Define Public Finance

Students are to identify a local (city or county) or state government of their choosing, and prepare a 5-page policy memo addressed to the head of that government (i.e., mayor, commission chair, or governor) that describes one government financed program within the state or local government.  The memo must include all of the below elements:

• Organizational Structure
• Profile & Economic Conditions/Outlook
• Fiscal Policies
• Budget Calendar
• Goals and Objectives
• Trends/Forecast

See this visual example of a business memo.  When you are discussing the above areas, you must provide context for each category to ensure understanding about the issue (using historical information, data, current status, options for moving forward and explaining the challenges and opportunities/benefits for each option).  Just because you are writing the memo to the executive, does not mean the executive is fully aware of all the details as you are.  So … fully explain.

When you choose your level of government, you can go to that government’s website and seek information regarding the structure, budget, goals, strategic plan, and other information that will benefit this assignment.  For example, if a student chooses Lee County, GA.  You can go to Lee County’s government website and see some of this information.  The information may not be on one or two webpages, so you should be diligent and seek this information out.

Ensure to use in-text citations and have a reference page.  Use APA Style Guide as a reference.

There is no need for a title page or abstract.

Attached is the Financial Strategy Book.  Use chapter 3 for information.

Also attached is an example of memo.

Students are to identify a local (city or county) or state government of their choosing, and prepare a 5-page policy memo addressed to the head of that government (i.e., mayor, commission chair, or governor) that describes one government financed program within the state or local government.  The memo must include all of the below elements:

• Organizational Structure
• Profile & Economic Conditions/Outlook
• Fiscal Policies
• Budget Calendar
• Goals and Objectives
• Trends/Forecast

See this visual example of a business memo.  When you are discussing the above areas, you must provide context for each category to ensure understanding about the issue (using historical information, data, current status, options for moving forward and explaining the challenges and opportunities/benefits for each option).  Just because you are writing the memo to the executive, does not mean the executive is fully aware of all the details as you are.  So … fully explain.

When you choose your level of government, you can go to that government’s website and seek information regarding the structure, budget, goals, strategic plan, and other information that will benefit this assignment.  For example, if a student chooses Lee County, GA.  You can go to Lee County’s government website and see some of this information.  The information may not be on one or two webpages, so you should be diligent and seek this information out.

Ensure to use in-text citations and have a reference page.  Use APA Style Guide as a reference.

There is no need for a title page or abstract.

Attached is the Financial Strategy Book.  Use chapter 3 for information.

Also attached is an example of memo.