Public Works helps governments and policymakers develop groundbreaking but cost-effective policy initiatives and programs. For example, during the past few years, we:

• In the News. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin recognizes Public Works in his 2007 State of the State Address. More...

  Completed the first phase of a performance review of West Virginia state government and identified $318 million in savings during the next five years, including almost $26 million in savings that already have been implemented and realized by the state.
  
  
• Served as on-going policy advisors to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, providing ideas and recommendations that have been incorporated into the Governor's legislative and budget proposals, as well as his 2006 State of the State Address. In addition, Public Works performed a detailed inventory of state, local, federal and non-profit programs across the state providing job training, drug treatment, Indian Health Services, and gang prevention services. This baseline data helped the state pinpoint where services were most needed and identify areas of overlap.
  
  
• Provided on-going policy consulting to West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, developing ideas and recommendations in such policy areas as drug abuse, health care, energy, and taxation.
  
  
• Conducted a performance review of the New Mexico state government that generated more than 100 specific recommendations to improve government services while saving taxpayers approximately $75 million in the first year alone and $400 million over five years.
  
  
• Oversaw a comprehensive strategic planning process to increase investments in, and improve the quality of, services to children by the City of Philadelphia. Through new and expanded services and a strong focus on performance, accountability and targeting of services, the Philadelphia Children's Investment Strategy is targeting spending to where it is needed most, providing a roadmap for attracting $150 million in state, federal and private sector funding, and ensuring that government is maximizing the dollars it spends.
  
  
• Developed a blueprint for producing a competitive and highly skilled workforce in New Mexico. Public Works worked with many of the 42 state entities associated with workforce development to propose reforms that led to an executive order implementing improvements in the delivery of workforce development and education, starting with creation of a Governor's Office of Workforce Development to oversee program integration and advancement.
  
  
• Designed and implemented a brownfields redevelopment program for the California Environmental Protection Agency. Among other things, Public Works directed an inter-departmental working group to craft the program, draft enabling legislation, and shepherd it through the legislature.