The nation's cities are well-managed or at least making improvements, according to a study being released by the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University and "Governing" magazine. The researchers examined how 35 cities managed their finances, work forces, computer systems and capital projects -- as well as how they judge performance and plan improvements.

Among the results:

• Phoenix, Ariz., was the only city to receive an A or A- in all five categories, while Austin, Texas, received an A- because of a B grade on its use of technology.

• Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Virginia Beach received an overall B+.

• New Orleans and Buffalo were extended a C-minus ranking -- with New Orleans being assigned an F ranking in the personnel category.

Overall, the cities received an average B grade in the areas of financial management and capital projects, C-pluses for personnel policies and handing information technology, and B-minus in managing for results -- for a composite score of B-minus.

Most cities have civil service laws that hamper hiring, training, promotion and discipline -- which explains the reason for the overall low grades in personnel. As for handing information, although all 35 cities graded have Web sites, most do not integrate technology into everyday decision-making, the report found.

Sources: Richard Wolf, "Cities Doing Better Job, Study Finds," and "Phoenix is Managing, to Get Everything Right," USA Today, January 31, 2000.

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