Slow economic recovery predicted
DURHAM — North Carolina’s economy, like the country’s, appears to have bottomed out and is poised for what’s likely to be a slow recovery from the recession, an N.C. State University economist said Wednesday.
Employment should starting picking up soon, but the state “will be lucky” to add 40,000 jobs in 2010, economics […]
Sen. Larry Shaw Becomes 7th Dem to Not Seek Re-Election for N.C. Senate (Associated Press)
Sen. Larry Shaw, a Democrat from Cumberland County, who also served a term in the House, brings to seven the number of Senate Democrats since last fall who have resigned or said they won’t run for re-election.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Another veteran […]
Lanny Wilson’s seat on transportation board filled by Jacksonville car dealer (Wilmington Star News)
Could Lanny Wilson’s fall from grace drag down the area’s transportation infrastructure too?
The N.C. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that Mike Alford of Jacksonville was sliding over from his at-large seat on the state Board of Transportation to fill Wilson’s old […]
DENR Air Quality Update (NCLM)
Erin Wynia, a policy analyst with the League of Municipalities, attended a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2, with DENR air quality staff where good updates were provided. She has provided this summary.
In short, EPA is embarking upon a slew of new regulations in the air quality arena. Some […]
Administration Shifts DOT Priorities (The Journal of Commerce)
2011 budget emphasizes infrastructure but rises only a little
President Obama’s 2011 budget for the Department of Transportation shows an overall 2.3 percent increase compared with 2010 as the administration emphasizes infrastructure projects but hopes to curb unnecessary spending.
The new bright spot in the DOT’s budget is […]
Highway Bill Detoured (The Journal of Commerce)
Washington’s focus on jobs and search for revenue keep transportation bill parked in Congress
The drumbeat of jobs, jobs, jobs in Washington and debate on financing have become major roadblocks to getting a six-year $500 billion transportation bill into gear and onto a fast-paced road to passage.
Infrastructure advocates […]
Debt Study (Insider)
North Carolina has “substantially exhausted” its ability to issue more General Fund-supported debt for the next two years, according to a debt affordability study issued by State Treasurer Janet Cowell. The annual study recommends that legislators consider issuing general obligation bonds, rather than special indebtedness like certificates of participation, in the near future. […]
Investing in Livable Cities to Meet 21st Century Transportation Challenges (US Conf of Mayors)
Demographic change, urbanization and climate change are shaping our future and posing daunting global challenges. For the first time in history, half the world’s population now lives in urban centers. Experts predict that 90 percent of the future population growth will be […]
Holder Promises Continued Support for Local Law Enforcement (US Conf of Mayors)
Safe Cities Critical for a Strong Economy
Addressing mayors during the Winter Meeting’s closing luncheon January 22, Attorney General Eric Holder pledged to continue to “strengthen the federal-local bonds we’ve developed through the COPS and Byrne/JAG programs.”
“Because of your commitment to communicating with us and […]
HUD Secretary Donovan: CDBG Will Be Fully Funded in Fiscal Year 2011 (US Conf of Mayors)
Speaking at the Friday morning plenary session, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan told Conference of Mayors President Burnsville (MN) Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz and more than 200 mayors attending the 78th Winter Meeting that even though FY11 will be a “tough […]
