We define a state-local information system as one that links state and local agencies together in a coherent service delivery or administrative environment. They facilitate information sharing for the achievement of mutual program or administrative goals. These systems address both individual and common needs and result from ongoing discourse among state and local participants.

Coordination among the staff and objectives of different government units presents special challenges because it is not "business as usual." This coordination effort must recognize and account for the diversity of organizational cultures, structures, and budgetary processes found in the range of government units affected. A successful coordination effort must deal with mismatched fiscal years; a range of hierarchical, team, and matrix management styles; and program-driven versus process-driven vs. customer-driven work environments. And these are just a few of the factors that contribute to the enormous complexity of state-local systems projects.

To overcome the fragmentation that often exists because of this complexity, state-local information systems must meet the critical needs of all the participants, and provide services within an integrated framework that includes shared goals, shared technical and physical infrastructure, and shared financial and human resources. One expert says, "the boundary- spanning aspect of intergovernmental information systems implies a high degree of coordination and mutual respect among managers, planning teams, and implementation efforts" (Kumar, MIS Quarterly, 1996). We couldn’t agree more.