Note: Some of the information on this archival Web page may no longer be current.
Focus - June 2002
What's New
Get a quick update on the latest additions to our Web site.
New Fireworks Law Allows Additional Period for Sale and Use
SSSB 6080, enacted to harmonize and update the state fireworks law, establishes a new time period, December 27 through December 31, during which "consumer fireworks" may be sold and used. Cities and counties can "limit or prohibit" the sale and use of fireworks during this period but to do so for 2002, they must act by August 12, 2002. More … (June 1)
Everett Wins All-America City Award
The city of Everett was named on June 15 as one of the National Civic League’s 2002 All-America City Award winners. The National Civic League annually honors 10 communities that best exemplify the spirit of grassroots citizen involvement and cross-sector collaborative problem solving. Read the NCL press release and the Everett Herald story. Congratulations Everett! (June 17)
HUD Grants Online
More than $2.2 billion in 41 grant categories was recently announced through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Grant Programs. The notice provides funding opportunities for competitive grant programs in areas such as community development, Economic development and homeless assistance. Deadlines for grant application range from April 26 to July 23. (June 1)
Study Finds Teen Courts May Reduce Recidivism
A new report by the Urban Institute's Justice Policy Center, "The
Impact of Teen Court on Young Offenders" (
788
KB), examines the effectiveness of teen courts in achieving reductions in recidivism
among adolescents charged with minor law violations. The report summarizes the
findings of the Institute's Evaluation of Teen Courts Project suggesting that
if peer pressure can lead young people into delinquency, it may also help keep
them out of delinquency. (June 1)
E-Government Resources
The Center for Technology in Government's e-Gov FirstStop Web site includes a carefully selected collection of e-government materials including executive-level briefings, research and best practices reports, case studies, and Web sites. All resources included in e-Gov FirstStop are reviewed and selected by e-government practitioners and scholars for high quality and practical value. (June 1)
How People Use Government Web Sites
A new report from the Pew Internet Project, "The
Rise of the E-Citizen: How People Use Government Agencies' Web Sites"
(1.41
KB), looks at who visits government Web sites and what they do, how they rate
federal, state, and local sites, and the impacts on citizen-government interaction.
(June 1)
Inquiry of the Week
This week's "Inquiry of the Week":
[Previous inquiries of the week]
Web Sightings - Fleet Management
This month's Web Sightings focuses on Fleet Management resources:
- California Fleet News - Online supplement to California Fleet News. The site includes selected articles, industry calendar, and a publication bookstore.
- National Association of Fleet Administrators - Home page for the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA).
- Clean Cities/Department of Energy - U.S. Department of Energy Web site provides information on forming local Clean City Coalitions to address implementation energy conservation programs including use of alternative fuel vehicles.
- Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition - a collaboration of public and private stakeholders dedicated to increasing the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles in the Puget Sound region.
- Fleet Owner - Online supplement for monthly trade magazine Fleet Owner. The site includes selected articles, industry calendar of events, and a buyer's guide.
Washington City/County History Quiz
Long before it was "discovered" by Europeans, the area surrounding this modern-day county was home to Northwest Coast Indians. It was claimed by the Spanish in 1775 and later by Russia, England and the United States. Fur trappers and traders were the first non-Indian residents to settle here and the Hudson Bay Company set up shop from 1825 to1846. The Indian name for the area means “noisy, rumbling water” after a waterfall that was used for a lumber mill site. In its early years, the county experienced many Economic ups and downs. Coal was discovered in 1853. In 1858 gold fever brought over 75,000 people through the area. In 1893, a national depression brought hard times. By the turn of the century though, the county was growing again with new shingle mills, salmon canneries, shipyards and agriculture. In 1854, rapid settlement prompted territorial legislature to create the county which, at the time, took in all of the land of three other present-day counties. What county is it? And the answer is ~drum roll~ ... (June 1)
2002-2003 Directory of Washington City and Town Officials
The 2002-2003 Directory of Washington City and Town Officials is back from
the printer and has been mailed to Washington cities and towns. Others may purchase
a copy by sending us an order form
(78
KB) with payment (pre-payment required). (April 3)
Selected New MRSC Library Materials
Browse through a selected list of new MRSC Library materials (listed by subject). The list includes new library books, videos, articles, government publications, and more.
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