The North Carolina General Assembly considered hundreds of bills in the 2014 short session, many of which will have an impact on local governments. The most significant pieces of legislation will be highlighted in two legislative update webinars by School of Government faculty and staff on September 3 and September 9. Visit the registration page for a full list of topics. Note: The webinar dates have changed due to the General Assembly schedule. For those already registered for prior dates, please check the registration page for instructions.

The authoritative guide to election law in North Carolina is now available. The Precinct Manual 2014, by Robert P. Joyce, is a basic introduction to the law governing the administration of elections and provides practical guidance to precinct and county election officials. Purchase a copy today. 

2013 Punishment Chart for North Carolina Crimes and Motor Vehicle Offenses, by Robert L. Farb, is now available. This publication presents, in chart form, statutory punishments for felony and misdemeanor crimes as well as for motor vehicle offenses and infractions. 

The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at UNC-Chapel Hill has been awarded $2 million in funding by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve the financial and managerial capabilities of the nation’s smallest, most plentiful, and neediest public water systems—those serving fewer than 10,000 people—across the country.

Are You Prepared? Legal Issues Facing North Carolina Public Employers in Disasters and Other Emergencies, by Diane M. Juffras, is now available. This book covers employment law issues faced by governmental employers that are specific to disasters and other emergencies.

The School of Government has received a pledge of $7.1 million from Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) for initiatives to support North Carolina local governments, including the Development Finance Initiative, LGFCU Fellows Program, and a new Innovation Fund.

Faculty member Maureen Berner has been selected as a Thorp Faculty Engaged Scholar (FES), a distinction that will support her work on summer meal programs for children in need. Sponsored by the Carolina Center for Public Service, FES brings together faculty from across campus to engage in a two-year experiential curriculum designed to advance their engaged scholarship.

Associate Professor Leisha DeHart-Davis has been appointed to serve on the board of advisors for the Arizona State University Center for Research and Organization Design. The center promotes, supports, and conducts research on public, nonprofit, and hybrid organizations. 

The American Society for Public Administration's Center for Accountability and Performance has named David Ammons the 2014 recipient of the Joseph Wholey Distinguished Scholarship Award for work in the field of public sector performance. The selection was based on Ammons' article, "Signs of Performance Measurement Progress Among Prominent City Governments," published in the June 2013 issue of Public Performance and Management Review.