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We welcome your feedback. E-mail your comments to Bill Wolpin.
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instructions at the end of the message.
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Studies show that brighter signs improve safety. A 3M Sign
Grant can help reduce costs to replace underperforming traffic signs in
preparation for compliance to new federal retroreflectivity standards.
Act now. The grant application period closes November 30, 2009. For
more information, including grant details and application information,
visit www.3MSignGrants.com.
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In The News
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1,000th mayor
signs USCM’s climate protection agreement
On Oct. 2, Mesa, Ariz., Mayor Scott Smith became the
1,000th signatory to sign the Washington-based U.S. Conference of
Mayors’ (USCM) Climate Protection Agreement, which calls for a
reduction in carbon emissions by 7 percent below 1990 levels as called
for by the Kyoto Protocol. With Smith’s signature, the mayors of 86
million Americans have agreed to significantly reduce carbon emissions
in cities. Read the entire article here.
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New mass
medical care guide includes H1N1 flu tips
Updated information on the H1N1 flu virus is now
included in a condensed version of a 2007 mass medical care planning
guide published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The report, “Mass
Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials” is a resource for
community planners to prepare for public health emergencies, such as
pandemic flu, when demand for medical resources outweighs supply. Read
the entire article here.
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Using Tax Credit Bonds to Finance American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Projects Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Eastern Learn how to reduce or eliminate borrowing costs and interest
(for debt issued through December 31, 2010) at a free online Webinar.
Register
Now!
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NASCIO
releases guidance on data transparency
States should provide more transparency through easier
access to state data, according to a report by the Lexington, Ky.-based
National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). The
report, “A Call to Action for State Government — Guidance for
Opening the Doors to State Data,” includes guidance on how to create
data transparency portals in keeping with the Obama administration’s
emphasis on open government. Read the entire article here.
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Local Government Summit: Stepping Forward into Tomorrow's Local
Government Now
Virtual Conference - October 20, 2009
Learn best practices at informative and engaging sessions, interact with
industry partners and live booth personnel, and network with fellow
colleagues throughout the virtual summit. The day-long free virtual
conference will focus on practical resources, tools and methods for:
Developing innovative processes for service delivery to
citizens and businesses
Leveraging technology to drive local government
transparency
Streamlining internal organization efficiencies and
collaboration
Register
for free today!
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Jailers
consider cell phone jamming technology
A bill introduced by Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison,
R-Texas, and Jim DeMint, R-S.C., would enable the Federal Communications
Commission to permit prisons and local jails to install cell phone
jamming equipment. The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee in
August, but has not yet been approved by the full Senate. Meanwhile,
corrections officials are investigating other technologies that can help
reduce or prevent cell phone use among inmates. Read the entire article
here.
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Cities work
with schools to remedy park shortages
With little land available for new parks in
established neighborhoods, Houston created a program in 1983 to open
schoolyards to the public after the students go home. Since then, 200
Houston school playgrounds in eight school districts have been upgraded
and opened to the public, and the idea has spread to Baton Rouge, La.
Read the entire article here.
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NACo reports
on LED light efficiency tests
The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), in traffic
signals has become popular among local governments as a means to save
energy in recent years. Now, several counties are testing how effective
the lights would be for street lighting, according to an article from
the Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo). Read the
entire article here.
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Weekly
Snapshot winner
This week’s winner is Julie Brewer, recreation
special programs and marketing manager for Auburn, Wash., for her photo
of Auburn’s Veteran’s Day Parade.
To view this week's snapshot, visit americancityandcounty.com/weeklysnapshot/.
Each Friday, a photograph depicting a local scene will be selected to
appear on www.americancityandcounty.com.
The photographs should be by city or county employees or of city and
county public activities. At the end of the month, one photo will be
selected to print in American City & County magazine. To submit a photo,
simply send an e-mail to edward.brock@penton.com.
Attach the digital photo in jpeg format with a 300 dpi resolution, 5X7
inches. Include a description of where the picture was taken, when and
the photographer's name. You will be notified by e-mail if your
photograph is chosen to appear on the Web and in print.
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Municipal Index
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In the market for new products? Visit the American
City & County Municipal Index online (www.americancityandcountyguide.com/)
to find suppliers of products used in water and wastewater facilities,
streets and highways, solid waste collection, processing and disposal,
parks and recreation facilities, and much more.
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Career Opportunities
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PUBLIC, EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT (PEG) MANAGER —
Gillette, Wyo.
For information on this and other local government job openings, visit
"HireAGovPro.”
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Contract Announcements
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The Eugene, Ore., Police Department has purchased
Web-based geographic information system software from San Diego-based
THE OMEGA GROUP.
Springfield, Mass., has purchased Web-based public reporting software
from San Ramon, Calif.-based ACCELA.
The Port of Long Beach, Calif., has contracted with Los Angeles-based
URS CORP. to plan, engineer and manage the port’s Pier G Terminal
Redevelopment Program in Southern California.
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Upcoming Events
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Oct. 8
Free Webinar: Software Plus Services
Public Technology Institute
2-3 p.m. ET
www2.gotomeeting.com
Oct. 10-14
Water Environment Federation Annual Conference Orlando, Fla.
www.weftec.org
Oct. 19-21
2009 Bentley Roads and Bridges Conference Charlotte, N.C.
www.Bentley.com
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