I’m in the process of considering going out on my own again, after almost two years with a small “boutique” firm. The exercise in trying to help them grow had its pluses and minuses. One of the insights I already knew, but this experience provided a more current data point: Without an ongoing effort every day to identify opportunities, move those through a…

I’m in the process of considering going out on my own again, after almost two years with a small “boutique” firm. The exercise in trying to help them grow had its pluses and minuses. One of the insights I already knew, but this experience provided a more current data point: Without an ongoing effort every day to identify opportunities, move those through a…

Joe Davidson from the Washington Post reports that the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey has been released by OPM. The survey is conducted annually to learn how feds feel about their workplace. The post reports that over 266,000 federal employees completed the agreement. The Post…

Each year local governments struggle to address budget deficits by generating new revenue and spending cuts to close budget gaps. Elected officials typically think short term and rely on one shot measures rather than permanent changes to cost structures. Local governments need to operate smarter and cheaper. According to a recent study by IBM titled Smarter, Faster, Cheaper - An Operations Efficiency…

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.”

Sonia Johnson

Please check out my Research Blog post from yesterday for a link to some great social media tips aimed at nonprofit professionals but good for everyone in the public sector, interesting article links and, of course, a plug for GovLoop. 

I am just starting to get the blog rolling and would love feedback. 

A new peer-to-peer car-sharing serving that links people to cars via Facebook launched at Stanford University this week.  Wheelz hopes to distinguish itself from similar services by using existing social networks on college and university campuses. To help amp up the trust factor, which can make or break…

The other day I was reading the Ragan Communications newsletter and came across an article titled  10 inexpensive ways to boost employee morale. I was immediately interested, not because my office is in need of…

Congratulations to my friend, Govloop (Steve Ressler) on his upcoming marriage.  Very happy for him and his fiance'. 

Let's start this Thursday with something from Aaliyah:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is testing 10 plug-in hybrid electric pickup trucks as part of a national test with Chrysler. In return for the vehicles, the MBTA has agreed to drive the Ram trucks at least 1,500 miles per month and to share data with Chrysler for the next three years. A $48 million stimulus grant from the…

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY) plans to introduce a bus rapid transit route in midtown Manhattan starting in November. The route will replace existing service on 34th Street between Second Avenue and Ninth Avenue. The Select Bus Service routes use wireless technology to extend green lights for approaching buses and operate in bus-only lanes (enforced by surveillance…

General Session

Steven Johnson let the general session of the third day of APWA’s conference. His topic was “Creativity and the Brain—Where do good Ideas Come From?” Johnson started by sharing the story about John Snow who worked with maps and government mortality data to help determine the…

Please consider participating in a user survey respecting Legislation.gov.uk, the official, free online source for UK statutes. The survey is available on the main Legislation.gov.uk site -- from the "Survey" tab on right screen -- or directly here. The deadline for participating in the survey is 30 September…

Congress is now sitting on President Obama’s American Jobs Act. It emphasizes infrastructure improvements and tax cuts. Given the politics, it will not move quickly. Congress just isn’t interested because it affects your life, not theirs.

Read More ……

AFGE's District 5 building has officially been named after National Vice President Emeritus Kenneth Blaylock.

 On August 27, AFGE District 5 made history as they celebrated their “Mortgage Burning” and Building Rededication Ceremony.

The building is now officially named after National Vice President…