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1. Cybersecurity and Local Government

   https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119788317.ch1  

   Norris, Donald F.; Mateczun, Laura K.; Forno; Richard F. (April 2022, Wiley (book))

   CYBERSECURITY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Learn to secure your local government’s networks with this one-of-a-kind resource In Cybersecurity and Local Government, a distinguished team of researchers delivers an insightful exploration of cybersecurity at the level of local government. The book makes a compelling argument that every local government official, elected or otherwise, must be reasonably knowledgeable about cybersecurity concepts and provide appropriate support for it within their governments. It also lays out a straightforward roadmap to achieving those objectives, from an overview of cybersecurity definitions to descriptions of the most common security challenges faced by local governments. The accomplished authors specifically address the recent surge in ransomware attacks and how they might affect local governments, along with advice as to how to avoid and respond to these threats. They also discuss the cybersecurity law, cybersecurity policies that local government should adopt, the future of cybersecurity, challenges posed by Internet of Things, and much more. Throughout, the authors provide relevant field examples, case studies of actual local governments, and examples of policies to guide readers in their own application of the concepts discussed within. Cybersecurity and Local Government also offers: A thorough introduction to cybersecurity generally, including definitions of key cybersecurity terms and a high-level overview of the subject for non-technologists. A comprehensive exploration of critical information for local elected and top appointed officials, including the typical frequencies and types of cyberattacks. Practical discussions of the current state of local government cybersecurity, with a review of relevant literature from 2000 to 2021. In-depth examinations of operational cybersecurity policies, procedures and practices, with recommended best practices. Perfect for local elected and top appointed officials and staff as well as local citizens, Cybersecurity and Local Government will also earn a place in the libraries of those studying or working in local government with an interest in cybersecurity. 

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2. Local government cyber insecurity: Causes and recommendations for improvement

   https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13743  

   Norris, Donald F; Mateczun, Laura; Hatcher, William; Meares, Wesley L; Heslen, John (July 2024, Public Administration Review)

   Abstract In this paper, we address several facets of the problem we call local government cyber insecurity—a problem that plagues such governments across the nation, if not the world. We describe this problem and discuss its manifestations in local governments. This is followed by our analysis of why, on average, local government cybersecurity is managed and practiced so poorly. Next, we discuss several constraints on local governments that may help to explain why so many of these governments are not able to provide highly effective cybersecurity. We then discuss steps that local governments can and should take to improve their cybersecurity, including adopting dedicated cybersecurity budgets, adopting several highly recommended cybersecurity policies, and following best cybersecurity practices. 

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3. CONSTRUCTING EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION FOR DISPLACED PERSONS IN URBAN CONTEXTS: A GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE

   Hacker, Miriam; Kaminsky, Jessica; and Faust, Kasey (May 2017, Leadership in Sustainable Infrastructure)

   In the summer of 2016, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with government agencies in four German cities. Data from these interviews were qualitatively analyzed to discover the various approaches taken by each city’s government. The data describe participant’s perceived challenges, success and priorities involved with coordinating accommodations and present predominant themes within each of these areas, highlighting what needs to be improved, what worked well and what was prioritized throughout the process. Results from this study contribute critical insight to the limited research regarding construction practices and organizational design of infrastructure for emergency accommodation in an urban context. For example, the greatest challenge expressed by government officials were associated with the process of finding available housing and preparing facilities. External coordination with the community and private companies was identified as one of the predominant successes of the housing operation. Lastly, different aspects of the preparation of facilities was expressed as the biggest priority, such as minimizing costs, finding available properties and providing utility upgrades. Describing governments’ organizational structures along with their benefits and drawbacks provides other government agencies with foresight in emergency planning and crisis response techniques, and contributes to increased infrastructure resilience in future emergency response. 

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4. Local emergency management's use of social media during disasters: a case study of Hurricane Irma

   https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12544  

   Knox, Claire Connolly (December 2022, Disasters)

   Governments' use of social media during all phases of emergency management, especially during disasters, has increased dramatically in the past 20 years. Yet, implementation at the local government level in the United States remains haphazard. As technology and the role of social media evolve, there persists a need to understand the socio‐technical aspects of social media's employment in times of disaster. This study contributes to the growing social media literature by asking the following questions: what challenges remain and what lessons learned are being institutionalised at the local level of government? A qualitative analysis of 26 after action reports on Hurricane Irma (September 2017) by county, state, and federal governments and a four‐hour focus‐group session revealed dominant and subdominant themes, including: push/pull information; capacity and technical issues; inconsistent messaging; one‐way versus two‐way communication; timing of messages; and data collection. The paper concludes by discussing lessons learned, remaining challenges, evidence of organisational learning, and recommendations for future research. 

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5. Strategy Formulation Process and Interorganizational Collaboration

   https://doi.org/10.1080/15309576.2024.2366238  

   Hong, Minji; Jimenez, Benedict S (June 2024, Public Performance & Management Review)

   The study examines how two major strategy formulation approaches – rational planning and logical incrementalism – influence the decision of city governments to collaborate with for-profit, non-profit, and other public organizations. Collaboration with governmental and non-governmental actors gives rise to varying levels of risks, and the choice of which type of organization to collaborate with is influenced by how distinct strategy formulation processes can help governments address those risks. Using data from a national survey of cities, we find that the strategy-making process can spur or hinder collaborative undertakings. The results of the regression analysis indicate that rational planning catalyzes cross-sectoral collaboration but is not associated with government-to-government collaboration. Logical incrementalism, in contrast, has a consistently negative relationship with collaboration regardless of sector. The findings indicate that collaboration can be limited by city governments’ capacity to undertake rational planning and their propensity to engage in incrementalist decision-making. 

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