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title: White papers | MSU Extension Local Government Center
description: Evidence‑based, nonpartisan research information that explain complex local government issues and best practices using expert analysis and real‑world examples.
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1. [MSU Extension Local Government Center](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base)
2. [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers)

# White papers

 Evidence‑based, nonpartisan research information that explain complex local government issues and best practices using expert analysis and real‑world examples.

- [What are the basic certification requirements?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-three-basic-certification-requirements)
- [What are the Montana Municipalities and their Probable Year of Incorporation?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-montana-municipalities-and-their-probable-year-of-incorporation)
- [What are the Origins and Characteristics of Municipal Government?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-origins-and-characteristics-of-municipal-government)
- [What is Investment Policy?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-investment-policy)
- [What is APT US&C?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-apt-usc)
- [What is MMCTFOA?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mmctfoa)
- [What is IIMC?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-iimc)
- [What professional development certification options are available for municipal Clerks, Treasurers, & Finance Officers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/professional-development-certification-options)
- [What is the Purpose of Municipal Classification?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-purpose-of-municipal-classification)
- [What is the Montana Municipal Classification System?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-montana-municipal-classification-system)
- [What is the Role of Police Commission in the Grievance Process?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-role-of-police-commission-in-the-grievance-process)
- [What is the  Montana Occupational Safety and Health Act?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-montana-occupational-safety-and-health-act)
- [What is Safety in Mines Other Than Coal Mine?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-)
- [What is MCA 50-72-101 Applicability of Chapter?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-50-72-101-applicability-of-chapter)
- [What is ARM 24.30.1311. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF RULES REGARDING EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY IN MINES OTHER THAN COAL MINES?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-arm-24.30.1311.-incorporation-by-reference-of-rules-regarding-employee-health-and-safety-in-mines-other-than-coal-mines)
- [What is the Montana Safety Culture Act?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-montana-safety-culture-act)
- [What is MCA 39-71-502 Purpose](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-39-71-502-purpose)
- [What are budgeting limitations?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-budgeting-limitations)
- [What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Budget?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-roles-and-responsibilities-of-a-budget)
- [What are the Legal Requirements for the Investment of Public Funds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-legal-requirements-for-the-investment-of-public-funds-)
- [What are Investment Options?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-investment-options)
- [What are Critical Factors in Creating and Maintaining Structural Balance?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-critical-factors-in-creating-and-maintaining-structural-balance)
- [What are Political Parties?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-political-parties)
- [What are Interest Groups?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-interest-groups)
- [What are Community Councils?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-community-councils)
- [What is the Purpose of Growth Policies?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-purpose-of-growth-policies)
- [What is Consistency with Growth Policy?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-consistency-with-growth-policy)
- [What is Sample County election resolution for Voter Review?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-sample-county-election-resolution-for-voter-review)
- [What are Affirmative Action Plans?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-affirmative-action-plans)
- [What are EEO-4 Forms?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-eeo-4-forms)
- [What are  Employee Benefits Reports?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-employee-benefits-reports)
- [What are the  Functions of a Personnel Record System?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-functions-of-a-personnel-record-system)
- [What is the Budget Structure?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-budget-structure)
- [How to Establish Budgetary Goals?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/how-to-establish-budgetary-goals)
- [What are  Municipal Government Revenue Sources?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-municipal-government-revenue-sources)
- [What is Municipal Debt?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-municipal-debt)
- [What is the  Investment Process- a Loser’s Game?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-investment-process-a-losers-game)
- [What are Types of Government Funds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-types-of-government-funds)
- [What is the Purpose of an Audit?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-purpose-of-an-audit)
- [What is the Importance of Audited Financial Statements?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-importance-of-audited-financial-statements)
- [What is the  Purpose of Fund Balance and Working Capital?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-purpose-of-fund-balance-and-working-capital)
- [What Level of Fund Balance Should be Maintained?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-level-of-fund-balance-should-be-maintained)
- [What is the Authority for a Municipality to Acquire, Own and Dispose of Property?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-authority-for-a-municipality-to-acquire-own-and-dispose-of-property)
- [What is the Authority to Enter Into and Execute Contracts?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-authority-to-enter-into-and-execute-contracts)
- [What is CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND INTERACTION](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-citizen-participation-and-interaction)
- [Representing the Community: Trustees vs. Instructed Delegates](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/representing-the-community-trustees-vs.-instructed-delegates)
- [Legislative v. Quasi-judicial Decisions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/legislative-v.-quasi-judicial-decisions)
- [What are Optional Content and Neighborhood Plans for Growth Policies?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-optional-content-and-neighborhood-plans-for-growth-policies-)
- [What is the Purpose of The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (MSPA)?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-montana-subdivision-and-platting-act-mspa)
- [What are  Local Subdivision Regulations?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-local-subdivision-regulations)
- [What are the Local Regulations dealing with BUILDINGS FOR LEASE OR RENT](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-local-regulations-dealing-with-buildings-for-lease-or-rent)
- [What are Exemptions from Buildings for Lease or Rent Review?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-exemptions-from-buildings-for-lease-or-rent-review)

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## Voter Review

- [What are Voter Review Frequently asked Questions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-voter-review-frequently-asked-questions)

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- [Process guides](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/process-guides)
- [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers#main-content)

    - [Voter Review](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers#voter-review)
- [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms)
- [Product or service descriptions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/product-or-service-descriptions)
- [Online Courses](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/online-courses)

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Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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