2006 Walter Barnard Hill Award
for Distinguished Achievement
in University Public Service & Outreach

Harry W. Hayes

Harry W. Hayes, public service associate and local government project director at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, is a nationally recognized authority on local government issues. His top achievements include collaboratively establishing the nation’s first National Center for the Study of Counties, local government technical assistance and development of innovative educational programs.

The National Center for the Study of Counties combines research and outreach on issues of importance to counties, their governance and the public policy issues that affect them. Under Hayes’ leadership and collaboration, the Center initiated an annual nationwide survey of county officials on issues of importance to counties. Past surveys have included information on voting services and helped shape recommendations by the National Commission on Election Reform following the controversial 2000 presidential election. The National Association of Counties informed the U.S. Congress on county fiscal conditions using the Center’s data on county revenues and expenditures.

Hayes also provides consultation and technical assistance to counties and local municipalities. He chaired a Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) task force to revise minimum standards for local government planning in Georgia. The task force recommendations changed the way comprehensive plans are developed and resulted in publication of a handbook of standards for all cities and counties to follow. He also has worked on incorporation studies for proposed new municipalities, annexation studies, government consolidation studies and functional consolidation of services studies.

Hayes has worked on regional, national and international issues that have an impact on a local level. He has been recognized by national organizations such as the National Association of Counties and the International City/County Management Association; and by state associations such as the Georgia Municipal Association and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

Hayes leads training sessions and workshops at the national level, especially for the National Association of Counties, and has covered issues ranging from consolidation to county organization and structure. One workshop, “Functional Service Consolidation: Options and Strategies,” examined lessons learned in Georgia on functional consolidation and was presented as part of the Advanced Leadership Training Series.

At the state level, Hayes worked with Atlanta Regional Commission and the Community Planning Academy. The Academy provided assistance and training to appointed citizen planners, elected official and government employees, where participants are taught how to make effective decisions regarding their community’s future. Individuals from all ten Commission counties have attended the Academy as well as representatives from cities and counties outside of the Atlanta Region.