MuniNet Guide Archive
Rx for Pennsylvania Calls for Universal Health Care Coverage
Pennsylvania is one of many states considering ways to provide healthcare coverage for the uninsured.
MSRB Seeks Input on Electronic Access System for Official Statements
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board is invited comment on proposed changes to an electronic access system for the distribution of official statements.
Minnesota Faces Public Pension Fund Challenges
The Minnesota Legislative Auditor’s Office released a report warning that state pension plans could face funding challenges. Some local governments and school districts aren’t setting aside enough money to pay for postemployment benefits, and could face funding challenges as well.
California Tops List of Subprime Mortgage Foreclosure Risk
The foreclosure rate on subprime mortgages is on the rise, and the trend is expected to continue at increasing rates for loans originated in 2006 – particularly in several California cities.
Houston One of Top Three Ports to Receive Federal Funding for Increased Security
The Houston area will receive $15.7 million in federal funds to help increase security at local ports. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has tagged $445 million in grants for “infrastructure protection initiatives” by state and local...
Rochester Area Colleges Promote Economic Development
A consortium of colleges and universities aims to boost economic development by highlighting the resources available to the business community.
Report Examines Effect of Undocumented Immigrants on State’s Economy
A first-of-its-kind report issued by the Texas Comptroller’s Office examines the effect of undocumented immigrants on the state’s economy and gross state product.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Public Sector Employment Update: Niche Web Sites Link Job Candidates with Employment Opportunities
Mark Weinberg of Careers in Government, talks about how employment web sites have provided an increasingly powerful tool for job seekers and employers, particularly in niche areas like the public sector.
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.
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.
Collin County Leads Nation in Employment Growth
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.
StateVote2006 Provides Comprehensive Election Coverage
One-stop resource for election results …. Visit StateVote 2006 for complete coverage of ballot measures throughout the nation.
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.
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.
Public/Private Partnerships Allow Governments to Provide Services with Increased Efficiency: An Overview of Privatization Trends
Privatization – providing government services through public/private partnerships – has become a growing trend in the municipal arena. Leonard Gilroy, editor of the Reason Foundation’s Annual Privatization Report, shares his insights on privatization as a strategy for increasing the efficiency of government services.
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.
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.
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.
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.