Most would agree that running a well-managed organization in the 21st century using a 19th century handbook would at the very least draw criticism from its shareholders. Why then would today's taxpayers not want the modernization of their local government organizations?

"If only we could just merge the local governments in this region, things would be so much better for everyone." This sentiment was originally expressed in Louisville, Ky., in 1947 when community members launched their first attempt at merging the city of Louisville and Jefferson County into one consolidated government system. Four ballot initiatives and 58 years later, Louisville Metro has become a national model for the successful merger of city and county, and Louisville rightfully takes pride in sharing its numerous government efficiency stories.

I recently attended a forum in Louisville presented by the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, a nationwide organization of counties and cities and various special districts interested in increased public service through shared government efficiencies.

I was intrigued by the number of communities facing the same challenges that we do in Fresno and that were seeking information on consolidating government and gaining efficiencies through unification.

The reason for the renewed pursuit of efficiencies is because now, more than at any other time in American history, local governments are being asked to do more with less. Regional challenges such as public safety, job creation, transportation, managed growth and the environment seem to top all cities' list of priorities.

Equally important are financial and coordination concerns associated with the obligations of implementing federal and state mandates.

Louisville Metro leaders are quick to point out that although the fiscal savings have been in the millions, the real victory has been in the improved delivery of services and resultant improved quality of life for the community.

They saved millions by eliminating 700 duplicated government jobs, and because Louisville jumped to the 16th largest city in the nation from the previous rank of 67th, they have attracted a higher level of talent, increased economic development opportunities, created joint community housing strategies and developed a regional education plan. All of this was made possible by true regionalism.

Numerous possibilities

Many communities desire the benefits of regionalism because the outcomes are tremendous; however, implementing a complete merger to a one-tier government system is a rare event.

The Alliance for Regional Stewardship recognizes this and offers a variety of alternatives in its "Guide to Successful Local-Regional Government Consolidation." The group offers a venerable "gold mine" of options for regional reform, from simple informal cooperation to a complete one-tier consolidated government.

We were introduced to the task of evaluating our own communities by using a comprehensive process. We learned that there were almost as many solutions offered as there were major challenges. What was missing in Louisville was a leadership team from Fresno to perform the task.

I have been actively pursuing regionalism and local government consolidation since first elected to office five years ago. Although both the city and county of Fresno have recently embarked on cooperative agreements and public safety efforts, there are numerous opportunities for additional improvement and further efficiencies.

Success will be possible, however, only if there is significant interest and substantial support from the community. Understandably, the biggest problem in implementing many of these strategies is the resistance of elected officials because it involves significant change, and change is difficult. For this reason, the movement for consolidation most often comes from the community itself.

Groups similar to our previous city of Fresno Charter Commission have formed around the nation for the purpose of evaluating their local government structures and implementing vital reforms.

My hope for Fresno is that we experience a similar groundswell of community interest in order to bring about a local government evaluation process, so that we, too, can improve the delivery of services to our community.

I envision a community effort that won't be narrowly aimed at the city of Fresno but rather will include a regional approach that succeeded in Louisville and is currently being done in other communities throughout the nation.

Only then will we leave behind our 19th century local government structures and move forward as a competitive 21st century regional government organization.

Brian Calhoun represents District 2 on the Fresno City Council.