Washington State and Local Finance Data
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    What is the Local Government Finance Study?

    		The Washington State and Local Finance Data website is an ongoing effort to provide a statewide picture of government services and related financial data.

    The Local Government Finance Study originated in 1996 as a vehicle for state legislators to better understand local government finances and services. In order to develop a more comprehensive view of government services, the scope of the study was expanded to include state government data.

    An important component of the study has been to identify and resolve data issues and suggest reporting improvements.

    The Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program (LEAP) conducted the original study and continues to provide annual updates.

    What questions does this study help answer?

     •   What services are provided by government in Washington State?

     •   What costs are incurred providing these services?

     •   What revenue sources fund these services?

     •   How are the trends changing?

    What is the purpose of this web site?

    		 This web site is a tool for elected officials and their staff, as well as the general public, to easily access and use the data that was compiled for the Local Government Finance Study. It is meant to provide policymakers with historical financial information as a starting point for policy analysis, planning, and decision-making. For a more in-depth analysis of issues, additional research methods may be required. Where feasible, the web site will direct the user to alternative information sources.

    Your comments on the web site are welcome. A feedback mechanism has been provided for your use.

    What kind of information is provided?

    		 State, county, city, school district, transit and port district financial data are available on this site. Reporting is available by Expenditures for Services and Revenue Sources. Data can be viewed in pie chart, trend chart, or table formats. Summary comparisons of revenues and expenditures are also available.

    For more information on the data, refer to the About the Data section of this web site.

    What has been accomplished?

    		 Since 1996, a number of features have been added that improve the data and functionality of this web site, including:
    • Addition of capital and enterprise funds;
    • Addition of transit, port and school financial information;
    • Comparison charts available on one screen; and
    • Drill-down capability offering additional financial detail.

    Other accomplishment milestones are provided in the Chronology Appendix.

      Other Related Sites

      		 Local Government Finance Reporting System

       

      The local government financial data that is used in this web site is provided by the State Auditor’s Local Government Finance Reporting System (LGFRS). This web site application permits access to city, county, transit and port district expenditures and revenues as reported using the Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS) chart of accounts. SAO, LEAP, and a Local Government Work Group continue to improve upon the accuracy and reliability of city and county financial data as reported under BARS. Additional special purpose districts could potentially be added in the future.

      The web site address for the LGFRS is: http://www.sao.wa.gov/applications/lgfrs/

        State Office of Financial Management Web Site

       

      The State Office of Financial Management’s web site provides useful links to information specific to each Washington county and the cities within. Population, economic, financial, and other general information are provided.

      The web site address for the OFM reporting is: http://www.ofm.wa.gov/localdata/default.asp

       
       

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       December 2007