Note: Some of the information on this archival Web page may no longer be current.
Focus - April 1997
THANK -YOU! THANK -YOU!
We would like to thank the publishers of the MuniNet Guide & Review for giving MRSC's Web site their highest rating! What they said: "State and local governments: take note! This site provides a premier example of a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting cities through consultation, research, and information services. All states should be so lucky as to be able to provide a service like this--and offer a superb Web site as well." MuniNet Guide & Review is a monthly newsletter published by an independent research company, which includes in-depth reviews of Web sites related to state and local government, municipal finance, public administration, and more.
PUBLISH ON OUR WEB SITE
Let's work together to promote excellence in local government! Now you can contribute articles and other materials on issues of current interest to local governments for publication on MRSC's Web site. We are looking for current articles, ordinances, policies, and other items relating to the full range of issues and topics represented on this site. Get more information on how you can publish on MRSC's Web site!
WELFARE REFORM
The federal welfare reform law, known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity REconciliation Act, was signed by President Clinton on August 22, 1996. On February 25 Governor Locke unveiled his proposal for implementing welfare reform in Washington called "WorkFirst." Now the Legislature will consider the Governor's proposal along with other welfare reform bills that are working their way through the legislative process. Whatever version is ultimately adopted by the Legislature, the impacts promise to be far reaching.
To help city officials in Washington better anticipate and respond to the impacts of federal and state welfare reform, MRSC has begun a process of collecting and organizing welfare reform information and resources. We also invite you to contribute information that your city has developed that will help other city officials and staff in responding to this issue. Please send us your welfare reform information so that we can share it with other cities and towns on this Web site.
For a list of Web sites with information on this subject, take a look at our welfare reform links.
TRACK STATE LEGISLATION
The Washington State Legislature's home page includes bills, calendars, rosters of members, and other useful information. It is also available via gopher at gopher.leg.wa.gov, FTP at ftp.leg.wa.gov and e-mail at ftpmail@leg.wa.gov.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 1997
Get an overview from AWC of the major issues for the 1997 Legislature including municipal finance, telecommunications and utilities, criminal justice, land use and environment, human services, and personnel and labor relations issues.
PROPERTY TAX FACTS
AWC provides a concise overview of what cities and legislators need to know about property taxes. This Tax Facts bulletin includes information on what the property tax is, how it is spent, and growth limits.
CITIES ON THE WEB
The number of cities in Washington and in other states with home pages on the World Wide Web is growing rapidly. Many cities are using their Web sites as tools for communicating and, in some cases, conducting on-line transactions with citizens. A growing number are also designing sites to promote Economic development and tourism. To see what your colleagues in other Washington cities and towns are up to on the Web, check out our Links to Washington Cities and Towns.
NEW MRSC PUBLICATION
A new edition of the Code City Handbook is now available. This valuable reference book provides essential information for optional municipal code (OMC) city officials including information on the advantages of the OMC, procedures for adopting the OMC, and the basic powers and duties of officials. For ordering information and/or downloading options check out our publications list and our publications ordering form.
DID YOU KNOW?
Is a council hearing on the adoption of an area-wide zoning ordinance subject to the appearance of fairness doctrine? Get the answer to this and other frequently asked questions on the appearance of fairness doctrine. View our new Appearance of Fairness Doctrine page for more information on this subject.
WEB SIGHTINGS
Looking for a single source of links to searchable municipal codes on the Web? In an effort to make municipal codes throughout the nation more accessible to the public, the Seattle Public Library staff has prepared a convenient list of links to Web sites with searchable U.S. city and county codes. Add this one to your bookmarks for future reference! (Web browser tip: to add this link to your bookmarks without actually visiting the site, simply right click over the link and select "add bookmark" (for Netscape Users) or "add to favorites" (for Microsoft Internet Explorer Users).