Have an idea for a book in our series? Send your idea to the series editor, Evan Berman at evanmberman@gmail.com. A simple paragraph will do to get the discussion going. We are now looking for proposals.

The New Face of Government: How Public Managers Are Forging a New Approach to Governance by David E. McNabb. Change is sweeping the globe, and at the government level, operational changes are prompting many public administrators to develop new management styles and ways of delivering services to their citizens. In the process, they are changing the face of government. The New Face of Government: How Public Managers Are Forging a New Approach to Governance explores how national leaders are changing the art and practice of government and how public managers are shaping and guiding government’s response to the transformation. This book includes a field-tested survey for diagnosing institutional disequilibrium. For more information, and to order, please click here.

The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America by Gerald L. Gordon – Fairfax City Economic Development Authority. Especially relevant to current economic conditions, this work examines the growth and decline of communities, identifying the key components of sustained economic growth as well as policies and actions or inactions that can lead to the demise of a local economic base. Derived from the author’s experience as president of one of America’s foremost economic development agencies, the book shows how gap analysis can be used in assessing the needs of existing communities and how to put plans in place to acquire and develop those needs. Concepts are supported with an abundant use of case studies featuring large and small, urban, and rural communities throughout the U.S. and globally. For more information, and to order, please click here.

Ethics Moments in Government: Cases and Controversies by ASPA Past President Donald C. Menzel – Ethics Management International. While ethical concerns may be among the most common problems public administrators face, there are few modern resources that one can turn to for guidance on thorny issues. Presenting typical scenarios faced by those holding the public trust, this work considers personal and organizational issues of integrity. A collection of succinctly written real-world cases presented by senior public administrators provides readers with approaches that not only slice through the problem but can also result in career advancement. Additionally, the book examines ways to build an ethical organization. For more information, and to order, please click here.

Major League Winners: Using Sports and Cultural Centers as Tools for Economic Development by Mark S. Rosentraub – University of Michigan. In addition to researching how communities use sports and cultural centers to spur economic and social development, Mark Rosentraub has advised a number of major league cities involved with multi-million dollar projects. In this book, he examines approaches that municipalities take and how they relate to the success or failure of their projects. He discusses the economics of sports and cultural centers and provides case studies examining economic redevelopment in several cities. A third section discusses errors made in the development and execution of various plans. The book closes by showing how municipalities can successfully turn municipal subsidies into income producing investments. For more information, and to order, please click here.

Organizational Assessment and Improvement in the Public Sector by Kathleen M. Immordino. In order to implement an integrated cycle of assessment, planning, and improvement, government agencies need a framework for organizational assessment that speaks to their unique needs. This book provides those who manage or work in government with an understanding of and a methodology for assessment. The book introduces the assessment concept and its significance in public organizations. It then focuses on procedures and demonstrates how communication that results from an assessment process can create a widely accepted case for change. The text presents a model grounded in the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality criteria but adapted for the language and culture of government organizations. For more information, and to order, please click here.

The Facilitative Leader in City Hall: Reexamining the Scope and Contributions by James H. Svara – Arizona State University. Two forms of local government are prevalent in American cities. The style of leadership found in mayor-council cities draws attention to the mayor and frequently involves power struggles as mayors attempt to assert control over city councils and city staff. However, the leadership of the mayor in council-manager cities can be less visible and easily overlooked. The Facilitative Leader in City Hall: Reexamining the Scope and Contributions boldly suggests a collaborative model for leadership that identifies what is unique in the council-manager setting. Mayors acting as facilitative leaders can successfully guide their cities drawing on the contributions of the council and the manager rather than attempting to drive them. For more information, and to order, please click here.

The books below are available for sale on the ASPA website.

Public Administration with an Attitude, a best-selling ASPA publication by H. George Frederickson, is now available.

Read a sample chapter and order your copy today!

Accountability Cases Now Available

ASPA and its Center for Accountability and Performance (CAP) announce the publication and availability of Accountability Cases.

This innovative series, edited by Robert Schwartz and Daniel W. Williams, uses real-world cases to illuminate concepts in accountability. Cases are designed to provoke thinking about accountability dilemmas and policy decisions that public servants are likely to encounter in their professional careers.

Click here for more information.

Combating Corruption, Encouraging Ethics 2nd Ed

In their second edition of Combating Corruption, Encouraging Ethics, ASPA members William L. Richter and Frances Burke update this essential staple to delve deeply into the unique ethical problems of twenty-first century public administration. Order directly from ASPA and save 15% off the list price!