A Manager's Guide to Evaluating Citizen Participation (Feb 23)
A new report from the IBM Center for the Business of Government, A Manager's Guide to Evaluating Citizen Participation, offers a practical guide for program managers who want to assess whether their efforts to increase citizen participation in their programs are making a difference.
New Federal Law Change Impacts Approvals of Wireless Collocation Applications (Feb 24)
A short article sent to California cities by a major California law firm that represents many cities provides a good summary of the impacts on local governments of a new federal law affecting wireless collocation applications. This amendment to the federal Telecommunications Act applies to all Washington local governments.
Houses Getting Bigger, Not Smaller (Feb 23)
As long as lenders keep a tight grip on their wallets, the much-anticipated trend toward smaller houses probably won’t materialize, according to data presented at the National Association of Home Builders' annual convention. More from Urban Land.
Maricopa County, Ariz., Turns on ‘Spigit’ for Innovative Ideas (Feb 23)
Through a Web-based platform called Spigit, Maricopa County, one of the largest counties in the country, uses crowdsourcing capabilities, social networking and a rewards program to encourage employee interaction in an online idea factory. More from Digital Communities.
Embracing Google Earth (Feb 23)
Five years ago, Google Earth worried government officials. But agencies have since realized that the benefits of high-resolution, up-to-date imagery of our Earth outweigh the risks. More from Governing.
Not Every City Can Be the 'Most Bicycle-Friendly' (Feb 23)
Nothing motivates Americans (and our elected officials) quite like the race to appear in a magazine as the “best” at something. More from The Atlantic Cities.
How to Solve the Boomer Retirement Crisis (Feb 23)
If boomer retirees keep flooding suburbs, the cost of providing for them soars. Can we get them to cities, instead? More from Salon.
Media Resources Available to Counties Celebrating NCGM (Feb 23)
Counties are getting a good head start on making National County Government Month (NCGM) 2012 the most successful celebration yet in their communities.
More From NACo's County News.
$2.1 Million in Grants Available Through Playful City USA (Feb 23)
In an effort to address the play deficit among children, national non-profit KaBOOM! Is offering Let’s Play grants totaling $2.1 million through 2013 via Playful City USA, a national program advocating for policies that increase play opportunities for children. More from Nation's Cities Weekly.
LEED Backlash (Feb 23)
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is the dominant force in green building standards, but it increasingly faces challenges and competition. More from Urban Land.
Report on Bicycling and Walking in the United States Now Available (Feb 23)
In this new report, the Alliance for Biking & Walking ranks all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities on bicycling and walking levels, safety, funding, written policies on bicycling and walking, education and encouragement activities, and the economic impact of bicycling and walking.