New & NoteworthyNew Municipal Web Sites, Features, Trends and Recent Discoveries
October-December 2005
Economists and Prognosticators Begin to Weigh in for 2006
With the start of the new year, economists and market experts begin to offer their predictions for the upcoming year. The rebuilding of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Katrina is likely to be a major factor in the economy in 2006.… Continue
New Pew Report Compares Online Activities of Men, Women
Research studies from Pew and Forrester Research looks at the different ways in which men and women use the Internet today. Women are catching up to men in overall usage, but their behavior differs in many respects.… Continue
New Georgia City Contracts with Private Firm to Provide Bulk of Municipal Services
Serving as an example of how some communities are privatizing municipal services, Sandy Springs, Georgia has contracted with outside firm CH2M HILL-OMI to provide many of its public works and administrative functions.… Continue
Redevelopment Agency Demonstrates Exemplary Disclosure Practices
San Jose Redevelopment Agency sets a high standard for financial disclosure among municipal bond issuers. The agency’s website also features monthly project updates, retail vacancies and live broadcasts of board meetings.… Continue
Urban Land Institute Predicts Real Estate Growth to Moderate in 2006
Survey expects growth in the real estate market to slow in 2006 compared to the robust growth rates in 2005. San Diego, Washington D.C. and L.A. are noted as top “markets to watch” for the new year.… Continue
San Diego Swears In New Mayor; Ceremony Shown via Live Webcast
San Diego featured a live webcast of the swearing-in ceremony of Mayor Jerry Sanders on December 5, 2005. The ceremony is available for viewing via archived video.… Continue
Number of Dislocated Workers Shows Economic Impact of Recent Hurricanes
Recently released employment data shows economic impact of hurricanes in Gulf region. New Orleans lost more than 200,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.… Continue
Two Cities Promote Transparency in Government
An article in Government Technology magazine shows how posting certain types of information on a city web site helps to increase government accountability.… Continue
Pew Reports on Teen Internet Use
A recent Pew study reports that more than three quarters of today’s teens use the Internet; half of these are comfortable creating and posting online content.… Continue
BLS Releases CPI and Employment Reports
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released the October 2005 Consumer Price Index figures, as well as a report on unemployment rates for Hurricane Katrina evacuees and its annual occupation and wage report.… Continue
Online Budget Features Increase Accountability for Spokane Government
Spokane’s online budget tools increase government accountability and can help citizens better understand its financial straits.… Continue
Strike in Philly Brings Focus on Health Care, Retirement Costs
The strike by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is raising many concerns about the rising costs of retirement benefits for city workers.… Continue
California Votes Against Change; Schwarzenegger Accepts Defeat
Voters in California went to the polls on November 8, 2005 to cast their decision on eight statewide ballot measures.… Continue
State Election Results for November 8, 2005 Ballot
Check the NCSL web site for results of November 8, 2005 state elections.… Continue
Wisconsin Empowers Local Government, Road Management
Wisconsin has developed a new technology that empowers local government to monitor and report road conditions.… Continue
Louisiana Recovery Authority Coordinates State Rebuilding Efforts
Louisiana Recovery Authority is planning and coordinating for the state’s rebuildng efforts in response to hurricane damage.… Continue
Crisis Financing and Rebuilding Efforts Addressed by Louisiana Legislature
Timely information regarding state deliberations in the response to recent hurricanes, including crisis financing and rebuilding efforts, are addressed in live Internet broadcasts from the Louisiana Legislature.… Continue
MRSC Adds Public Transportation Funding Information to Web Site
One stop resource for transportation finance information in Washington state is a model for other states… Continue
Alaska State Housing Agency Provides Exemplary Financial Info
From quarterly single family loan statistics or official statements for outstanding bond issues, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation web site opens the door to a plethora of state housing information. One of the most comprehensive state housing authority we… Continue
States and Municipal Debt
The U.S. Census Bureau publishes a wealth of municipal debt information for state and local governments every five years. The latest census ocurred in 2002.… Continue
Public Health Concerns and Local Government Response
Local governments and public health officials share strategies for dealing with public health epidemics. Fears of a looming bird flu crisis have focused attention on local and national response mechanisms.… Continue
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