Note: Some of the information on this archival Web page may no longer be current.

Focus - June 1998

Inquiry of the Week

This week's "Inquiry of the Week":

Does a city or county own the property consisting of a public right-of-way?

[Previous inquiries of the week]

Hot Off the Press

We are pleased to announce a new publication available from MRSC - Governments are from Saturn...Citizens are from Venus: Strategies for REconnecting Citizens and Government. ( 870kb) The publication highlights a variety of successful strategies that local communities have used to rEconnect citizens with government, and to make government work in the new information age. Copies will be mailed shortly to all cities, towns, and counties.

Internet and E-Mail Policies

Local governments need to be concerned about how their officials and employees use the Internet and E-Mail. In addition to the basic need for written policies to address Internet access and E-Mail use, adopting these policies can help cities and counties protect themselves against litigation. Carol Tobin, MRSC Public Policy Consultant, provides an overview of Internet and E-Mail policies adopted by local governments including sample policy provisions.

New County Government Information Web Pages

Be sure to check out our new county government information pages:

• Overview and History of County Government
• County Classification and Organization
• County Forms of Government
• County Elected Officials

These web pages include a brief description of several county government topics and provide references and links to other information and resources.

New Web Page on Proposed Salmon Listing under Endangered Species Act

We've just added a new Web page - Endangered Species: Salmon - to share information on the impacts of the proposed listing of Puget Sound chinook and five other species of Washington salmon for protection as "threatened" species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The purpose of this page will be to assist Washington local governments in dealing with the impacts of the proposed ESA listing by providing a directory of ESA-related links and a place where officials and staff can share information on both current and proposed policies and programs.

Web Sightings - Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainability, which promotes the long-term health and vitality of our communities, has become a hot topic in the planning world and beyond. MRSC has identified several excellent links on sustainable development:

• Sustainable Communities Network - This comprehensive, searchable site is a good starting point for information about sustainability and includes a small grants program, case studies for Washington state, and a section on governing sustainably.

• Department of Energy Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development - This well-organized site features community success stories, model codes and ordinances, and on-line manuals for sustainable development projects.

• EPA's Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities - This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency site focuses on community-based environmental protection with an emphasis on ecological integrity, Economic sustainability, and quality of life issues.

• Global Environmental Options - This gateway to green design features the Sustainable Design Center, including print and online resources, and an extensive library of links.

New Law on Impounding Vehicles Operated by Persons with a Suspended or Revoked Driver's License

Chapter 203, Laws of 1998, provides authority for city and county law enforcement officers to impound a vehicle operated by a person with a suspended or revoked driver's license. This authority is optional and may be exercised only if a city or county passes an ordinance that authorizes impounding of vehicles in the circumstances covered by this legislation. Depending upon the violation and the number of previous charges, vehicles may be impounded for up to 30, 60, or 90 days. Municipal courts are granted jurisdiction over hearings involving vehicle impoundments under this legislation

More Local Government Web Sites Offering Online Services

Many local government Web sites are beginning to add new levels of citizen access and interactivity by incorporating two-way communication features including the use of electronic mail, electronic forms, and maps. We've collected a few links to Web sites that demonstrate how local governments are using these new interactive features:

• Indianapolis and Marion County - This award winning site provides an extensive range of online services. The site also features a "talk back to us" page with links to city officials and departments that can be contacted online to receive comments, suggestions, and complaints.

• Aiken, South Carolina - Citizens in this city can apply for a business license on the city's Web site. The site also has a convenient "citizen response form" for communicating online with city officials.

• Oakland Community and Economic Development Agency - has developed a dynamic mapping application that makes available detailed geographic and text information on the city's Web site. The site also features online permit applications and permit tracking.

For more examples of how city and county governments across the country are using their Web sites to provide greater access and interactivity for citizens take a look at the Association of Bay Area Government's " Examples of How Local Governments Use the Internet" page.

Impacts of Tough New DUI Legislation

A recently published AWC Fact Sheet, "ougher DUI Standards ... What do They Mean for Your City?" summarizes the provisions of thirteen new DUI laws passed by the 1998 Legislature and discusses the potential financial impacts on local government in implementing this legislation. The publication includes a sample form which may be useful for tracking implementation costs.

Tax Facts: Hotel-Motel Tax

A recent Tax Facts publication from AWC explains what cities and legislators need to know about the Hotel-Motel Tax.