The Power of Shared Services in Local Government

Shared services offer a transformative approach for local governments. When governments work together, they can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. Departments can also leverage collective resources and expertise to serve their citizens better.

Here’s how embracing shared services can positively impact your local government:

1. Enhance Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Shared services enable local governments to streamline operations by pooling resources. Departments can save costs by sharing staff and technology to reduce overheads and operational expenses.

2. Improve Service Quality

Collaborating with nearby communities can lead to more consistent and high-quality services. Using the same systems and processes ensures everyone gets the same level of service. This is especially helpful when a staff member from one community has specialized skills that can support a large development project in another town.

3. Share Expertise

When communities work together, they can share specialized skills and knowledge. This is especially useful during emergency responses. One town's expertise can benefit its neighbors during crises.

4. Respond Faster in Emergencies

In times of disaster, shared services allow communities to support each other and lend staff to help in times of need. This coordination can speed up recovery and provide better support.

Cloudpermit makes it simple for communities to help one another in need because of an unlimited user license. With unlimited user licenses, staff from other communities can quickly be added to the system to help without delays. Since our platform is online, staff from communities can help review work without ever needing to be in the impacted area.

5. Standardize Processes

Shared services help standardize procedures across different areas. This means that residents and businesses experience the same processes no matter their location. This reduces confusion, makes it easier for contractors to work in surrounding areas, and streamlines operations.

6. Handle Seasonal and Specialized Needs

Communities can share resources to handle seasonal peaks or specialized tasks. This ensures that every local government has the support it needs without having to invest in extra resources year-round.

7. Transfer Knowledge

Working together helps staff learn from each other. Communities can share best practices and training resources. This improves overall skills and knowledge for all parties involved.

8. Manage Joint Projects

Shared services make it easier to work on joint projects that can impact multiple governments in an area. This collaboration can be beneficial for small departments.