MuniNet Guide Archive
Report Card Indicates Challenges Ahead for North Carolina Infrastructure
A report card on North Carolina’s Infrastructure reveals deteriorating conditions for the state’s infrastructure – particularly its airports, dams and roads.
San Francisco International First to Accept E-Passports
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.
San Antonio Budget a “Collaboration” Between City and Residents
Increased input from residents and city employees helps shape San Antonio, Texas’ 2007 budget. City Manager Sheryl Sculley hails it as “a true collaboration”.
GASB to Examine Reporting Standards for Government Pension Plans
Regulatory agency plans to examine and possibly enhance financial reporting requirements for state and local government pension plans.
Internet Gains Popularity for Political and Campaign News
More and more Americans are turning to the Internet for political news or information than ever before, according to a study by the Pew Internet Project.
Residents Say “Aloha” to Redesigned County Web Site
Progressive leadership and a strong technology team are evidenced by the success of Kauai County’s recent web site redesign. The revamped web site features a new look, along with enhanced content and navigational tools.
Indicators Point to Positive Trend in NYC Labor Force, Tourism
Population, labor force and tourism trends show New York City’s resilience since 9/11. In fact, the number of visitors to the Big Apple has reached new highs for the past several years.
Business Retention and Expansion Strategies Boost Local Economic Development Efforts
Assessment of the local business climate is the first step in developing business expansion and retention strategies for municipalities and other public sector entities.
Incentives Increase Attendance at Chicago Schools
Chicago Public Schools attendance incentive programs appear to be working. From financial awards to schools to gift cards for families, the incentives appeal to principals, parents and students alike.
2005 Community Survey Offers Expanded, Enhanced Demographic Data
San Francisco tops the nation when it comes to the population with highest median age and the highest rate of college-educated residents, according to the 2005 American Community Survey, recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Flagler County Growth in Housing Tops Nation – Again!
Flagler County, Florida once again lead the nation in growth rate in housing units between July 2004-July 2005. The county added 5,000 units – a 14.8 percent increase.
Consumer Reports Identifies Best and Worst Nursing Homes
Which nursing homes made Consumer Reports’ “Deficient Dozen?” CR’s Nursing Home Quality Monitor contains a state-by-state list of facilities to consider and those to avoid.
GulfGov Study Finds “Hurricane Economies” Among the Effects of Katrina and Rita – One Year Later
The Rockefeller Institute has published a comprehensive report on the fiscal impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita – one year after the storms hit the Gulf Coast.
Kansas City Educates Voters, Encourages Participation in Local Election
Hats off to Kansas City for keeping residents informed of recent election results – and for encouraging voter participation by educating residents on the ballot issues.
SchoolMatters.com: Grading the Schools
Schoolmatters.com, a service of Standard & Poor’s, provides a comprehensive look at school performance and financial measures for elementary and secondary schools and districts across the country.
County-by-County Breakdown Summarizes California Budget Impact
California’s 2006 State Budget web site provides a comprehensive look at the recently enacted budget, including county-by-county coverage of the allocation of state funds.
Local Governments Promote Diversity and Inclusion
The National League of Cities “Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities†seeks to promote and celebrate diversity, as well as encourage citizen participation in local government.
Web Site Assists Beginning Nebraska Farmers
Farming is an important part of the economy in many states. With that in mind, Nebraska has developed a one-stop resource to help beginning farm owners and operators in the state locate financial and practical assistance.
Celebrate America’s History With a Visit to “Historic Triangle”
Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown offer many attractions for tourists of all ages and interests. This year marks the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, and celebrations abound!
Arkansas Wellness Program: New Perk for State Employees
State employees are encouraged to participate in the AR Wellness program, an innovative new employee benefit that uses online tools and support to help participants improve their health through weight management.
Disaster Preparedness: Still Room for Improvement
While cities across the country have worked to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response plans, overall confidence levels leave room for improvement, according to a new survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
“Enhancing Place Value” is Key Policy Advice for Middle-Age Suburbs
Many middle-age suburbs – where the majority of houses were built between 1945-1970 – are in trouble; Professor William Lucy, co-author of “Tomorrow’s Cities, Tomorrow’s Suburbs” discusses the plight of middle-age suburbs – as well as strategies for recovery.
Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco Vie for 2016 Olympics
The U.S. Olympic Committee has chosen Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco as the top three contenders for the 2016 Olympics, should the U.S. submit a bid to host the games. Houston and Philadelphia were eliminated from the running.
Boston Web Site Sports New Look, Enhanced Features
City podcasts, searchable property assessment data, detailed neighborhood information are all just the beginning … Boston’s new web site is packed with great content organized in an intuitive, easy-to-use format.
Striving for Online Excellence – Part 3: Content
This third installment in MuniNet Guide’s “Striving for Online Excellence” three-part series examines quality content – perhaps the most important element of a municipal web site.