MRSC In Focus

Strange But True Tales of Privatization

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Privatization won't always work, but it should always be considered. More from Governing.

Fun With Public Data

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

This week, Google went live with an experimental tool that allows people to explore various public data sets — from unemployment in the U.S. to education statistics in California. More from Governing's Idea Center.

March 18 Meeting: Local Government Web Sites and Services

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Learn about new web technologies and network with peers at the next local government webmasters meeting on March 18 in Seattle (you needn’t be a webmaster to benefit from the discussions). Topics include Seattle’s new Open Data Web Site, web site search engine optimization and analytics, and new local government services made possible by next generation fiber-optic networks. See the agenda and registration form.

The Competition for Jobs

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Washington State's battle to save its aviation industry mirrors the larger competition among states to attract and keep jobs. More from Governing.

The New World of Selling Bonds

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Given the recent economic changes, issuers need to think again about how the sell municipal bonds. More from Government Finance Review.

Reciprocity, Corruption, and Performance

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

To develop specific strategies to solve specific performance problems requires experimentation and adaptation. This, in turn requires discretion, which opens the door to reciprocity. And reciprocity has its down side. It is called corruption. More from Bob Behn's Performance Leadership Report.

New Smog Rules Target Rural Counties

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Proposed EPA rules may throw rural counties into Clean Air Act violation overnight. More from Governing.

Ten Keys to a Low Carbon Community

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

A practioner offers cost-saving methods to help address climate change. More from Urban Land Green.

Community Partnerships for Older Adults Build Aging-Friendly Communities

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Aging is a process we all share, but many communities are not prepared for the challenges posed by an aging population. More from Nation's Cities Weekly.

EPA's Water Quality Scorecard

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

EPA is releasing a first-of-its-kind water quality scorecard that will help communities in rural, suburban and urban settings incorporate green infrastructure practices to protect local water quality and improve both the built and natural environment. More from the EPA.

Marketing Guidebook for Small Airports

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

A new report from the Transportation Research Board, Marketing Guidebook for Small Airports, explores development of a marketing program for general aviation or commercial service airports on a small or minimal budget.

Finance Advisor - Do You Know Where Your Cash Is?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:10:00 PDT

In this month's Finance Advisor column, Mike Bailey, Finance Director, City of Redmond, shares some thoughts on managing cash (and investments) in this difficult economic climate.

HR Advisor - Electronic Communications and Social Media: Managing Employer Risks with Clear Policies

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:12:00 PDT

In this month's HR Advisor column, Mark Busto, Attorney, Sebris, Busto, James, suggests that employers revisit their electronic communication policies covering employee internet and email usage generally and formulate policy language establishing guidelines and expectations concerning employee use of social media and networking.

Council Commission Advisor - These are Transformative Times

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:10:00 PDT

In this month's Council/Commission Advisor column, Carl H. Neu, Jr., President of Neu and Company and Director of the Center for the Future of Local GovernanceTM, offers five steps for for those "blessed" by being in positions of authority and accountability over the future of our states and cities.

Planning Advisor - A Hybrid Approach to Form-Based Codes in the Northwest

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:20:00 PDT

In his first Planning Advisor column, Bob Bengford, Partner, MAKERS, offers some things to think about if you are considering updating your land use/design codes using a form-based approach.

What's New

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PDT

See our newly updated Newly Elected City Officials page, updated with new information for 2010. Includes the most recent publications and documents, specifically chosen to help a newly elected official get up to speed in their new position as quickly as possible.