Local Government Information and Training Needs in the 21st Century

with the new layers of workforce diversity. Such an approach to managing diversity will also facilitate an understanding of how employees' different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can enhance work productivity and may even encourage the learning of Spanish or French. Similarly, gearing up to manage a workplace in the age of AIDS will entail applying new expertise in the ADA and information about the disease, as well as providing managers with resources to accommodate employees who find themselves within the HIV spectrum and skills to help address fears and possible actions of other employees.

Given the uncertain and potentially turbulent environmental changes taking place, perhaps only one thing is certain about managing the municipal workplace of the twenty-first century. It will become increasingly important to anticipate the types of skills and expertise that may be needed within the unique characteristics of each setting. We are convinced that it is in the best interest of local government to acquire the necessary managerial tools before having them becomes essential to complying with the law, avoiding costly litigation, maintaining high productivity and morale, and providing compassion to both employees and citizens.

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