When you run your own business, saving money is just as important as making money. The ways to make money in a given business tend to be pretty obvious, but saving money can be a bit more subtle.

Governments have been looking for ways to save money for centuries, and it looks like the beginning of the 21st Century is a continuation of that trend. From local government to the Federal Government, the economic downturn has made policy makers more eager than ever to save a buck on anything they possibly can. While governments have developed a reputation for not accomplishing much, it’s not all just about arguing in Congress and vetoing laws. On the Federal, State, and Local level, governments are responsible for a lot of physical change and work – construction, renovations, maintenance, and many other types of useful, practical work.