Governments at all levels have a tough balancing act – expected to keep residents’ costs low while delivering all the in-demand services that keep communities not just running but structured for a fine quality of life, too. That takes planning and consensus, but at the end of the day it’s the resources that bring it all home — revenues...
There is now little question among economists—and, I expect, most people also— that the economy is in a coronavirus-induced recession.
The definition of a recession is actually rather simple. It means the economy takes steps backward rather than steps forward. In other words, the economy contracts, or shrinks, rather than grows and expands. Signs of a recession are increased unemployment,...
As the COVID-19 crisis has closed schools and shut down businesses, it has also brought into sharp focus North Carolina’s digital divide—how some areas of the state have strong broadband connections to the home and others have inadequate connections.
It is a story that is playing out across the country. With school children forced to do online assignments from home,...
There can be little doubt that the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis will pose historic challenges to municipal governments across in North Carolina, though their true scope may not be known for months.
Restaurants, hotels and retailers of all types have been forced to close their doors or limit operations and hours, whether due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home...
As my term as president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities comes to an end, the uncertain times that we live in remind me of why I sought to become involved in municipal government, and then, why I chose to become involved in this organization.
It starts with frustration.
You see something in your community that frustrates you, that you...
Sadly, you might have predicted it – disasters and crises always seem to attract the scams. From phishing to data theft to money theft to ransomseeking file-encryption, it’s all in circulation. Bad actors don’t lay back when people are more susceptible than usual.
Some municipal governments may not immediately see themselves as uniquely vulnerable. But beware that the nature of...
Jim Alberque’s recipe for an efficient, forward-thinking town has three ingredients, and they’re all people. Talented people, service-oriented people, curious people.
It’s a somewhat surprising list considering Alberque’s role as the Emerging Technology Director for the City of Raleigh, where the emphasis is on finding and leveraging new tools, not personnel. The embrace of both technology and humanity seem at...
Fresh out of college, filled with passions and finding a path, the fellows of the Lead for North Carolina program are not unlike many other recent graduates.
Unique, however, may be the level of impact they are making. Micro-transit projects, community development initiatives, wide-ranging social research, land use plans, communications strategies—these achievements cover only some of the successes of the...
That key portions of North Carolina do not have the kind of internet access that they need in order for people to thrive and local economies to flourish is not news, particularly in those places themselves. Residents of those areas understand that that to succeed in the modern economy, or simply to enjoy their retirement, they need fast, reliable...
A leader isn’t a suit and tie.
Sure, dress for the occasion. Honor decorum. But be a human first, learn with good faith, build capacity to help, and be real about the consequences, says William Pitt, the Washington City Council Member now rounding out a year as president of the N.C. League of Municipalities.
“Respect is earned,” he says.
Sitting in a...
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