SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6418

BYSenators Halsan and Sellar

Requiring a proposal for a senior development program for local government managers.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988; February 2, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                  February 16, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Management development programs for federal and state elected officials and senior administrators have been encouraged for the last three decades.  It has only been within the last five or ten years that an equal need has been recognized for enhancing leadership skills of local officials and managers.  Examples include the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government in the Kennedy School at Harvard University, and in the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

Since participation in these eastern programs is prohibitively expensive for most local officials from Washington State, it has been suggested that offerings of equal quality be developed here.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Community Development (DCD) is to develop a proposal for a senior development program to meet the needs of local government officials and senior administrators.  In this effort, the Director is to consult the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the schools of public and business management in higher education institutions and the respective associations of local officials.

Among the elements to be included in the proposal are development of a continuing series of in-state seminars; consideration of accessibility cost, and potential funding sources; and options for attracting outstanding faculty and seminar leaders.

DCD is to make its first progress report on the program proposal to the Governmental Operations and the House Committee on Local Government by September 15, 1988, and present its final report -- with legislative recommendations -- by December 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one