EFFECTIVE APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR SMALL SCALE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Infrastructure asset management is an important topic at all levels of government. Determining the appropriateness of a guide to asset management for small local governments is an important uncovered topic as they are responsible for managing much of a state’s infrastructure. This study evaluates whether the American Public Works Association (APWA) guide to asset management is effective for small governments or if there needs to be additional asset management resources for these governments. Results from interviews and surveys conducted with government representatives in Georgia as well as a case study where the APWA guide was followed indicate that small governments have different priorities and access to fewer resources than larger governments. Based on this evidence, a decision tree for software and a supplemental document with a breakdown of the asset management system implementation procedure were created and recommended for use alongside the APWA guide in local governments with limited resources.