MRSC In Focus

New FMLA Rules

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:35:05 PDT

New rules have been adopted governing the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA); they go into effect January 16, 2009. More from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Unofficial Role of the Administrator

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:35:16 PDT

Many mayor-council communities, looking for the benefits of professional management without the requirement of going through a formal election to change the form of government, have chosen to create a city administrator position to serve under the mayor. Lynn Nordby, MRSC Public Policy and Management Consultant, discusses the unofficial role of the city administrator in these communities. More from Public Management.

A Few Good Sets of 2006 RCWs Available from MRSC

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:30:09 PDT

We've replaced our 2006 RCWs with new 2008 editions and have 12 complete sets of the old 2006 editions (along with the 2007 supplements) to give away. If your city hall or county courthouse could use a set of pre-owned 2006 RCWs, contact Erica Zwick, MRSC Technical Services Librarian, who will be happy to mail you a set, while our limited supply lasts.

Smart City - Tall Buildings and Public Spaces

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:35:49 PDT

This week on Smart City: Public space is important in both cities and in buildings. This week's guests include two people who are attempting to re-imagine those public spaces both inside and out.

Testing the Waters

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:36:38 PDT

Looking to introduce a bit of innovative programming at your aquatic center? It may be time to consider the options. More from Parks & Recreation.

Broken Benefits Promises?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:37:05 PDT

Will public employers be able to actually afford their past promises for retiree health care? They need to conduct a formal sustainability audit. More from Governing.

Regional Fire Authority Implementation Guide

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:37:31 PDT

In a joint venture, the Washington Fire Chiefs and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters have developed a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Implementation Guide (545 KB) to assist agencies in determining if an RFA is right for them and, if so, how to initiate the RFA process.

Vancouver Selected to Receive Technical Assistance on Afterschool Systems

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:38:06 PDT

Seven cities, including Vancouver, WA, have been selected to participate in phase two of a National League of Cities (NLC) project to improve and expand out-of-school time learning opportunities for children and youth. More from NLC.

Is The Mall Dead?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:38:48 PDT

With lighter wallets and heavier burdens, Americans are rethinking their conspicuous consumption. That's bad news for retailers. More from Newsweek.

Rethinking Police Training

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:40:33 PDT

Ever since the U.S. Congress passed the Safe Streets Act of 1968, which provided substantial federal assistance to local law enforcement agencies for training, basic recruit peace officer training has been a significant and ongoing issue across the country. More from The Police Chief.

Self-Reliant Cities - Energy and the Transformation of Urban America

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:41:00 PDT

Originally published in 1982, The New Rules Project is making available, as a free download, "Self-Reliant Cities" since many of its discussions are as relevant today as they were 25 years ago.

Web Sightings - Fiscal Crisis in Local Government

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:51:17 PDT

This month we’ve selected a variety of articles addressing the fiscal crisis facing local governments in the fall of 2008.

Finance Advisor - Long-Term Budget Strategy Considerations

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:10:00 PDT

In this month's Finance Advisor column, Tracey Dunlap, Director of Finance & Administration, City of Kirkland, suggests that while future downturns cannot be avoided, they can be planned for by continuing to be prepared and pursuing conservative budget policies.

What's New

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:58:49 PDT

The Federal Trade Commission's recent rules on identity theft, known as "Red Flag Rules", require financial institutions, utilities, and other creditors to set up programs aimed at preventing identity theft. Because of the definition of "creditor"in the rules, these rules appear to apply to local government utilities. The joint final rules and guidelines were effective January 1, 2008. The mandatory compliance date for this rule is November 1, 2008. Our new page on Identity Theft "Red Flags" Rules provides information developed by several of the state municipal leagues on the compliance measures, as well as the FTC regulations.