St. Louis, the City of O'Fallon, Missouri, serves a growing population of 83,000 residents. In 2010, the city partnered with Siemens Industry, Inc., to help improve the accuracy and reliability of its water meter reading system.

One of the ways local governments improve efficiencies is through collaborative service delivery arrangements with nearby communities. When local governments partner with one another, particularly those that serve smaller communities, they can provide much needed services while keeping costs low.

The tornado was one of the deadliest on record, killing 161 people. It carved a swath of six miles of wreckage, leaving more than 7,500 homes uninhabitable, 540 businesses affected, and 3 million cubic yards of rubble and debris strewn across the city. It was the single costliest tornado in U.S. history with damages estimated at more than $3 billion. City Manager Mark Rohr led the recovery effort that rebuilt Joplin.

Successful local economic development requires long-term, strategic planning. How has Oakdale's economy remained strong, even during the current economic downturn? City Administrator Craig Waldron's focus on and expertise in economic development made the difference.