MuniNet Guide Archive
Elk Grove, California Fastest Growth Rate in U.S.
Elk Grove, California was the fastest-growing city in the U.S. between July 2004 and 2005, according to Census Bureau estimates. The City has been able to accommodate this rapid growth through prudent planning.
“Weak Cities” Presentation Offers Concrete Strategies for Improving Market Position
“Weak market cities†can blend a variety of specific strategies to help improve their economic position. An insightful interview with author Bruce Katz accompanies this article.
Interstate System Site Celebrates 50 Years of Transportation History
In commemoration of the U.S. Interstate Highway System’s 50th anniversary, the Federal Highway Administration web site is hosting a web site full of facts, history and statistics. A must-see web site for anyone interested in learning more about the impact of the system on our nation’s economy.
The Scoop on Ice Cream History, Trivia
July is National Ice Cream Month … Celebrate by learning some fun facts and trivia about this summer treat – Test your ice cream history IQ by taking the quiz at the end of this article!
Chicago Housing Authority Leads Nation in Voucher Purchases
HUD has released a new study on housing voucher programs around the country … Chicago’s cutting-edge program has helped over 130 new homeowners with the purchase of a home, more than any other housing agency in the nation.
Bayshore Mall to Become Wisconsins First Town Center
Relecting a trend for mixed-use developments – where people live, work, shop and play – Bayshore Mall , located in a northern suburb of Milwaukee’s – is undergoing a major transformation.
Oregon Pilots Mileage-Tax Program
Oregon is testing a program that could replace its gas tax with a mileage-based fee system. Funds collected from the program would be used to finance road maintenance in the state.
California Posts Highest Number of Initial Claims for Mass Layoffs
Mass layoffs, one factor that contributes to state employment and unemployment trends, were highest in California for the month of May 2006. Temporary help services, food service contractors and the motion picture industry posted the largest initial claims for mass layoffs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Construction Begins on New DC Ballpark
The District of Columbia is moving forward with plans to build a new 41,000 seat ballpark for the Washington Nationals. The new park, to be financed primarily through municipal bonds, is the cornerstone of the Anacostia River Waterfront revitalization project.
Henry Ford Museum: A Dearborn Landmark and Historical Showcase
Summer is the perfect time to take a road trip to one of this country’s many unique, but lesser-known getaways. One example is the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village – a wonderful tourist destination for the family, offering a history showcase and living village of yesteryear.
Lafayette, Indianas Nominate Your Neighbor Program Spreads Goodwill, Encourages Beautification
Lafayette’s “Nominate Your Neighbor” initiative will recognize homeowners who do an outstanding job on the upkeep and maintenance of their properties. The project is designed to increase neighborhood pride and boost economic development.
Census Releases Annual Survey of Government Finances
Data for state and local government finances is the focus of two recent U.S. Census Bureau releases. One provides a ranking of states by revenues and expenditures, while the other gives a detailed breakdown of revenues, expenditures, debt and assets.
Nashville Named Smartest City in U.S.
Southern hospitality, great entertainment, and lots of affordable housing options helped Nashville earn the number one spot on Kiplinger’s annual list of Smart Places to Live.
Portland Mayor Offers Personal Perspective in Blogs
Portland Mayor Tom Potter could be pioneering a new trend in government communication … his blog is an effective way to foster two-way communicate with citizens.
Chicago Takes Bids for Citywide Wi-Fi Service
Chicago is the largest U.S. city to date to move forward with plans to build a citywide wireless network. Mayor Daley aims to bridge the digital divide, making the Internet and computer technology accessible to all residents.
“Intercounty Connector” Toll Road Project Gains FHWA Approval
Let the building begin…. Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. marked the federal approval of the Intercounty Connector project with a groundbreaking ceremony for the six-lane toll road that will connect Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
Government Information Online Provides Live Library Assistance
Government Information Online is a live virtual reference service that links users to a librarian specializing in government documents and publications. Through online chat opportunities or e-mail, users can ask a librarian about a variety of government matters.
Economagic Transforms Economic Data into Charts, Tables, and More
Economic data galore best describes Economagic, an economic research web site that contains over 200,000 time series that can be accessed as raw data or in chart form.
Web Chat to Focus on Disaster Prepardness and Recovery
How can local officials prepare their communities for potential disasters – like hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and floods? Disaster preparedness and recovery plans will be the topic of an upcoming web chat hosted by National City Network.
Guidelines Help Charlotte, Mecklenburg County Evaluate Return on Business Grants
A new set of guidelines should help Mecklenburg County and Charlotte determine appropriate economic development incentives offered to businesses looking to relocate or expand in the area.
Shared Responsibility a Key to the Future of Higher Education
The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education has issued a report on the state of higher education in this country. Two authors share their views on federal and state efforts to meet the challenges facing higher education today and in the future.
GASB Looking for Input on Proposed Reporting Rules for Derivatives
In an effort to improve the financial reporting of derivatives by state and local governments, the General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued a preliminary draft of new disclosure requirements. GASB also recently posted a “plain language” article – written specifically for users of financial statements – that explains derivatives and the proposed reporting requirements in easy-to-understand terms.
DataPlace: A “Power-House” Site for Housing, Demographic Data
Housing data, demographic statistics, maps, tables and charts – and that’s only the beginning! Recently enhanced to offer even more powerful tools and features, this is a must-bookmark site for anyone with an interest in state, county, or local housing or demographics.
Bellingham, St. George and McAllen Named This Years Business Hot Spots
Small “peripheral” cities top this year’s list of Inc. Magazine’s best places to do business. The study examines economic and demographic trends, particularly job growth, in naming its hot stops for entrepreneurs.
Nominate Your Favorite Think-Tank Web Sites!
MuniNet invites you to nominate web sites hosted by think tanks or public policy organizations that you find particularly helpful, informative and timely. Use the online form to submit your nominations now!