MRSC In Focus

How Small Cities and Towns Can Benefit from New Media

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

As government increasingly embraces new media as a tool, many believe cities should take the lead role in developing and deploying new strategies for putting internet technology to use, paving the way for bigger state and federal initiatives. More from Next American City.

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.

County Health Rankings Data can Spur Improvement

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the first time, has issued a ranking of the health of all U.S. counties. More from NACo's County News.

States, Localities Face a 'Lost Decade'

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Economic recovery will be slow, subduing any ambitions state and local governments may harbor to play a role in shaping national policy. More from Governing.

Targeting Public-Sector Unions

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Critics say it's time for cities and states to get tough with public-sector unions. They may be right — for all the wrong reasons. More from Governing.

Benefiting from Special Districts in Cities

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

With U.S. cities increasingly strapped for cash, it comes as no surprise that community benefit districts (CBDs) are gaining in popularity. More from Urban Land.

Needed: Urban Innovation Hot Spots

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Cities should become living innovation labs, says Saul Kaplan. Only then will we come up with bold system changes that work. More from Business Week.

How Top Performers Thrive

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

A new book takes the mystery out of what separates top performers from everybody else, and reveals the keys to high performance. More from Governing.

Keeping the Wheels Turning

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Fleet managers increase uptime through a few simple tactics. More from American City & County.

The Compelling Case for the Cable Car

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Cities are discovering that cable’s inherent flexibility and adaptability gives it capabilities that no other transit technology shares. More from New Geography.

Are Wind Farms a Health Risk?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PDT

A study of families living near wind farms found nature's energy might not be so healthy. More from Governing.

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 - Local Government Response to Revenue Shortfall

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:10:00 PDT

In his first Council/Commission Advisor column, George Raiter, Cowlitz County Commissioner, describes how local governments in Cowlitz County are responding to revenue shortfalls by exploring ways that additional collaboration and combining of services can benefit citizens.

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.