Policy and legislative analyses can include the independent review of proposed legislation, the implementation of existing policies, and general policy questions. For proposed legislation, these reviews can assess the fiscal impact to jurisdictions, analyze the comprehensive proposal behind the legislation, and provide sensible recommendations for improvement. The analysis of implemented policies can evaluate the implementation of ordinances, laws, and regulations for efficiency and effectiveness.
Policy and legislative analyses may include:
- Fiscal analysis of legislation and of related contracts, financing plans, and debt management
- Comprehensive evaluation of prospective revenue and expenditures associated with proposed legislation
- Analysis of implemented policies, such as evaluating program goals and outcomes and cost-benefit analysis
- Analysis of general policy questions or ideas, including surveys or benchmarking, if appropriate
The benefits of policy and legislative analyses include:
- Verification of the appropriateness of the expenditure levels associated with proposed legislation
- Confirmation of the thoroughness of the proposed legislation and recommendations for improving efficiency and effectiveness
- Assessment of a project’s financial position before committing funds
- An understanding of the efficiency and effectiveness of existing policies with recommendations for improvements