New & Noteworthy
New Municipal Web Sites, Features, Trends and Recent Discoveries

October-December 2006

Statistical Abstract Provides Snapshot of Today’s Population

The U.S. Census Bureau recently published the 2007 edition of the Statistical Abstract - a comprehensive resource for up-to-date population, housing, labor and economic facts and figures.... Continue

New York Launches Initiative to Fight Poverty

New York City Mayor Micheal Bloomberg has announced a $150 million annual commitment to reduce poverty in the City.... Continue

Rating Agencies Offer Public Access to Municipal Bond Credit Ratings, Reports

The three bond rating agencies - S & P, Moody’s, and Fitch - each provide information and reports relating to credit ratings, actions, criteria and news free of charge, though access to their full product line and upgraded services require a subscription.... Continue

Minimum Wage Hikes in Arizona, Other States Take Effect in the New Year

Arizona is one of six states that will raise its minimum wage starting January 1. Voters in these states were asked to approve minimum wage hikes in the November election.... Continue

New York City IDA Receives “Deal of the Year” Award

New York City’s Industrial Development Authority won this year’s Bond Buyer’s Deal of the Year award for its stadium financing deal.... Continue

Salt River Project Enrolls 50,000th Customer in M-Power Plan

Innovative utilties payment plan reaches a new milestone as its 50,000 customer signs up for the program. Salt River Project provides power services to the metro Phoenix area.... Continue

Urban Institute Launches “Research of Record” Podcasts

Reaching out to a wider audience, the Urban Institute is now offering podcasts that highlight its research, forums and events. Its first two podcasts address taxes/welfare and youth crime.... Continue

Maxwell Awards Recognize Affordable Housing Projects

Tierra del Sol, an affordable housing complex that includes a charter school, was recently awarded the Maxwell Award for exemplary affordable housing projects. Other award winning projects are located in Chicago, New Bedford and Lawrence Massachusetts.... Continue

Collin County Leads Nation in Employment Growth

Collin County, Texas

Collin County, Texas tops the nation in terms of annual percentage gains in employment, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which recently released its first quarter 2006 county employment and wages report.... Continue

StateVote2006 Provides Comprehensive Election Coverage

One-stop resource for election results .... Visit StateVote 2006 for complete coverage of ballot measures throughout the nation.... Continue

Durham Citizens Volunteer to Improve Quality of Life in Community

Increasing government accountability and encouraging citizen participation, Durham’s Results-Based Accountability Initiative is designed to improve the quality of life in the community.... Continue

Kansas City Earns “A” for Evacuation Capability

While Kansas City earned high marks for its emergency evacuation capabilities, other U.S. cities did not fare as well, according to a new report issued by the American Highway Users Alliance.... Continue

Citizen’s Budget Commission Urges New York Legislators to Reduce State Debt

New York State’s rapidly increasing debt is in urgent need of attention from state legislators, according to a call from the Citizens Budget Commission.... Continue

Mount Rushmore: The Pinnacle of a South Dakota Roadtrip

What better way to celebrate Mount Rushmore’s 65th birthday than a visit out west .... ? The Black Hills and Badlands area offers a variety of tourist attractions throughout the year.... Continue

Census Bureau Releases Pension, Mobility Data

California state and local government pension plans earned the most, spent the most, and had the greatest number of participants than any other state in 2004-2005, according to recently released Census data. Another report reveals which segments of the population had the greatest mobility for the year.... Continue

A+ School Web Sites: Content Presented with a Purpose and in Style

What makes an effective school web site? Many schools are harnessing the power of the Internet as a tool to enhance classroom instruction, increase opportunities for communication, and encourage participation in school events.... Continue

Report Card Indicates Challenges Ahead for North Carolina Infrastructure

American Society of Civil Engineers

A report card on North Carolina’s Infrastructure reveals deteriorating conditions for the state’s infrastructure - particularly its airports, dams and roads.... Continue

San Francisco International First to Accept E-Passports

San Francisco Airport

SFO is the first U.S. airport that will be able to accept electronic passports. In a move to increase homeland security, 32 other airports are also slated to receive these scanners.... Continue

San Antonio Budget a “Collaboration” Between City and Residents

San Antonio, Texas, budget, city finances, Sculley

Increased input from residents and city employees helps shape San Antonio, Texas’ 2007 budget. City Manager Sheryl Sculley hails it as “a true collaboration".... Continue

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