The 2011 Justice Reinvestment Act resulted in substantial changes to criminal sentencing and corrections in North Carolina. Faculty member Jamie Markham has created a resource website explaining these changes, including links to a free webinar, summary charts, relevant North Carolina Criminal Law blog posts, and the legislation itself.

The Chapel Hill Historical Society has honored 11 individuals as Town Treasures, including John Sanders, former director of the Institute of Government (now the School of Government). The annual Town Treasures program recognizes individuals who have led and enhanced the communities of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) has been awarded $250,000 in funding by the Water Research Foundation for a study to define new approaches and models for water utilities in addressing current and future financial challenges. The economic recession, reductions in water demand, weather variability, and other factors all characterize the “new normal” under which water utilities now operate.

According to a new ICMA paper by faculty member Carl Stenberg, many local government managers and elected officials will need to rethink their strategies related to service delivery priorities and intergovernmental relationships during these cost-cutting times. "Coping with Crisis: How are Local Governments Reinventing Themselves in the Wake of the Great Recession?" examines the scope of strategies considered over the past two years.

Land use and development regulation is one of the most visible activities and controversial powers of local government, and a considerable body of law has developed regarding the issue. This book is an authoritative legal reference for attorneys engaged in land use work for local governments or land owners, judges, planners, real estate developers, and citizens interested in development regulation.

North Carolina local elected officials are required to obtain two hours of ethics training within 12 months after each election or reelection to office. This training is included in each of the Essentials of Municipal Government and Community Planning and Zoning courses offered across the state, and is being developed as an online option (2012 date to be determined). Visit Ethics for Local Government Officials for more information.

Citizens academies are educational programs conducted by cities and counties aiming to create better informed and engaged citizens. These programs are found in jurisdictions large and small. A new resource website compiled by faculty member Rick Morse and MPA student Seth Cutter offers guidance to local governments interested in starting a citizens academy, as well as new ideas for those already offering one.

Each year, the School of Government produces summaries of legislation of interest to local and state government officials. Summaries from the 2011 session of the General Assembly are now available online; new summaries will be posted as they become available. Faculty members are also blogging about legislation on Coates' Canons: NC Local Government Law Blog.

Topical posts from the popular Coates Canons: NC Local Government Law Blog have been compiled into a downloadable PDF covering the period from January through June 2011. The book contains posts from more than 15 School of Government faculty members and includes an author index. These articles about emerging issues and frequently asked questions collectively form a lasting database of information about North Carolina local government law.