Library

Here are publications on many topics we have collected from state and federal agencies, other non-profits and those who provide information and studies on topics relevant to local government.

Infrastructure Literature

Capital Planning - A research brief from the State Comptroller on New York State's capital planning and local infrastructure needs.

Outdated Municipal Structures - Cities, Towns and Villages – 18th Century Designations for 21st Century Communities: An examination of how traditional classifications no longer fit many of today’s local governments, and a discussion of policy implications from the New York State Comptroller.

Drinking Water

Your Water, Your Decision - A guide for Community leaders committed to safe drinking water.

Protecting the Source - Land Conservation and the future of America's drinking water.

Green Infrastructure, Growth and Planning

Environmental Finance for Affordable Housing - A document from the New England EFC on funding affordable and ecologically conscious housing

Green Best Practices - How Local Governments can Reduce Energy Cost and Minimize Impact on Global Climate Change, a research brief from the New York State Comptroller.

Smart Growth - The EPA document introducing smart growth as seen from the Smart Growth Network's point of view.

Smart Growth in New York State - A discussion paper outlining the possibilities and potential problems for smart growth in New York State.

Water System and Watershed Maintenance and Protection

Sustainable Water Systems - A report seeking to redefine the nation's water infrastructure challenges presented by the Aspen Institute.

Agricultural Water Reuse - Opportunities and challenges in Agricultural water reuse presented by the USDA and EFC Maryland.

Growing Successful Watershed Organizations - A case study of six successful watershed organizations.

Watershed Planning From Start to Finish - This publication covers (1) how to start a watershed group to tackle water quality problems, (2) methods for measuring and assessing  watershed conditions, (3) how turn this data into a strategic plan, and (4) techniques for putting the plan into action.