Climate Change and U.S. (May 27)
A recent paper from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) gives an overview of the potential impacts of climate change in the U.S.

The Devil ... and Angels in the Details of Obama’s FY10 Budget (May 27)
President Barack Obama submitted his detailed budget to Congress earlier this month. NACo legislative staff provides a synopsis of the details. More from NACo's County News.

Gee Whiz! Introducing The Pothole Killer (May 27)
There is a futuristic new machine called the pothole killer that allows one person–who never has to get out of the truck cab–to “hot patch” 100 potholes in a day. More from The Infrastructurist.

Getting Stuck on the Escalator (May 27)
‘Learned helplessness’ can be a powerful drag on an organization’s performance. But there are ways to combat it. More from Governing.

June 10th - National Pipeline Safety Day (May 27)
A resolution adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives has declared June 10th, 2009 as National Pipeline Safety Day. June 10th is the tenth anniversary of the Bellingham pipeline rupture and tragedy. The resolution reminds us that local governments need to be aware of pipeline safety issues and take appropriate steps to safeguard the public. Local governments should require all applicants obtaining permits that involve digging or moving earth to use the 8 -1-1 “call before you dig” system. Planning departments should make sure that all major pipelines are clearly marked on maps used when reviewing development applications.

Smart City - Arts and Culture (May 27)
This week on Smart City: arts, culture and buzz. Does your city have it? How can you tell? And if you don't have it, where do you get it?

Regional Cooperation: A Pathway to Economic Recovery (May 27)
Regional cooperation is a proven way to reduce costs, increase economic competitiveness, manage development impacts and create new opportunities and synergies between communities. More from Nation's Cities Weekly.

The Promise of Going 'Lean' (May 27)
It's the latest, buzziest trend in government management. Just don't call it a fad. More from Governing.

Suburbs and Cities: The Unexpected Truth (May 27)
Most suburbs of large cities have grown not from the migration of local city-dwellers but from migration from small towns and the countryside. More from New Geography.

The Transparency Coma (May 20)
Governments may find themselves overwhelmed by the data requirements of the federal stimulus. But it's actually a great chance to amp up their performance management. More from Governing.

A Government Retrofit: Federal Coordination (May 20)
As we stare down the economic recovery and a post-carbon future, we’ve got a lot of retrofitting to do. One thing that badly needs an update: governance. More from Citiwire.

County Program Standardizes Green Building Practices (May 20)
The GreenTools program of King County, Wash. Seeks to standardize green building practices that will support development but also protect and conserve natural resources. More from NACo's County News.

A Tidal Wave Postponed: The Economy and Public Sector Retirements (May 20)
The slumping economy is holding back retirements among state and local government employees, according to a new survey of government managers. More from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence.

Stop This Train! (May 20)
There is at least one technology in America that is worse now than it was in the early 20th century: the train. More from Slate.

Smart City - Successful City Secrets (May 20)
This week's guest on Smart City ofers a global perspective on the secrets of successful cities.

Napolitano to Fire Chiefs: Prepare for Fall Flu Pandemic (May 20)
Fire departments and paramedical services should “lean forward” this summer to prepare for a potentially more serious flu outbreak this fall, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told the nation’s fire services’ top brass recently. More from NACo's County News.

Smart Growth? Or not so Bright Idea? (May 20)
The benefits of this high-density housing viewpoint are fast becoming a ‘given’ to planners and city governments, but studies that promote the advantages often omit the obvious disadvantages. More from New Geography.

MRSC's In Focus e-Newsletter for Councilmembers and Commissioners (May 20)
MRSC's bi-weekly In Focus e-newsletter is an excellent way for your elected officials to stay informed about the latest news, research, events and trends affecting Washington city and county governments. Sign them up today.

Can Social, Participatory Gov 2.0 Work? (May 20)
The charge towards Gov 2.0 is in danger of falling off the tracks if done incorrectly. More from Government Technology.

The Upside of a Down Economy: Going Local (May 20)
The stumbling global economy, vulnerable energy supply, and loss of confidence in far-flung markets are being balanced by a surge of interest in things local. More from Urban Land.

Web Sightings – Job Search Sites (May 13)
This month we’ve selected a variety of job search sites – both for employers and for job seekers.

Government Job Sites

• Jobs (Where to find and where to advertise) - MRSC Web page
• Jobs Available Online - Listing of employment opportunities in the public sector
• Government job search
• Current Job Listings on Washington City and County Websites
  
  
  • Seattle Career Center
  • City of Tacoma Employment
  • Spokane City Jobs
  • Kennewick City Job Opportunities
  • City of Vancouver Employment Opportunities
  • Job Openings with King County
  • Bellingham Employment

Other Northwest Job Resources

• Washington Employment Security Department - for unemployment benefits and job seeking information and Work Source
• Craigslist – separate listings for various cities and counties: Seattle-Tacoma Craigslist jobs (also includes Olympia and Kitsap County) Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Craigslist jobs - Clark/Cowlitz Counties Craigslist Jobs
• Northwest Source, Jobs - Seattle Times

General Job Search Resources

• Job Search Info.com
• JuJu – Job Search Engine
• Simply hired.com

Plug In and Drive (May 13)
In order to reap the benefits of electric cars, drivers will need to be able to charge their cars at home and on the road. States and cities are relying on public-private partnerships to create that infrastructure. More from Governing's Idea Center.

Into the Woods (May 13)
Video games and too much TV are leaving kids with little appreciation or understanding of nature. Who will advocate for our parks in generations to come? More from Parks & Recreation.

Ranking of Bicycle Friendly States (May 13)
The League of American Bicyclists recently released their second annual ranking of Bicycle Friendly States in conjunction with Bike to Work Week. Washington State was ranked No. 1, again.

Rx for Reform (May 13)
We can't get to universal health coverage without taming costs. More from Governing.

The Challenge of Recognizing Novelty (May 13)
When professionals mis-diagnose a crisis emergency as routine, they may employ a routine response that can actually exacerbate the crisis. More from Bob Behn's Management Report.

HUD Releases Plan for $980 Million In Stimulus Block Grants (May 13)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced how it will divide $980 million that the economic-stimulus legislation—the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—provided for Community Development Block Grants. More from Architectural Record.

Why the Shovels Matter (May 13)
The state and local governments that are going to benefit from the stimulus package the most—the ones that will get the most bang for the buck and move their economies back to prosperity most quickly—are those that did their strategic thinking long ago. More from Governing.

Find Me the Money (May 13)
Desperate for cash, states and localities are imposing fees in ever more creative ways. More from Governing.

Identity Theft Red Flag Rules Delayed Until August 1 (May 13)
The Federal Trade Commission will begin enforcement of the 'red flags' rule requiring creditors and financial institutions to have identity theft prevention programs on August 1, 2009. For more information, see FTC News Release of April 30, 2009 and MRSC's "Identity Theft Red Flags Rules" Web Page.

Using Information Technology to Develop Innovative Links with Residents (May 13)
Creative approaches are being developed to use the Internet to link residents with government and draw forth a higher level of input and sharing of views. More from ICMA.

Green Loans Improve Energy Efficiency, Local Economies (May 06)
For savvy homeowners ready to improve the energy efficiency of their homes but hesitant to make the investment in today’s troubled economy, HELP is on the way. More from NACo's County News.

Zipcar Launches "FastFleet" Service for Public Sector Vehicle Fleets (May 06)
Zipcar recently announced their new FastFleet service that enables government and other fleet managers to save money, reduce risk and promote sustainability. More from Zipcar.

KaBOOM! Playspace Finder Assists Cities in Charting Public Parks, Playgrounds (May 06)
Taking constant detailed inventory of public parks can develop into a difficult task for cities large and small, but it’s also an undertaking that can produce unforeseen benefits. More from Nation's Cities Weekly.

Parks & Recreation - The Play Predicament (May 06)
Structured play may be casting a shadow over the more creative-and elusive-free play. More from Parks & Recreation.

Involving Citizens in Adapting to Climate Change (May 06)
Evidence for climate change has been mounting over the past two decades and presents local governments with an unprecedented challenge in carrying out its responsibilities to protect citizens from harm. More from ICMA.

Smart City - Connecting a City Through Greenways (May 06)
This week's guest on Smart City tells us how greening a city can help build community and civic engagement.

Broadband — at Any Price (May 06)
Small cities are eyeing stimulus money to bring high-speed Internet to all. More from Governing.

Road-use Fees Could Solve Our Transit Woes (May 06)
Substituting road-use pricing for the gasoline tax would reduce automobile travel times and greenhouse gas emissions, improve transit options and make metropolitan areas more pleasant and more sustainable places to live and work. More from Brookings.

Pandemic Influenza Resource Summary (May 06)
The Public Entity Risk Institute has assembled a list of official resources and links to help local governments gather information about managing a Swine Flu outbreak in their community.

Ready-to-Go Regionalism (May 06)
It's time to give metropolitan planning organizations real power. More from Governing.