MuniNet Guide Archive
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.
Municipalities Caught in the Middle as Wal-Mart Faces Mounting Criticism
The growing debate over whether Wal-Mart’s expansion helps or hinders local communities impacts municipalities across the country.
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.
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.
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.
State Election Results for November 8, 2005 Ballot
Check the NCSL web site for results of November 8, 2005 state elections.
Wisconsin Empowers Local Government, Road Management
Wisconsin has developed a new technology that empowers local government to monitor and report road conditions.
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.
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.
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
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 web sites...
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.
Bringing Back New Orleans
New Orleans utilizes the internet to aid its rebuilding effort.
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.
Bond Buyer Provides Ongoing Coverage of Katrina Effects
The Bond Buyer is offering continuing coverage of Hurricane Katrina news and its impact on municipal bonds and local economies in areas affected by the hurricane. While some articles are password protected and available only to subscribers, all headlines and selected...
Central Muni Post Office Reached One-Year Mark
Disclosure USA the central “post office” designed to enhance secondary market disclosure for municipal bonds, recently celebrated its first anniversary. According to The Bond Market Association, the site received over 19,000 filings since going live last...
Monitoring Criminal Activity in Chicago
Chicago Crime.org is a groundbreaking site that allows Windy City’s residents and law enforcement to view crime activity with the use of Google Maps.
New York City a Top Pick for 2005
New York City’s website lives up to the high standards expected of the Big Apple
Houston e-Gov Center Offers Many Unique Features
Houston, Texas wins MuniNet Guide’s 2005 Top Pick award for overall quality, unique neighborhood services and well executed search capability. The site also provides unique and extensive information about food service inspections and violations.
Zaba Search offers free people-search; Critics site privacy concerns
Zaba Search is a people finding search tool, providing address, phone and birthdate information about millions of people for free. Many people are concerned that this tool is a violation of privacy and will be used by stalkers and dangerous individuals.
Census Report Provides County Business Data
U.S. Census Bureau releases county level data detailing business establishments.
Online Commentary: MTBE/Safe Harbor Provisions
What are some of the leading professional organizations saying about the MTBE/Safe Harbor provisions in the Energy Bill currently moving through Congress? National League of Cities: www.nlc.org/Newsroom/Press_Room/5944.cfm U.S. Conference of Mayors:...
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Breaks Attendance Records
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum features many of the 16th president’s writings and possessions, all collected by the Illinois State Historical Library since 1889.
San Diego Delivers Relevent and Profitable Information
San Diego adds depth and builds on quality with a brush management guide and database of unclaimed parking citation refunds.
Hospital Credit Quality is Feeling Better These Days
In an industry that is highly dependent on third parties; such as governmental bodies and health insurance companies that either determine or have powerful bargaining control over prices, hospital financial quality is frequently called into question. Following the...