http://www.nlc.org/http://www.nlc.org/rss-feed This is the NLC News and Events RSS Feed en-us Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:35:25 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:35:25 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/fiscal-cliff-bill-passes-the-house-cities-still-at-risk The House of Representatives passed The American Tax Relief Act of 2012 aimed at averting the fiscal cliff of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts that threatened to throw the economy back into a recession. The measure protects the Bush-era tax rates for individuals and families earning less than $400,000, extends jobless benefits for two million Americans looking for a job and temporarily delays automatic spending cuts to domestic and defense programs that were set to go into effect on January 2, 2013. Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/fiscal-cliff-bill-passes-the-house-cities-still-at-risk http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/columnist-big-smart-touch-screens-zing-data-to-and-from-neighborhoods Neal Peirce writes that new high-definition touch-screen information displays customized by location are the latest technology aimed at making cities more user-friendly, personalized, and safer. The kiosks have begun to 'go live' around New York and will soon spread to other cities around the US and world. Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/columnist-big-smart-touch-screens-zing-data-to-and-from-neighborhoods http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/appalling-fiscal-cliff-debate-still-leaves-cities-at-risk NLC President Marie Lopez Rogers, mayor, Avondale, AZ, responding to the passage of legislation to avert a fiscal cliff said, “As debates over spending continue in the new year, we call upon federal lawmakers to use a balanced approach to deficit reduction and to preserve the essential federal investments that drive growth and job creation in our communities. We cannot and must not solve our country's fiscal problems on the backs of our communities and our families.” Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/appalling-fiscal-cliff-debate-still-leaves-cities-at-risk http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/city-leaders-call-on-washington-to-avert-threat-to-families-and-communities NLC President Marie Lopez Rogers, Mayor of Avondale, AZ, responded to the lack of progress on a federal budget compromise saying, "This inaction and uncertainty will have serious repercussions on our communities and our middle class families who stand to lose $50-$100 out of their first paycheck in the new year." Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/city-leaders-call-on-washington-to-avert-threat-to-families-and-communities http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/city-leaders-visit-jacksonville-to-share-ideas-for-expanding-afterschool-meals Municipal officials and staff from 11 cities gathered in Jacksonville, FL, recently to share lessons learned from their efforts to reduce childhood hunger through expanded afterschool meal programs. Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/city-leaders-visit-jacksonville-to-share-ideas-for-expanding-afterschool-meals http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/a-new-year-with-new-opportunities-for-sustainability NLC's Sustainability Program has assembled five recommended strategies for success that city sustainability leaders can use to help chart a course into the next phases of their sustainability efforts: Create and Expand Partnerships; Enage through Technology; Measure and Track; Plan, Prepare and Institutionalize; and Be Bold. Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/a-new-year-with-new-opportunities-for-sustainability http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/mayors-and-county-officials-stunned-by-fiscal-cliff-debate The elected leadership of several local government organizations has written a call to action for our federal leaders in Washington. The elected officials are calling on Congress and the White House to make smart cuts and continue to invest in America’s cities and counties to drive growth and create jobs. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/mayors-and-county-officials-stunned-by-fiscal-cliff-debate http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nlc-president-discusses-gun-violence-with-vp-biden-today NLC President Marie Lopez Rogers, mayor of Avondale, AZ, released a statement in response to today's Vice President’s call with Mayors from across the country regarding guns. The call came in the wake of the National Rifle Association’s(NRA) press conference today discussing the Newtown, CT shooting. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nlc-president-discusses-gun-violence-with-vp-biden-today http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nra-tone-deaf-in-ignoring-the-issue-of-gun-violence Former NLC President John DeStefano, mayor of New Haven, CT, released a statement in response to Friday's National Rifle Association (NRA) press conference. DeStefano said, "Our nation needs serious answers and today's press conference had a very clear message - that the NRA doesn't want to be part of a meaningful solution. The NLC looks forward to engaging on the issue and working to ensure a comprehensive effort to reduce violent acts. " Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nra-tone-deaf-in-ignoring-the-issue-of-gun-violence http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/national-league-of-cities-offers-proposals-to-reduce-gun-violence NLC President Marie Lopez Rogers, mayor of Avondale, AZ, released a statement in response to President Obama's call for new efforts to reduce gun violence. Rogers said, As clearly stated in our public safety policy on weapons and ammunition control, the National League of Cities stands behind President Obama's call for federal action to reduce the epidemic of gun violence that plagues our great country every single day." Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/national-league-of-cities-offers-proposals-to-reduce-gun-violence http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/a-look-back-city-led-sustainability-in-2012 While it is unlikely that the achievements of city-led sustainability will rise to the top of many year-end national polls, it is an encouraging realization that within this growing field, despite the challenges and complexities, each year, really does, bring with it more successes than the last. Whether the underlining impetus is one of necessity or increased acceptance, it’s fair to say that sustainability is gaining ground as an approach to critical issues facing communities of all sizes, all across the country. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/a-look-back-city-led-sustainability-in-2012 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/new-committee-leadership-announced-in-house-and-senate The new 113th Congress will bring changes in leadership on Congressional committees dealing with local issues. Although party leadership remains the same in both the House and Senate, retirements, elections and House and Senate Republican rules will force several key changes in committee leadership. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/new-committee-leadership-announced-in-house-and-senate http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/public-pensions-is-there-a-problem Part one in a three-part series on the state of public pensions. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/public-pensions-is-there-a-problem http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nlc-pays-tribute-to-don-borut’s-many-years-of-public-service Friends, family and long-time colleagues gathered in Washington, DC last week to pay tribute to NLC Executive Director Don Borut's long career in public service. The celebration came just a few weeks before Borut's official retirement date at the end of the year. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nlc-pays-tribute-to-don-borut’s-many-years-of-public-service http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/charging-by-the-mile-oregon’s-alternative-to-the-gas-tax The current transportation financing system, which primarily relies on a federal gas tax, has been called inadequate by several transportation entities. The limitations of a diminishing Highway Trust Fund (HTF) have spurred a push to explore alternatives to financing transportation infrastructure systems including a mileage-based user fee approach often known as a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/charging-by-the-mile-oregon’s-alternative-to-the-gas-tax http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/2013-city-cultural-diversity-awards-application-now-available The City Cultural Diversity Awards have been developed to showcase examples of how cities achieve excellence in diversity. The awards promote the positive results of a total community collaboration and are given to honor community leadership in developing creative and effective programs to improve cultural diversity. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/2013-city-cultural-diversity-awards-application-now-available http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/reflections-from-executive-director-don-borut NLC Executive Director Don Borut shares his appreciation for the privilege of working at NLC for 22 years and his reflections on the organization. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/reflections-from-executive-director-don-borut http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nlc-member-councils-wrap-up-the-year-with-productive-meetings-in-boston The four member councils for the National League of Cities held meetings at the Congress of Cities to discuss the various issues that affect their respective communities and helped to set the future agendas for their work within NLC. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/nlc-member-councils-wrap-up-the-year-with-productive-meetings-in-boston http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/statement-from-mayor-marie-lopez-rogers-on-newtown-ct-shooting NLC President Marie Lopez Rogers, mayor of Avondale, AZ, released a statement in response to today's school shooting in Newtown, CT. Rogers said, "I am horrified and saddened by today's tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut. On behalf of city leaders from across the country, I wish to express our condolences to the victims and their friends and families." Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/statement-from-mayor-marie-lopez-rogers-on-newtown-ct-shooting http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/new-nlc-online-store-kicks-off-with-free-shipping NLC's online store, ShopNLC, has been re-launched on a new and improved website. Visit the store and enjoy free shipping on items ordered during the month of December. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/media-center/news-search/new-nlc-online-store-kicks-off-with-free-shipping http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/congressional-city-conference 2013 Congressional City Conference Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/congressional-city-conference http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/municipal-leadership-for-local-postsecondary-completion-initiatives Representatives of sites participating in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Communities Learning in Partnership - including Mesa (Ariz.) Counts on College; Portland (Ore.) Cradle to Career; and the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success - will explain the varied means they have used to engage municipal leaders, and catalog the benefits of and challenges to their efforts to date. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/municipal-leadership-for-local-postsecondary-completion-initiatives http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/lets-move-cities-towns-and-counties-webinar-goal-ii-myplate-your-place Join this webinar to learn how local elected officials through Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) can prominently display MyPlate in all municipally- or county-owned or operated venues where food is served. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/lets-move-cities-towns-and-counties-webinar-goal-ii-myplate-your-place http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/nlc-leadership-meeting NLC Officers, Board and Committee Chairs will gather in Washington, DC to conduct strategic planning for 2013. This is a closed meeting limited to invited participants only. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/nlc-leadership-meeting http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/using-data-to-drive-change-for-postsecondary-success-by-sharing-data-across-sectors-and-institutional-boundaries-part-2 During this webinar, representatives of two Communities Learning in Partnership sites - an initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - will describe how they have successfully shared data and reflect on lessons learned. Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/using-data-to-drive-change-for-postsecondary-success-by-sharing-data-across-sectors-and-institutional-boundaries-part-2 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/school-community-data-sharing-strategies-that-get-results Join NLC for this webinar to learn how schools can work closely with their communities to share information and drive better results for their youth. Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/school-community-data-sharing-strategies-that-get-results http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/using-data-to-drive-change-for-postsecondary-success-part-1 Building upon the release of college attainment and enrollment reports to Talent Dividend cities, representatives of cities in the Communities Learning in Partnership (CLIP) initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will discuss how they have assembled and built analytical capacity, used data on attainment and enrollment to establish baselines, and set citywide goals. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/using-data-to-drive-change-for-postsecondary-success-part-1 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/us-communities-marketplace-online-purchasing-just-got-easier-and-better Through the U.S. Communities Marketplace, using an online, one-stop shopping environment has never been easier for cities to purchase a wide range of products. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/us-communities-marketplace-online-purchasing-just-got-easier-and-better http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/lets-move-cities-towns-and-counties-webinar-highlighting-your-community’s-achievements This webinar will provide users with valuable information about how to use and get the most out of the exciting new features, including how to submit information about their city, town or county's Let's Move! activities for display on their community profile page. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/lets-move-cities-towns-and-counties-webinar-highlighting-your-community’s-achievements http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/congress-of-cities-and-exposition The conference will offer a range of learning and networking opportunities to city officials including mobile tours highlighting successful programs from the City of Boston, along with the traditional keynote speakers, workshops and peer networking sessions. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/congress-of-cities-and-exposition http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/cities-promote-opportunity-audio-conference-building-opportunity The final segment of the Cities Promoting Opportunity audio conference series will discuss the innovative Step Up Savannah partnership. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/cities-promote-opportunity-audio-conference-building-opportunity http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/lets-move-cities-towns-and-counties-webinar—goal-i-start-early-start-smart This webinar will provide valuable information related to the first goal of Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties—Goal I: Start Early, Start Smart. Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/lets-move-cities-towns-and-counties-webinar—goal-i-start-early-start-smart http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/ibm-early-adopter-program-for-smarter-cities Join this webinar to learn how to apply to IBM's Early Adopters Program: an offer of software, consultation and technical assistance targeted to the human and social service system needs of NLC members. Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/ibm-early-adopter-program-for-smarter-cities http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/sequestration-what-local-officials-need-to-know-say-and-do NLC is hosting a free webinar to discuss the sequestration process and how city leaders from across the country can join together to urge Congress to find a bipartisan and balanced solution to reducing the deficit, not one that will undermine the economy. Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/sequestration-what-local-officials-need-to-know-say-and-do http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/cybersecurity-awareness October is National Cybersecurity month. The National League of Cities and the Public Technology Institute are presenting this webinar to raise awareness of this important issue for local elected leaders and local officials. This non-technical webinar will help attendees better understand the variety of cyber risks and vulnerabilities, both internal and external that governments face and the actions they can take to provide for a safer and secure cyber work environment. Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/cybersecurity-awareness http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/nlc-risc-fall-conference This three day program provides opportunities for staff of state municipal league risk pools to learn about and share with colleagues trends, programs, services and best practices on a variety of topics of interest to RISC members. Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/nlc-risc-fall-conference http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/new-findings-from-the-fdic-on-the-unbanked-2011-household-study-and-model-safe-accounts-pilot Join the YEF Institute for a free, hour-long webinar to hear about the implications of new findings from the FDIC for cities that are working to help families gain access to the financial mainstream. Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/new-findings-from-the-fdic-on-the-unbanked-2011-household-study-and-model-safe-accounts-pilot http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/cities-promote-opportunity-audio-conference-new-city-strategies The Cities Promote Opportunity audio conference series will explore on October 18 how Providence, R.I. is carrying on its task force’s mission with new strategies. Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/cities-promote-opportunity-audio-conference-new-city-strategies http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/housing-our-heroes-what-city-leaders-can-do-to-ensure-all-veterans-have-a-place-to-call-home To help cities meet the housing needs of all veterans, the National League of Cities is hosting a webinar focusing on the solutions to provide housing for disabled veterans across the “disability spectrum” Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/housing-our-heroes-what-city-leaders-can-do-to-ensure-all-veterans-have-a-place-to-call-home http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/supreme-court-preview The U.S. Supreme Court has accepted numerous cases of interest to state and local governments and will take more as the term continues. Join Lisa Soronen, Executive Director, State and Local Legal Center, in this free preview of the Supreme Court’s October 2012 term. Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 http://www.nlc.org/build-skills-and-networks/education-and-training/event-calendar/supreme-court-preview