Sponsored by the National Commission on the State and Local Public Service, this book gathers together in one volume expert researchers' contributions to the ongoing debate over reforming public service. Drawing on a range of data sources and analyses of successful and unsuccessful state and local practices, and on hearings conducted by the Commission in seven cities, this book provides a knowledge base for everyone involved in the work of revitalizing state and local public service. Focuses on coping with five critical challenges that go to the heart of the revitalization effort: executive leadership, workforce management, information technology, privatization of service delivery, and healthcare.