• NACo: National Association of Counties’ LUCC (Large Urban County Caucus) Fly-In
• BY: NACO   |   Washington, DC   |   May 7, 2013
• A great opportunity for our nation’s urban county elected officials to educate federal policymakers and other key federal officials about the importance of counties and the unique issu​es facing urban areas. This year’s event will focus on the county role in addressing the essential buildi​ng blocks for our nation’s economic prosperity and economic growth. We will be discussing the potential impacts of pending federal policy debates on Medicaid reform, tax-exempt municipal bonds, treatment of remote and online sales taxes, workforce readiness and other essential economic and community development issues.

• Online Sales Tax Bill Passes Senate
• BY: Ryan Holeywell   |   May 7, 2013
• It's the first time any version of the legislation, which state and local leaders have long fought for, has ever been approved by either chamber of Congress.
• 7 Comments

• Appreciating Public Servants in an Age of Cynicism
• BY: Mark Funkhouser   |   May 6, 2013
• In the aftermath of the Boston bombings, something interesting and unusual happened: People applauded their public employees.
• 1 Comments

• Looking Back at Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy
• BY: Louis Jacobson   |   May 6, 2013
• Despite opposition from national Democrats, the former Vermont governor's bid to build up party infrastructure in every state was a success in the unlikeliest of places -- at least while it lasted.
• 2 Comments

• 2013 APTA Bus and Paratransit Conferece
• BY: APTA   |   Indianapolis, IN   |   May 5, 2013
• Programming includes topics such as policy and planning, operations and maintenance, public transportation in today’s operating environment, technology, safety and security, procurement, professional development, and special issues on accessible transportation. The conference includes over 30 specialized educational sessions, technical training workshops, interactive presentations, special events, tours, and also a bus display and exhibitor showcase featuring the latest bus and paratransit vehicles, products, and services. Who should attend: all bus and paratransit system personnel, board members, policymakers, suppliers, consultants, and any other personnel involved with bus and paratransit design, construction, operations, and maintenance.

• NASPO Midwestern Regional Conferece
• BY: NASPO   |   St. Louis, MO   |   May 5, 2013
• 2013 Midwestern Region Registration

• Jobs Report Exceeds Expectations as Unemployment Rate Falls
• BY: Mike Maciag   |   May 3, 2013
• The economy added 165,000 jobs last month while the unemployment rate fell slightly to 7.5 percent.

• How the FCC Could Shape a Mobile Data-Driven Economy
• BY: Michael Mandel,Diana G. Carew   |   May 2, 2013
• The direction the agency takes under its next chairman will have major implications for governments, for growth and for innovation.

• Early Indicators of Shale Energy Development: A Framework for County Readiness
• BY: NACO   |   May 2, 2013
• Shale oil and gas development, and accompanying use of hydraulic fracturing techniques, is rapidly expanding. Recognizing early indicators for shale development in your county can provide more time to plan and prepare for shale activity. Webinar participants will discover a framework for common stages of shale development and accompanying activities. Participants will then learn initial steps for positioning and preparing county governments for potential development.

• Early Indicators of Shale Energy Development: A Framework for County Readiness
• BY: NACO   |   May 2, 2013
• Shale oil and gas development, and accompanying use of hydraulic fracturing techniques, is rapidly expanding. Recognizing early indicators for shale development in your county can provide more time to plan and prepare for shale activity. Webinar participants will discover a framework for common stages of shale development and accompanying activities. Participants will then learn initial steps for positioning and preparing county governments for potential development.

• Survey: Median Pay for Top Local Officials is $103K
• BY: Mike Maciag   |   May 2, 2013
• A new survey tallies pay and benefits for chief appointed officials across the country, finding compensation varies greatly by locality.

• NCSL: National Council of State Legislatures’ Spring Forum in Denver
• BY: NCSL   |   Aurora, CO   |   May 2, 2013
• The Spring Forum: A peak perspective in the Mile High City The Spring Forum in Denver will give you a range of ideas that elevate discussions and move mountains. You'll hear from national experts, find the NCSL staff who can give you the research you need to turn your ideas into action, and help develop policies that direct NCSL's advocacy efforts on behalf of the states.

• When Data Drives Innovation
• BY: Stephen Goldsmith   |   May 1, 2013
• Many of the top entrants for Innovations Awards demonstrate that technology applied creatively can shift governments from reactive service delivery to prescriptive solutions.
• 2 Comments

• Florida Dems Filibuster to Force Medicaid Expansion Debate
• BY: Dylan Scott   |   May 1, 2013
• Both sides of the aisle are using parliamentarian tricks to maneuver around the most controversial issue of the session, which ends Friday.
• 2 Comments

• Local Government in an Era of Creative Destruction
• BY: Robert J. O'Neill Jr.   |   May 1, 2013
• The challenges that lie ahead can be expected to produce plenty of innovation, but they will test the leadership capacity of elected and appointed officials.