Governance & Finance: Page 118

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    Bad news for Arkansas’ body artists

    Certain types of body art, like dermal implants and scarification, are being threatened by the Arkansas legislature, much to the dismay of the body mod sect.

    By Derek Prall • Oct. 30, 2013
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    Atlanta makes “immigrant-friendly” commitment (with related video)

    To foster a more thriving community, both culturally and economically, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed vowed Tuesday to enact policy that will make Georgia’s capital more welcoming to all nationalities.

    By Derek Prall • Oct. 23, 2013
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    Hamtramck recycling facility automates operations, cuts waste down to zero

    The Hamtramck, Mich., Recycling and Transfer Station drastically increased productivity through automation while cutting down on waste.

    By Derek Prall • Oct. 7, 2013
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    Census Bureau reports continued growth in special districts (with related video)

    According to the latest Census of Governments, there are 38,266 special districts in the U.S. Here is some information on this fast-growing form of local government.

    By Michael Keating • Sept. 27, 2013
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    How many governments are there?

    Figures from the U.S. Census show that while government has been growing relatively steadily since the early '70s, the number of local governing bodies has decreased in the past decade.

    By Derek Prall • Sept. 8, 2013
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    Missouri law protects first responders on roadways

    Drivers in Missouri will now be penalized for endangering first responders in emergency zones.

    By Derek Prall • Sept. 4, 2013
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    ‘Pastafarian’ wins battle with DPS to wear colander-helmet in ID photo

    A Texas man was allowed to wear pasta strainer in ID photo, after claiming the kitchen utensil is religious headgear.

    By Derek Prall • Aug. 28, 2013
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    Here are some potential ways that cities can help create jobs in their communities (with related video)

    Here are five ways for cities to boost job creation, says Lou Zacharilla, co-founder of the New-York-based Intelligent Community Forum.

    Aug. 20, 2013
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    A case for achieving best value in procurement through PIPS

    The state of Oklahoma's procurement team uses a form of best value procurement known as Performance Information Procurements Systems (PIPS). Through PIPS, the state leverages the expertise of the supplier community to help the state achieve its procurement goals.

    By Steve Hagar • Aug. 1, 2013
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    South Carolina K-9 units protected under new law

    A new law in South Carolina will protect K-9 officers from liability if suspects are bitten while dogs are in the line of duty.

    By Derek Prall • July 24, 2013
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    Pennsylvania shelters can bill animal abusers under new law

    A new law in Pennsylvania allows animal shelters to seek reimbursement for the costs of caring for abused animals. The new legislation hopes to offset the costs incurred, and usually absorbed, by shelters.

    By Derek Prall • July 17, 2013
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    What is ‘spend’?—Defining spend in the procurement process

    Jonathan White discusses and defines what qualifies as "spend" in the procurement process.

    By Jonathan White • July 9, 2013
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    Publicly financed stadiums: economic boost or financial drain?

    Should new sports venues be publicly financed? American City & County explores the potential positive and negative economic impacts of a new stadium funded by the public dollar.

    By Taylor Skaggs • July 3, 2013
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    Local governments find innovative ways to fund infrastructure projects

    Local and state governments recognize the need for autonomous infrastructure development.

    By Franky Hunter • May 22, 2013
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    New law means clean slate for Indiana ex-offenders

    A new Indiana law will erase the criminal records of some non-violent, non-sexual crimes, giving ex-offenders a fresh start.

    By Derek Prall • May 15, 2013
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    New law forbids destruction of forfeited guns

    A new Arizona law prohibits the destruction of firearms collected through buyback programs.

    By Derek Prall • May 1, 2013
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    Carnegie Mellon University’s graduate program offers a powerful brand to public administrators

    As part of our series on graduate degree programs and their value to government administrators, here is a brief profile of the Master of Public Management (MPM) program at Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) Heinz College.

    April 4, 2013
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    Mississippi bans local food ordinances

    Any Mississippi cities or counties considering a sugary drink ban similar to the one New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg had proposed are out of luck.

    March 20, 2013
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    Selling to California state government — opportunities at the DGS (with related video)

    Monica Hassan, who is information officer
 at the state of California’s Department of General Services (DGS), provides information on selling opportunities at the DGS.

    By Michael Keating • Feb. 19, 2013
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    Opinion

    Atlanta’s housing market to rebalance

    Ellen Haberle, a real estate economist for Redfin, evaluates the condition of the Atlanta housing market.

    Feb. 4, 2013
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    Kentucky law allows open guns at city sites

    New measure extends open-carry provisions for gun owners

    By Larry Conley • Jan. 29, 2013
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    Chicago passes wage theft law

    Measure penalizes businesses that cheat workers

    Jan. 23, 2013
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    2013 Keating Report on government budgets and spending

    The U.S. economy and government budgets appear to be getting a little stronger as 2013 gets underway.

    By Michael Keating • Jan. 22, 2013
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    New Massachusetts law requires fingerprinting teachers

    The measure includes a national background check

    By Larry Conley • Jan. 16, 2013
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    Opinion

    Viewpoint: Lean Six Sigma works for local government

    By Mark McDaniel — In Tyler, Texas, the program saved money, reduced waste and improved efficiency.

    By Mark McDaniel • Jan. 15, 2013