Collecting Social Security While Still Working and CSRS Concerns

A site visitor to one of our forums stated that she was 66 and still working and was CSRS offset. A colleague suggested that she think about drawing social security now versus waiting until she retires. Once you reach age 66 you can earn unlimited amounts without reducing your Social Security benefit. She had beenRead… Read more »

Is Being Less Political Key to a Good Leader?

Politico’s story on Bill Clinton’s recent 70-percent approval rating, the highest ever recorded for him, attributes his popularity to his ever increasing focus on global issues eschewing political firestorms. While the former President has clearly evolved into a man focused on creating solutions to “neutral problems,” is this an evolution of character or the makingRead… Read more »

Media & PR practitioners no longer control the oxygen valve

A classic ploy by media and PR professionals to kill an unwanted issue has been to ‘deny it oxygen’ – refusing to comment or engage on the topic publicly, via news media or other channels. The approach has traditionally worked very effectively for both public sector and commercial communicators. Devoid of any official information, orRead… Read more »

If these walls could talk: The case for open housing data

With an average of 36 million Americans changing homes every year, we’re a country constantly on the move. But too often there’s more than meets the eye at an open house. Broken plumbing, faulty heat, pests, or absentee landlords are just some of the unpleasant surprises that arise after the lease or deed is signed.Read… Read more »

A Response to Leaders and Trainers

Although the title may seem to be misleading, it really isn’t. I am talking about training leaders and leaders training trainers throughout. I received a comment where I think I was totally misunderstood, and I certainly bear some responsibility for not being clear. When I responded to the comment, I like my response almost asRead… Read more »

Calgary Police’s Twitter account displays #SMEM best practices during #yycflood

During the floods in Calgary, Canada, this weekend, the social media manager of Calgary’s police did a fantastic job answering questions, diffusing rumors, using social media to pull in additional help, point people to volunteer opportunities, and to activate officers to work extra shifts via Twitter. It was important to get information into the socialRead… Read more »

TSP Talk Weekly Wrap Up

It was a rough week for both the stock and bond markets as the Fed put a scare in investors by reiterating that they will, at some point soon, lighten up on their bond buying policy. While this should be a positive because it insinuates that the economy is getting closer to being able toRead… Read more »

Civic Data Standards Featured in the Atlantic

Earlier this year, we partnered with the City of San Francisco and Yelp to develop and deploy a data standard for restaurant inspection scores, called LIVES. Data standards, such as LIVES or Open311, are simply an agreed upon, common format for publishing information that make it easier for platforms to integrate that information in anyRead… Read more »

Myth-Busters Healthcare Committee Meeting with the VA

On Thursday the Coalition traveled to Chicago to host a “Myth-Busters” Healthcare Committee meeting with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Acquisition Center (NAC). The VA NAC manages a family of Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and services. A primary focus of the Coalition Healthcare Committee is the operations, policiesRead… Read more »