ICMA SmartBrief

Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/eaedCfbwoceTpSwFDlgs

November 19, 2012

Forward

Archive

Advertise

Building livable communities that improve people's lives

Leadership and Management

How to lead like a fairytale hero
Fairytales present a vision of leaders as infallible heroes: farsighted, passionate, wise, generous and trustworthy. It's not always possible to live up to those ideals, writes Erika Andersen, but to be effective, leaders must at least try to embody them. "[W]e're still wired to accept as leaders only those who line up with our centuries-old map of leadership attributes," Andersen explains. Fast Company online (11/15)

N.J. city council, mayor disagree on funding recreation
Trenton, N.J., Mayor Tony Mack told the City Council that the budget should allocate money toward the recreation department, which has suffered from cutbacks and mismanagement. Council members disagreed, saying the city cannot afford to significantly fund recreation -- including sports leagues, learning centers and parades -- when a 19-cent tax-rate increase is already in the works. Mack says a more robust recreation center could lower crime and keep kids off the street. The Times (Trenton, N.J.) (11/16)

Budgeting and Finance

Tenn. city council passes budget 136 days into fiscal year
After several vetoes, the Gallatin, Tenn., City Council unanimously approved a budget 136 days into the fiscal year. Most of the disagreement during nine months of negotiations centered on the construction of a park. The approved budget is strict. "Anything and everything going forward will be coming out of the rainy day fund. That's a big concern," the finance director said. Gallatin News Examiner (Tenn.) (11/15)

Emergency Management and Public Safety

Residents outside Texas city must pay for fire response
The Atlanta, Texas, City Council approved a plan to bill for Fire Department response outside city limits. Residents who live in unincorporated areas do not pay taxes that fund the Fire Department, so billing them will help the city pay for department operation. Atlanta Citizens Journal (Texas) (11/16)

Economic Development, Restoration and Sustainability

Neb. city officials expect railroad bridge to increase business
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a railroad bridge in Norfolk, Neb., that replaces a bridge built more than 120 years ago. The replacement supports larger loads, which officials say will help local businesses. "It was an economic decision to go ahead and replace the bridge," a railroad executive said. KTIV-TV (Sioux City, Iowa) (11/15)

Legislation, Policy and Grants

Ore. city council bans plastic bags at more retailers
The Portland, Ore., City Council unanimously approved an expansion of a plastic-bag ban that already affects the largest retailers. The ban will extend to retailers larger than 10,000 square feet starting in March and all other retailers starting in October. Stores can individually chose whether to charge for paper bags. KGW-TV (Portland, Ore.) (11/16)

Club gains permit for live shows from La. city council
The New Orleans City Council unanimously approved a conditional-use permit for music club Siberia that allows live shows. The club, which opened in 2010, halted shows in July because it did not have a live-music permit. Councilwoman Kristin Palmer, whose district includes Siberia, said the club has been cooperative about the Planning Commission's proposed provisions against outside music and go-cups. The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.) (11/17)

Public Works and Infrastructure

N.J. city council is dissatisfied with PSE&G's Sandy response
Although superstorm Sandy was abnormally strong, several members of the Clifton, N.J., City Council think Public Service Electric and Gas could have done a better job with cleanup and power restoration. Council members Mary Sadrakula and Matt Ward said PSE&G should have learned more from Hurricane Irene, which caused widespread power outages. Clifton Journal (N.J.) (11/16)

ICMA News

Web workshop will focus on millennials and succession planning
The boomer generation needs to hire the next generation, but they don't even speak the same language. ICMA is bridging the gap with a Dec. 6 Web workshop to help local governments compete with corporate America for the generation that will determine our future. If you want to strengthen your succession plan, join us and your colleagues as we demystify the millennial generation and help you hire and motivate tomorrow's leaders. Register for this 2.5-hour Web workshop.

Get the information you need to make important decisions in 2013
Enroll today in ICMA's Center for Performance Measurement's Comprehensive Program. As an added bonus, you'll receive a free one-year ICMA membership!

As a manager, performance measurement is essential to helping you make evidence-based decisions and demonstrate progress in your jurisdiction. The ICMA Center for Performance Measurement™ is ready to help move your jurisdiction forward through our comparative performance-measurement programs.

Now there is an added benefit to joining CPM. When joining our CPM Comprehensive program a staff member in your jurisdiction can receive a free year of ICMA membership! Enroll before our next cycle deadline on January 15, 2013. For more information, visit ICMA.org/performance or e-mail cpmmail@icma.org.

Learn more about ICMA ->

Home | About | News & Events | Join ICMA | Career Network

SmartQuote

One thing I am convinced more and more is true and that is this: The only way to be truly happy is to make others happy. When you realize that and take advantage of the fact, everything is made perfect."

--William Carlos Williams,
American poet and physician

Subscriber Tools

Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy

Advertise

Associate Publisher: Jim Eubanks 202-407-7822