This landmark UKG–Polco study, authored by Barrett & Greene, empirically links strong HR practices to higher resident satisfaction in local government. Surveying 52 U.S. municipalities, it finds that effective performance management, HR capability, and employee well-being correlate with confidence in government and quality of life. Case studies from cities like Sachse, Ashland, and McKinney illustrate best practices such as continuous feedback, wellness programs, and leadership development. The paper concludes that people-first HR directly enhances public trust and service outcomes.

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