Year: 1916
Summary: This publication highlights the need for an independent citizen research bureau (such as the Bureau of Municipal Research) to inform fellow citizens and to keep municipal government accountable when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars. Additionally, the Bureau outlines some of their near and long-term goals in improving and modernizing city administration and planning.
Year: 1919
Summary: Summarizes the aim, membership, organization, and activities of Voters Leagues in Boston, Chicago, and Milwaukee, to demonstrate the benefit of such organizations.
Summary: Defines commission-manager (or city-manager) government, its advantages and limitations.
Year: 1930
Summary: A listing of the personnel in city council, boards, and commissions in Metropolitan Toronto.
Year: 1932
Summary: Calls for a study to determine how many employees of each kind are absolutely necessary for efficient operation in each department of the city government
Summary: Survey about voter turnout in the last municipal election.
Year: 1934
Summary: Argues that amalgamation of related departments under one auspice would be beneficial to the city, and should be done when an opportunity such as the retirement of a head of department occurs.
Summary: Defines mayor-council-board of control government, its advantages and limitations. Suggests modifications including an Administrative Board.
Year: 1924
Summary: The Bureau is opposed to establishing a participatory pension fund for city civil servants before a review of the efficiency of the civil service is prepared.
Year: 1927
Summary: Summary of report of Commission on the civic service, showing that the lack of a pension fund and the multitude of high-ranking officials leads to a standstill in public service promotions. Claims that a pension fund would in fact increase efficiency and not increase costs as much as presumed because it would cut waste by enabling older workers to retire.
Year: 1947
Summary: Argues that the planned appointment of the mayor as coordinator of civic services, an executive managerial role, is politically and practically problematic
Summary: Highlights a new by-law requiring the appointment of personnel director and an advisory panel committee, effectively reorganizing the city administration and making one person responsible for appointments, promotions and classifications of employees.