Use of Policy Analysis in Local Government in the Greater Las Vegas Metropolitan Area

1. Use of Policy Analysis in Local Government in the Greater Las Vegas Metropolitan Area PUA 726 Policy Analysis Spring 2009 Dawn Barlow Shane Dillon Lynn Hunsinger Ted Lendis Neo Vidal Wendy Yada

2. Introduction The purpose of this project is to determine what role policy analysis plays in local government decision-making. Policy analysis is defined as “any form of expertise in service to public policymaking and administration.” (Hird, 2005)

3. Objectives and Goals The overall study is intended to conduct exploratory research on how local governments use policy analysis to make decisions in the Las Vegas area. • Determine if policy analysis is used by and/or influences policymakers in local government • Identify circumstances in which policy analysis is used or needed • Identify possible alternatives, recommendations, and/or best practices • Establish a framework for further research

4. Importance of Research • Policy analysis should provide thorough and impartial recommendations in the decision-making process. • Policy analysis is how government should assess problems, develop program policies, and conduct program evaluation. • Policy analysis impacts: • Economy, growth, and opportunity • Health and safety • Constituents and stakeholders • Overall quality of life within the community

5. Policy Environment • Political trends within the southern Nevada community • Impact of decision-making at state level, especially fiscal • Issue of overlapping jurisdictions and authorities • Current local economic conditions and budget considerations • Without policy analysis, how is it possible to ensure coordination within the region (e.g. cuts to services)? • Would alternatives to current decision-making process be viable if additional costs are necessary? • How are fiscal pressures in the current economic environment influencing the policy-making process?

6. Research Questions • Do local government agencies conduct and use policy analysis? • If so: • What form does it take and is it useful? • In what part of the system does it occur and at what level? • What influence does it have on the overall decision-making process? • Can decision-making within local government be improved?

7. Methodology and Data Collection • Conduct interviews with individuals who provide policy analysis within local government agencies. • Identify who performs policy research within agencies and who uses it • Other resources for information: • Literature review • Internet and local government websites • Develop and/or conduct survey of policymakers

8. Analysis Expectations include: It will be exploratory research Mostly qualitative with some quantitative analysis, if possible Track and trend key words and common themes from individual interviews Identify possible descriptive statistics and units of analysis at agency level Attempt to further define problem and establish future research methods

9. Summary Determine to what extent policy analysis is conducted and/or used in local government. Identify if any problems in the decision-making process exist and provide recommendations for improvement. Add to the body of research on how policy analysis is used within local governments and/or provide recommendations for further research.

10. Questions and Feedback