Best Practices in Capital Improvement Planning
Below are publications by the Divison of Local Services of the Commonwealth's Department of Revenue intended to assist towns in planning for capital improvements.
The Capital Improvement Planning Guide outlines the ten steps needed to establish a comprehensive capital improvement program (CIP) and includes an appendix with a sample bylaw, policies, and calendar helpful for implementing a CIP. Although the language in this guide is oriented to town governments, the information and forms presented can be readily modified for cities as well. The guidelines provide a framework to enable any municipality to make planned decisions about the construction and maintenance of its infrastructure and equipment. Municipalities are encouraged to tailor the CIP outline and procedural forms to fit local circumstances, such as organizational structure, budget timetable, or bylaw/charter authority.
The Capital Improvement Planning Manual provides municipalities with sample forms and instructions that can be used for an annual capital improvement program (CIP). The sample forms include 1.) a capital project submission form, 2.) a five-year capital plan, 3.) facilities, asset and fleet inventory worksheets, and 4.) a capital budget calendar.