These are the top news stories selected by the editor of
Government Innovators Network®.
Vets get aid with legal problems
Marshall Callahan had $300 in his pocket and a powerful craving for booze when he got stranded in Lee's Summit, Mo., on a cross-country ...
USA Today | November 24, 2009
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Google documents artifacts of Iraq's national museum, photographs to be posted online
BAGHDAD (AP) — Google is documenting the treasures of Iraq's national museum.
The Morning Call (Allentown) | November 24, 2009
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Supercomputer will tackle social issues under IBM-Brown University partnership
A new supercomputer run under a partnership between IBM and Brown University will be used to tackle grand challenges; facing the state of Rhode Island, including health, education, energy and climate change.
The Daily Tell | November 23, 2009
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Federal, state officials highlight center for at-risk kids in Waldorf
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick visited C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School in Waldorf recently to discuss the importance of early learning and full-service community schools.
Washington Post | November 22, 2009
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City to Photograph, Check Every Vehicle License Plate for Violations
If a crime occurs, then vehicle plates can be used to come up with suspects.
Government Technology | November 20, 2009
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Colorado Launches New Public Benefits Web Site
"Allowing our clients the ability to check their benefits at anytime without delay is a key goal for the program."
Government Technology | November 20, 2009
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California Teacher's Program Helps Underprivileged Students Prepare for College
Voice of America | November 10, 2009
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New York City to Install Radar for Coordinated Traffic Control
For some 200 intersections in four different boroughs as part of a NYC Transportation Department traffic coordination program.
Government Technology | November 18, 2009
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Minnesota Launches On-Demand Technical Support Program
"ASAP-IT" will quickly deliver expert IT solutions to state agencies at reduced cost.
Government Technology | November 17, 2009
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The Remarkable Rezoning of NYC
Recently the NYC Planning Dept. announced its 100th rezoning since Bloomberg took office. This article takes a spin through the city's remarkable shift in the last 50 years away from industry to business and tourism and a sustainable approach.
read more
Planetizen | November 16, 2009
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D.C. schools offer students breakfast in the classroom
The lights are still off in Alex Brown's fourth-grade classroom at Friendship Public Charter School's Southeast Elementary Academy just before 8 a.m. as he tends to an integral part of his early morning routine: placing small purple-and-yellow boxes called "breakfast breaks" in front of each seat.
Washington Post | November 16, 2009
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Where's That Train?' NYC To Get Subway Clocks
Comin' at you in 5...4...3...2... NYC Transit plans to activate subway countdown clocks at three Bronx stations by the end of next month. The idea is to keep riders from guessing when the next train will be there. Program Officer Mark Bienstock says NYC Transit expects to eventually have the clocks running in about ...
WCBS-TV (New York) | November 17, 2009
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10 Rules for being a good government Twitterer
Since Twitter evolved from obscurity to media obsession (yes, we see the irony in that comment), an entire new economy has launched around the platform, including social media consultants offering advice
on the best way for organizations to conduct themselves on this new social medium. The advice, called everything ...
OhMyGov! | November 16, 2009
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In Iceland, Trying to Reprogram Government
Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson is not your typical entrepreneur. Though
he has founded numerous high tech companies — his first at the age of 17 — and
is clearly the sort of businessman that companies like Google and Microsoft
recruit, Mr. Gudjonsson has instead chosen to devote his time and technological
know-how ...
OhMyGov! | November 13, 2009
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Cryptographic Voting System Has Real-World Test
Any attempts to tamper with the vote are easily detected.
Government Technology | November 13, 2009
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On-demand model makes gains in the state and local marketplace
There is an ever-increasing need for public CIOs and CTOs to do more with less. Companies involved with business intelligence and analytics know the market is getting tougher for traditional vendors who require up-front costs, ongoing maintenance and multi-year commitments.
The new modus operandi is much simpler ...
CivSource | November 13, 2009
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The Fed bans overdraft fees on ATM and debit-card transactions
The rule, to take effect July 1, requires banks to get customers' OK for the fees, which have been a growing source of profit for banks. Those who decline will see transactions rejected.
Flexing newfound muscle as consumer ...
The Los Angeles Times | November 12, 2009
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City using technology to remove snow, avoid blowing budget
How do you avoid a blizzard of budget-busting overtime and still remove the snow from Chicago streets?
The Chicago Sun-Times | November 12, 2009
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Lucrative Congestion-Priced Parking Applied in SF
Parking by the Giants Stadium costs $1 less an hour than before the pilot program began, but on 'game days', the rate shoots up four-fold. Parking rates are not set daily but hourly by time of day, and have become quite profitable.
read more
Planetizen | November 12, 2009
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Mexico City's Metrobus Gets a Boost
Mexico City's Metrobus system received an award from Harvard University on Thursday, and the country has announced plans to build more such transit systems.
New York Times | November 12, 2009
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Repurposing Interstate Highways
This editorial from Karrie Jacobs suggests that we can find smarter uses for the interstate highway system.
read more
Planetizen | November 12, 2009
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Can Telemedicine Help Wounded Warriors With Recovery?
U.S. veterans receiving medical care are monitored with cell phones.
Government Technology | November 12, 2009
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Dallas-Fort Worth programs helping Hispanic mothers find teaching moments
The Dallas Morning News | November 12, 2009
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Program would help veterans on probation
Michael Danny can't say whether he learned anything the July night police arrested him at his Monroeville home for bloodying his wife's nose and arms and choking his 18-year-old daughter.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | November 11, 2009
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DHS Launches Web Site With Resources for Veterans
Includes business opportunities, guidance on adjusting to civilian employment and more.
Government Technology | November 10, 2009
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Seven-city collaboration launched to improve rates of college graduation
The National League of Cities will receive a $4 million gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to improve coordination of services that are provided to students by colleges and their host communities.
The recipient cities are located in five different states. Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, along with San ...
The Daily Tell | November 9, 2009
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Open data movement looks to cultivate ecology for civic applications
In the fall of 2008, Washington, DC's technology office developed a data catalog that contained a bevy of municipal data, open to the public. The catalog featured real-time crime feeds, school test scores, and poverty indicators, among other measures. Then CTO Vivek Kendra, turned to an area company called iStrategyLabs ...
CivSource | November 9, 2009
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Can Scrap Paper Save Haiti's Remaining Forests?
Two years ago, the Carrefour Feuilles (pronounced "kar-ah-fur fay") neighborhood was considered too dangerous for U.N. peacekeepers who were not protected by armored vehicles. And even today, a dozen or so Sri Lankan troops garrisoned here nervously stand watch behind heavy fortifications.But Carrefour ...
Scientific American | November 9, 2009
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Agencies promote telework as a powerful tool, not a panacea
Popularity of working remotely can overshadow the benefits of other alternative work schedules, observers say.
Government Executive | November 9, 2009
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New Natl. Parks Chief Takes Scientific Approach
Jonathan Jarvis, named the head of the National Park Service last month, says that he'll work with the National Academy of Sciences to fight global warming, which he says is "the greatest challenge ever to face national parks."
read more
Planetizen | November 9, 2009
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10 ways a Facebook page can help local governments
The Web site InsideFacebook.com details 10 ways a Facebook presence can help local government leaders looking to truly understand the needs of the people they were elected or hired to serve.
Federal Computer Week | November 9, 2009
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La. educators turn to trades to cut dropout rate
Beginning next year, a lot of Louisiana high school classrooms could look like Wes Sebren's: equipped with welding gear, safety goggles and circular saws.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | November 9, 2009
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Plowing Detroit Into Farmland
Monday | Today's idea: Detroit's "massive failure" makes possible a radical transformation of the blighted city, an article says, including shrinking it down to its urban core and turning much of the place over to crops. And an ineffective government is actually a plus. [New Geography]
New York Times | November 9, 2009
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The Solution for Homelessness? Homes.
Neal Peirce says that there is finally light at the end of the tunnel in the debate over homelessness, and a consensus that stopgaps don't work. The real answer is to, duh, give them homes.
read more
Planetizen | November 6, 2009
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Virtual schools chart new course
Representatives of five would-be virtual charter schools will file into the administrative towers of the Georgia Department of Education today to pitch their brand of public education, which lets students study at home computers in their pajamas.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution | November 6, 2009
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New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish Touts Google Apps in Cost-Saving Plan
Budget proposal says using Gmail and other Google productivity tools could save $1.9 million annually.
Government Technology | November 5, 2009
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Agriculture and satellites: Harvest moon
Artificial satellites are helping farmers boost crop yieldsFOR farmers, working out the optimal amount of seed, fertiliser, pesticide and water to scatter on a field can make, or break, the subsequent harvest. Regular laboratory analyses of soil and plant samples from various parts of the field can help—but ...
The Economist | November 5, 2009
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Abroad: Scots Aim Lasers at Landmarks
In an era of computer animation, making laser scans of old monuments may not sound special, but a Scottish team has achieved unprecedented levels of sophistication.
New York Times | November 5, 2009
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Using Prizes to Drive Energy Innovation
The recent proliferation of contests with ample monetary rewards suggests that many people think they can move energy and climate technology forward.
New York Times | November 5, 2009
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Programs work through challenges of 'unbanked'
Cities are trying to help Bank On participants succeed by working with them and with the banks they will entrust with their money.
USA Today | November 5, 2009
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GSA seeks to green all that it touches
Acting administrator Prouty promises the agency will lead the nation in how they use environmentally friendly products and services. Prouty says he wants to add funding in 2011 for research and development for green products and other things. GSA's schedules received a lift in 2009 because of Recovery Act and ...
Federal News Radio | November 4, 2009
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FDA launches plan to curb accidental overdoses
The Food and Drug Administration is launching a program to try and prevent millions of accidental drug overdoses that occur each year due to medication errors, misuse and other problems.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | November 4, 2009
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Biometric Access System Distributes Weapons, Tasers to Police Officers
The Troy, N.Y., Police Department implements computerized lockers that verify officers' identities and equipment access privileges.
Government Technology | November 4, 2009
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VA unveils strategy to end homelessness among veterans
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said he learned long
ago never to speak in absolutes, but on Tuesday he unveiled a bold new strategy
to get every homeless veteran off the streets within five years.
Stars and Stripes | November 3, 2009
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Driving Sustainability by Eliminating Drivers
A new destination--urban sustainability--is changing the way we make the journey.I was startled a few weeks ago to hear the urban sustainability director of a large city bemoan the fact that the community's schools require students to learn how to drive. The logic was simple: if fewer people know how to drive, ...
nuPOLIS | November 4, 2009
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Two new programs on the way to improve recruitment, retention
OPM is hoping to launch the Veterans Hiring Initiative next week. Director Berry also planning to kick-off an initiative to pair SESers with universities to bring on new workers. Berry says a formal proposal for long-term changes to civil service could be ready by next summer.
Federal News Radio | November 3, 2009
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White House's online contests for feds have roots in Virginia
The commonwealth asked employees for ideas to streamline government and used the Web to post metrics for how public services are performing.
Nextgov | March 11, 2009
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Program will monitor Md. doctors' hand-washing
Be sure to wash up, Maryland doctors and nurses. You're being watched.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | November 3, 2009
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Composting at schools: Students get into the act
In Oak Park, Villa Park and Naperville, students begin putting their food scraps in compost bins
When they're done with lunch, students at an Oak Park school sort uneaten morsels into bins -- empty milk cartons and juice ...
Chicago Tribune | November 3, 2009
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Top Digital Cities Announced for 2009
These city governments are using digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations.
Government Technology | November 3, 2009
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Program could match Colo.'s next generation of farmers with land, expertise
Seth Roberts' Weathervane Farm on the banks of Cottonwood Creek feeds dozens of families in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. His organic produce, free-range chickens and eggs, and fresh cut flowers are in high demand at the local farmers markets.
The Denver Post | November 3, 2009
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Oakland County, Mich., Saves Money with Employee Cost-Reduction Blog
CIO Phil Bertolini discusses Michigan county's budget savings.
Government Technology | November 2, 2009
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New technology, Denver police efforts stall auto thefts
Car owners buy glass-etching paste to burn their VIN permanently onto every window. Rural sheriffs plant GPS tracking devices on farm tractors or four-wheelers left out as bait for machinery thieves.
The Denver Post | November 2, 2009
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Can an iPhone App change business in Congress?
Rep. Vern Buchanan has it on
his BlackBerry so he can communicate with his colleagues. David Hersenhorn,
reporter for the New York Times, uses it while reporting on the Hill. Adam
Conner, Facebook's Public Policy Representative, needs it to lobby Congress.
But what is "it"?
"It" is a ...
OhMyGov! | October 22, 2009
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County libraries tune in to iPod audiobook lovers
iPod users have more options for accessing free digital audiobooks through the Sacramento Public Library's downloadable collection, library officials report.
Previously, the majority of the library's downloadable titles were available only to non-iPod MP3 players, according to a library news release.
"With ...
The Sacramento Bee | November 1, 2009
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Rhode Island Tracks H1N1 Using Electronic Prescription Data
E-prescription data is sent to Rhode Island health officials to help identify potential H1N1 outbreaks and affected age groups.
Government Technology | October 30, 2009
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A New Vision for Vacant Land in Cleveland
Cleveland took a huge step this month in solidifying sustainability as a major organizing force for change. First, Mayor Jackson promoted sustainability program director Andrew Watterson to a cabinet-level position. Second, vacant land took on new meaning as an asset when the Cleveland Foundation awarded $250,000 ...
Next American City | October 30, 2009
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EPA tests porous pavement to combat contaminated rain runoff
In an effort to prevent polluted parking lot rain runoff from contaminating surrounding soil and underground water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday said it has launched decade-long test of permeable materials to find one that can filter out impurities in rainwater before it flows to its final ...
Scientific American | October 30, 2009
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Cure for Urban Blight: Plant Lots of Sculpture
Des Moines -- DRIVERS entering this capital city from the west once sped past a motley collection of worn-out buildings, including auto repair shops, vacant storefronts and a pornographic bookstore. But in recent years that vista has been replaced by verdant open space, benches and walkways -- and, as of this fall ...
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | October 30, 2009
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Public-school education: Desert excellence
An Arizonan modelAND what was the Minotaur? The ten-year-olds scribble their answer onto tiny whiteboards and hold them up for the teacher to see. Once each has got a nod, they repeat together: “half-man, half-bull.”By the time these fifth-graders at the BASIS school in Scottsdale, Arizona, reach 8th ...
The Economist: United States | October 29, 2009
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Newark, NJ, civilians cruising against crime
Concerned citizens and government workers in New Jersey's largest city are taking to the streets in an effort to reduce crime.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | October 29, 2009
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Boston to buy properties to protect tenants
Boston is launching a program to buy rental buildings that have been foreclosed on in an effort to prevent tenants from being evicted.
The Boston Globe | October 28, 2009
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New app puts NASA at users' fingertips
Space buffs can now keep up with NASA's mission launches by launching an app.
CNN | October 28, 2009
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Philly, NYC mayors make community service wager
The mayors of Philadelphia and New York have made a community service bet on the World Series.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | October 27, 2009
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San Francisco Tries New Health Program for Uninsured
Plan uses mostly existing clinics and non-profit hospitals to supply and coordinate care, but only within city limits
Voice of America | October 27, 2009
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Analytics Saves Money for San Francisco Bay Area County's Social Services
Alameda County expects tenfold ROI from implementation of IBM business intelligence system that integrates data from various social services.
Government Technology | October 26, 2009
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Cities, volunteers fight blight caused by foreclosure crisis
City ordinances in nearly every state are cropping up to stop foreclosed properties from turning into eyesores that drag down ...
USA Today | October 26, 2009
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How to Solve Homelessness? Try Providing Housing
As the amount of housing foreclosures has jumped, the number of individuals who have found them themselves without appropriate, permanent shelter has increased. In addition to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) decided this summer to tract homelessness ...
Next American City | October 26, 2009
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Crowd control gets intelligent
A new computer simulator is helping predict the behaviour of crowds in a unique way.
BBC News | Technology | World Edition | October 15, 2009
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R.I. tracks H1N1 with electronic data
State health officials are tracking the spread of swine flu through electronic prescription records, developing what they believe ...
USA Today | October 25, 2009
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Parcel Map Data Added To Google Maps
GIS folks are Twittering about this new addition to Google Maps. Blogger Joe Francia talks to Michael Jones, Google's chief technology advocate, about what the new data means, and where its coming from.
read more
Planetizen | October 24, 2009
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The World's 'Greenest' City by 2020
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has announced a ten-point plan to turn his city in the greenest in the world by 2020.
read more
Planetizen | October 23, 2009
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WN: Hawaii Ditches Friday Classes
ABC News | October 23, 2009
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Smart Cities May Bite Back
Benches that dump you for sitting too long, trash cans that spit your recyclables back out- will the Sentient City lack empathy?
read more
Planetizen | October 23, 2009
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City of San Carlos Builds Virtual Business Guide on Facebook
The city will follow local businesses that also use social media.
Government Technology | October 23, 2009
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New York City, Boston Add Web 2.0 to Customer Relationship Management
iPhone apps and Twitter let citizens exchange information with city 311 centers.
Government Technology | October 23, 2009
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Sustainable Economic Development for Cities and Regions: What to Do, How to Do It
New exclusive nuPOLIS report describes initiatives, programs, and strategies you can use. In a new report, Sustainable Economic Development, nuPOLIS partner James Nixon details the comprehensive approaches that that cities and regions are using to build sustainable green economies. The paper, developed ...
nuPOLIS | October 22, 2009
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California Teacher's Program Helps Underprivileged Students Prepare for College
Program is based on problem solving through group discussions and writing
Voice of America | October 21, 2009
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Program Seeks School Violence Tips From Students
Too often students don't come forward when they hear about threats of violence. This is National Safe Schools Week, and a program to get kids to speak up is about to kick-off in New York City schools. Kids love their cell phones and they're texting non-stop. Dan Gross started a program called Speak-Up that gives ...
WCBS-TV (New York) | October 21, 2009
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Wireless medical records system comes to Indianapolis
Emergency medical workers in Indianapolis and its suburbs now have access to electronic health records.
Federal Computer Week | October 21, 2009
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OPM claims victory in huge e-payroll system consolidation
Merging 26 networks, some as old as 50 years, into four will save agencies more than $1 billion during the next decade.
Nextgov | October 21, 2009
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California Launching Massive Genetic Health Database
Researchers can access a treasure trove of genetic analyses from 100,000 elderly Californians
A new genetic database for 100,000 elderly Californians is slated to come online within two years, and marks the first time that genetic data becomes available for such a large and diverse group.
Health-care provider Kaiser ...
Popular Science | October 21, 2009
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Food Recycling Law A Hit In San Francisco
As of Wednesday, the city is requiring residents to discard food waste in a separate bin. The food waste will be turned into compost and sold to farms and vineyards. Residents are so pleased about the law that many have been complying ahead of its start date.
National Public Radio | October 21, 2009
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Va. may fill its own hills with Rocky Mountain elk
More than 150 years after Virginia's last native elk was killed, game officials may try to populate the state's southwest corner with its bigger, buff-colored cousin - the Rocky Mountain elk.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | October 21, 2009
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City, county collaborate on homeless program
Allegheny County and the city of Pittsburgh yesterday announced the creation of a program to provide financial assistance and other services to homeless individuals and families.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | October 21, 2009
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Treasury Dept. Unveils Program To Fund Mortgages
Homebuyers could benefit from a program unveiled Monday by the Treasury Department. The goal is to provide hundreds of thousands of affordable mortgages for working families, and to allow the development or rehabilitation of tens of thousands of affordable rental properties.
National Public Radio | October 20, 2009
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NYC Imposes New Regulations On Pedicab Industry
New York City is putting the brakes on the pedicab industry, creating new rules on who can own and operate a pedicab. Pedestrians and drivers said it's about time. The streets are about to change. Bicycle taxi drivers are pushing the pedals to comply with the city's new license requirements, but that doesn't mean ...
WCBS-TV (New York) | October 20, 2009
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San Diego Upgrades Towing System
"Will shorten tow response times and reduce the administrative burden on our Police Department."
Government Technology | October 20, 2009
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Space agencies, Google seek ways to save forests
OSLO (Reuters) - Space agencies and Google Inc are helping an international project to monitor forests by satellite to fight global warming, the head of an international earth observation group said on Tuesday.
Reuters | October 20, 2009
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A Moo-Moo Here, and Better Test Scores Later
To prepare its students for test questions with rural settings, a Harlem school hauls its students to a farm museum.
NYT > Most E-Mailed | October 20, 2009
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Cutting-edge science restoring American chestnut tree
Federal and private researchers trying since the 1980s to engineer a blight-resistant American chestnut tree are encouraged by ...
USA Today | October 20, 2009
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Transparency Push Brings Rush of Vendors
Watchdogs call the stimulus law's new reporting requirements for federal, state and local agencies a good-government initiative. Contractors are also calling it good business. Large and small contractors have entered the government transparency market in recent months, offering commercial software, customized solutions ...
Governing | October 20, 2009
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Recycling Goes From Less Waste to Zero Waste
An antigarbage strategy known as “zero waste†is moving from the fringes to the mainstream, taking hold in school cafeterias, national parks, restaurants and corporations.
New York Times | October 19, 2009
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Government Energy Retrofit Report Highlights Savings
A new report from the vice-president's office and the Council on Environmental Quality outlines ways that the federal government can help more Americans to make them energy efficient -- and save
billions.
New York Times | October 19, 2009
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Feds Hoping To Soon Roll Out 'Cash For Appliances'
With "Cash for Clunkers" being such a success, the federal government is now hoping to get energy hogging appliances out of kitchens and basements -- all in exchange for some money. A 15-year-old refrigerator isn't getting tossed into a landfill. It will be cut up, pulled apart and almost completely recycled - ...
WCBS-TV (New York) | October 16, 2009
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VA offers grave finding by way of 'smart' phone
WTOP Radio (D.C.) | October 16, 2009
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More Teachers Turning to Sign Language to Manage Classrooms
Teachers come to the classroom with noble goals: closing the achievement gap, illuminating young minds. But first they must confront a more pressing problem: how to manage children's urgent requests, in the middle of the most carefully planned lessons, for permission to sharpen pencils, get drinks...
Washington Post | October 16, 2009
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Smart cities
Future towns could include bins that reject rubbish
BBC News | Technology | World Edition | October 16, 2009
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Electronic Document Management Streamlines Florida Court System
Hillsborough County, Fla., saves paper and time with enterprise content management system.
Government Technology | October 15, 2009
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Washington drivers letting $5 go to parks
Many drivers renewing their license tabs are allowing $5 donations to go to Washington state parks.
The Seattle Times (Seattle, WA) | October 15, 2009
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These are the top news stories selected by the editor of
Government Innovators Network®.
