Search

The article presents several city programs in various U.S. cities as of March 2007. Arts and Culture in Reno has been recognized for its public art collection, its art district galleries and museums and its cultural special events. The Downtown Redevelopment Partnership of Coral Springs, Florida offers opportunities for entertainment, business and education. The Discovery Days program of Junction City, Kansas is a partnership between local government, schools and the private sector.

Reports on topics selected by policy committees at the Congressional City Conference for the National League of Cities' 2003 policy agenda. Federal budget and tax issues; Municipal liability and insurance; Solid and hazardous waste management; Natural resources.

Reports on U.S. President George W. Bush's budget proposal for fiscal year 2006. Reductions in and elimination of many programs important to American cities; Directive that 80 percent of homeland security grants must go directly to local governments.

Suggests that U.S. President George W. Bush's proposed 2005 budget would result in drastic cuts in critical areas important to local governments, including public safety and housing. Flaws in the proposed budget; Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge's proposed increase in homeland security funding; Modification of the Bush administration's surface transportation reauthorization package, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003.

Reports on the effort of the National League of Cities to address issues concerning cities and towns in the U.S. Focus of advocacy initiatives on critical priorities and organizing members; Examination and evaluation of the advocacy efforts; Introduction of an economic plan of the league.

Reports on local governments' support in opposing racism in the United States as reflected in the National League of Cities' Annual State of America's Cities report. Promotion of racial equity through local policies and programs; Need for community discussions about race and racism; Increase in racial diversity in cities. INSET: NLC research report includes glimpse at race..., by Emily Stern..

Focuses on the legislative update for local government finances in cities. Where the most serious threat to local government finances would come from; Effect pending efforts in the Congress would have on municipal revenues; Reference to the Internet Tax Freedom Act; What the Internet Tax Freedom Act would preempt the ability of state and local government to collect; Concerns expressed by House Commerce Committee chairmen on the House side and Senate side.

Part I. Highlights overall efforts by the state of Oklahoma to strengthen local economies through training, resource development and long- and short-term strategic planning, with focus on the initiatives up and running in Oklahoma City in the wake of the April 1995 bombing. Testing of civic democracy and responsibility in the city; Capital improvement plan. INSET: Oklahoma's Commerce Department offers innovative programs..

The article cites Sergio Rodriguez, president of the Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO), who presided over the events of the group during the 2011 Congress of Cities in Phoenix, Arizona. Rodriguez states that they need to engage in more opportunities for training their members to expand their professional development opportunities. Also, he mentions that he is pleased with the training sessions that they cosponsor as they can gain new ideas and refresh their viewpoints.

The article reports on the reception hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House in which the president discussed to 150 leaders from the National League of Cities (NLC) the need for increase collaboration between the national and local governments.

The article looks at the leadership practices applied by local government officials of Hennepin County to advance the Heading Home Hennepin initiative which aims to end homelessness in Minnesota. It explains that the initiative was a success since it was able to secure funding, urge teenagers to make housing plans, and create affordable housing units. It also outlines the leadership practices used by the officials which include shaping opportunities, framing challenges, and developing a vision.

The article presents the author's insights on the need to enhance regional governance. He believes that for local leaders to have an understanding of their regional context and implement important changes, they need to eliminate grandiose rhetoric and inflated expectations and balance competing interests and values. He further comments that regional governance success can only be measured through goals acheived by collaboration between multiple governmental jurisdictions and interest groups.

The article focuses on the innovations in the U.S. local governments, eight factors to be considered toward a successful change in political administration and six-step process to start change in local government setting. It discusses the condition of the housing market in the country as well as Health care costs, pension costs, and tax increases. Information on the 19th Annual Leadership Summit is discussed.

The article focuses on the new Municipal Action Guides released by the Center for Research and Innovation of the National League of Cities (NLC). It states that the guides discuss options for the infusion of innovation in the municipal services and affordable housing provision. It mentions that privatization is used by local governments to provide a more efficient as well as a cost effective means of service. It relates on the use of shared equity housing in promoting homeownership.

The article presents strategies that local government in the U.S. may choose to implement in order to prevent properties from becoming vacant or from falling into disrepair. It provides an overview of the opinion of chief economist at Moody's Analytics Mark Zandi regarding real estate properties during the Federal Reserve System summit. The strategies include buying and reselling to occupants, offer as rental and liens and fines.

The article presents the second part of a series of articles on infrastructure investment through public-private partnerships (PPPs). The authors point out that PPPs can be used to effectively provide services and to finance large-scale infrastructure projects. They mention that to start a partnership, a city's political leadership should indicate willingness to allocate the budgetary resources and trained personnel to manage the project.

The article reports on the announcement of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) on the new homeless prevention strategy called "Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness." It says that the strategy, which has four goals including the aim to end homelessness, will help USICH to coordinate the homeless prevention programs of federal agencies. Moreover, the strategy will partner USICH with local and state governments to expand the programs' effectiveness.

The article focuses on the development of economies in local governments by supporting second-stage companies. It refers to second-stage companies as companies that consist of 10 to 99 employees with receipts from 750,000 dollars to 50 million dollars. It notes that the growth of these companies will create more jobs that will set up a strong local government. It adds that knowledge on local industry is important when cities aim to support these companies for the growth of their economies.

Information regarding the forum co-hosted by the National League of Cities (NLC) and Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program is presented. Topics include the fiscal conditions and challenges in cities and the ability of the local governments to boost economic recovery. NLC executive director Donald J. Borut notes that metropolitan and regional economies make up the federal economy. Mayor Michael Nutter adds that long-term and green jobs creation can help stimulate economic recovery.

The article focuses on the benefits that small businesses can get from exporting. It states that exporting allows businesses to expand into new markets, diversify their portfolios, and become competitive. It discusses the export assistance that local governments can provide to businesses including information conduit and trade relationships. It also highlights the programs established by the local governments at Colorado Springs and San Antonio in Colorado.

The article focuses on the need for U.S. local governments to express their concerns about city issues as lawmakers have their recess in August 2009. It mentions that the issues of transportation, energy resources, health care reform and climate changes remained the top priorities of the 111th Congress. National League of Cities encourages local officials to assess how intergovernmental coordination can secure the safety and development of communities. City concerns and issues are also reviewed.

The article focuses on the development of local entrepreneurship and small business enterprises in the U.S. It highlights the strategies which local governments can use to support such enterprises financially. It states that entrepreneurial activities and small businesses are proven to contribute to local economic growth. However, for such enterprises to thrive, they need the support of local government provisions to make a conducive business environment.

The article focuses on the population trends and other new realties in U.S. and in global perspectives. It discloses that longevity of life is the main cause of world's population growth and that immigration as well as fertility rates contribute to population explosion in U.S. and other developed countries. It notes the majority minority population of children and the non-Hispanic white in the U.S. It asserts on the role of local governments in handling future trends and ensuring viable future.

The article focuses on ways on how local government officials can influence people and become effective leaders. It notes that the best servants become the best leaders because service is the real essence of leadership. It also states that leaders should always think of how they can best serve the community, as well as their needs. Furthermore, an effective leader must be honest, consistent, and willing to give up personal agenda for the good of others and the community.

The article reports that the National League of Cities (NLC) opposed a legislation that would prevent local governments from imposing higher tax rates on cellular phone service in the U.S. The NLC claims that the legislation infringes local taxing authority. National Association of Counties (NACo) president Don Stapley, testifying before a House Judiciary Administrative Law Subcommittee, states that the bill fails to recognize that not all jurisdictions depend on identical revenue sources.

The article discusses that city officials in the U.S. wanted the administration of Barack Obama to prioritize health care, transportation and education. It explains that local officials are being pessimistic that the administration will look forwared with improving cities and towns despite economic crisis.

The article reports on the call made by the National League of Cities (NLC) and local elected leaders for the U.S. Congress and the transition team of the President-elect Barack Obama to act immediately on an economic recovery package to assist the towns in the country. It states that the federal relations staff of NLC and state municipal leagues as well as local leaders have been making the case for investment plan in the country's hometowns, to which the Congress is responding.

Information about topics discussed at the Members of the Mayors' Education Policy Advisors Network (EPAN) meeting sponsored by NLC's Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) held in Washington, D.C. on December 8, 2008 is presented. Delegates addressed issues regarding improving student achievement, lowering drop out rates and pursuing education reform. The meeting featured several key persons including District of Columbia Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee.

Information about the panel discussion held at the Congress of Cities and Exposition in Orlando, Florida is presented. Four mayors talked about how they lead the way in their communities to introduce new programs at a time when budgets are tight. The mayors offered their perspectives on city innovation. They also discussed their goals to make sure that every child will have a chance to learn and grow.

The article reports on the survey made by the National League of Cities (NLC) on poverty and economic pressures on America's households. The NLC survey is titled "Poverty and Economic Insecurity: Views from City Hall." It finds out that 90 percent of municipal leaders believed that poverty has increased in their cities while 81 percent of municipal officials said that the local government should be responsible in decreasing poverty.

The article focuses on the move of local governments in the U.S. as they faced with the rising costs of petroleum products. To avert the problem, some municipalities are proactively researching alternative fuel methods and implementing green fleet programs. Green fleets are city-owned cars, buses and trucks that employ alternative fuels or take advantage of green technology. These programs are reducing costs and pollution while lowering dependence on gasoline.

The article reports on the adoption of a new transportation resolution by the National League of Cities (NCL) in the U.S. The resolution calls for a national surface transportation program that promotes a strong federal role in cooperation with state and local governments, incorporates the principles of sustainability and promotes investment in outcome-oriented solutions rather than more designated grants.

The article reports that local governments are taking steps to create a financial literacy awareness programs for the youth. Cities aim to address the national problem of financial crisis by preparing the youth to make informed financial decisions during their adolescent years until they become adults. A discussion about the youth's financial literacy programs is also presented.

The article offers information about the issue wherein the local officials are said to show support for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The National League of Cities (NLC) presented key senators with the signatures of nearly 400 local officials from 46 states to support the said program. It is suggested that the funding will allow local officials to implement new actions in regards to energy independence and security.

The author shares how his negative view of China has changed after visiting the country to learn about the sustainable development and historic preservation efforts of local governments. The struggle to balance economic growth and environmental protection in China requires not only strong national environmental laws but effective local enforcement. One city that is committed to sound urban planning is the City of Qingdao.

The article reports on the highlights of the Leadership Training Institute (LTI) seminars which will be held at the Congress of Cities and Exposition. The author argues that the leadership seminar will be beneficial as well as educational to those who will be attending. Specifically, the seminar will focus on local government leadership.

The article reports on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with emphasis on the video franchising order issued by the office. The author argues that the order required local franchise authorities to begin processing franchise applications filed by new entrants. The announcement was published at the Federal Register as per approval by the Office of Management and Budget.

The article announces the 35 city programs and projects chosen by the National League of Cities as finalists for the 2007 Awards for Municipal Excellence. A panel of eight judges will convene in September to choose the winners. The winners will be announced at the Congress of Cities and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 13-17, 2007.

The article focuses on the need for local officials to identify local priorities while the U.S. Congress is on recess in August 2007. They must urge continued support for programs that help local governments maintain vibrant, healthy and stable communities. Adequate funding must be a top priority to have affordable housing, roads and transit, clean water and wastewater and public safety.

The article offers information on the report "Beyond City Limits: Cross-System Collaboration to Reengage Disconnected Youth," by the National League of Cities (NLC) in the U.S. It states that the report is comprised of case studies conducted in six cities across the country which focuses on addressing the needs of disconnected youth in the community. It shows that the municipal government has worked in cooperation with other local agencies to help improve the life of disconnected youth.

The article reports on the launch of NLC TV, a web-based channel for cities, by the National League of Cities (NLC) in the U.S. It states that the web channel will be available at www.nlctv.org which will broadcast videos focusing on issues and programs happening in the cities. NLC stresses to include monthly forecast on cities' news and events enabling the community to gain awareness on the latest occurrences.

The first in a series of articles revolving around the topics that will be presented at the 15th Annual Leadership Summit scheduled for September 27-29, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois is presented. The program entitled "The Art and Practice of Leadership in Local Government" includes underlying themes on creativity and the inner nature of leadership.

The article cites that the Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Policy and Advocacy Committee and the CityFutures Panel on Public Finance announced their 2007 plans at the Congressional Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. The groups have continued collaboration on the Reforming the System of Public Finance Action Plan developed and approved by the NLC Board of Directors in 2006.

The article discusses the plans of municipal officials in the U.S. to strengthen afterschool programs for children and youth. It states that municipal officials are playing significant roles in statewide networks to strengthen afterschool programs for children and youth. The networks aid in building partnerships among city and state agencies and community groups, increasing public support for afterschool, and impacting state policies.

The article reports on the winners of the Alaska Municipal League's 2006 Alaska Community Awards for Excellence which were presented on November 16, 2006 in Juneau. Awardees include: the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for the Education and Local Government category; and the City of Wasilla for the Public Works category.

The article reports on the adoption of order by FCC on preempting local video franchising authority. The Federal Communications Commission has adopted an order that would mandate on video franchising process in the United States despite opposition from the National League of Cities (NLC) and local government groups. Donald J. Borut of NLC stated that the decision would block local governments in protecting their citizens, local assets and revenues.

The article reports that the School Improvement Task Force of the National League of Cities (NLC) has met for the first time on October 5, 2006 in Norfolk, Virginia. The NLC task force is headed by Rick Baker, mayor of Saint Petersburg, Florida. It has the goal of advancing the efforts of NLC's Institute for Youth, Education and Families to help municipal leaders in their efforts to enhance their public schools.

The article reports on two cabinet officials who emphasized the important role of local governments in the protection of citizens and the fight against crime in the U.S. in 2006. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales cited a government initiative to study the increase in violent crimes in selected cities, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff discussed ways to improve information sharing among local law enforcement agencies.

The article reports on two overlapping meetings organized by the National Council of Cities to improve afterschool opportunities for young people in the U.S. in 2006. Mayors, council members and senior municipal staff from over 30 cities participated in the events to share ideas on how to strengthen afterschool programs for the youth.

The article reports on the participation of cities and towns in the National League of Cities' Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities in the U.S. in 2006. A total of 120 cities and towns have joined the partnership, which allows local officials to promote fairness and citizen involvement.