4/524 Urban Finance Systems
Instructor: Miriam Porter MiriamP@VAX1.Mankato.MSUS.edu

Required Text:

Municipal Management Series. Management Policies in Local Government Finance, Fourth Edition. International City/County Management Association, 1996.

Course Goal:

This course is designed for you as an adult learner to provide you with an overview of urban finance systems. In addition, you will gain a better understanding of the economic environment in which local government managers make their decisions.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the term you will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand the budget process and identify needs and allocate financial resources.
2. Understand alternative budget formats
3. Identify financing options and tools
4. Be familiar with financial accounting, auditing, investments and risk management

Instructional Methodology and Teaching Strategies:

A variety of techniques will be used throughout the course including small group discussions, student presentations, lecture, guest speakers and field experience. Class attendance is strongly encouraged.

Required Course Assignments:

Readings: You are responsible for reading the text as assigned in the weekly schedule. Other readings may be assigned as issues are raised in class. You are encouraged to share with the class related articles and materials which may further clarify or expand upon course content.

Class Exercises/Participation: Each student will prepare two 2-3 page memos on current local government finance issues to present to class. Each memo will be worth 10 points. Students are required to participate on a regular basis in class or group discussions (10 pts).

Project: You are required to select a city (your home town possibly) or government agency and obtain a copy of its current budget. After reviewing the document, schedule an appointment with whomever has the major responsibility for the document preparation to gain an understanding of the budget process, the budget document and its contents. You may gain the greatest insights from interviewing both the Chief Executive Officer and the Finance Officer if the organization employs both.

You will then complete a written critique, 7-10 pages, of the budget process, budget documents and its content. The critique should be supported by appropriate related literature of course content. In addition, the critique should show evidence of substantial critical thinking on your part.

Graduate students will be required to present their selected budget, explaining the budget process, budget format, revenues and expenditures, and justification thereof as well as noting improvements they would recommend in the budget. The presentation should be approximately 30 minutes in length.

Final Exam:
There will be an essay style final exam.

Student Evaluation:
30% Project
30% Class Exercises/ Participation
40% Final Exam

Grading Scale
A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69

MSU