Five legislative acts of recent years affect the responsibilities and the finances of North Carolina counties and the state. An economics professor examines the ramifications for county budgets and transportation choices.

Public financing of elections in North Carolina became a topic of discussion and debate in the recent election year and will likely continue to be on the state’s political radar screen. This article looks at the pros and the cons of public financing and examines the evolution of publicly funded elections across the nation. It summarizes the history of public financing in North Carolina, explores future directions, and identifies lessons from other states relevant to North Carolina policy makers.

States and localities that aggressively use incentives in the “job wars” may win big—but at what cost and toward what end? Does a government give more than it gets in recruiting businesses? Popular Government offers a practical assessment of the pros and the cons of common incentives.

Is eminent domain a newly created power? May governments unilaterally decide what to pay for property that they take by eminent domain? The answers to these and related questions may be surprising to people who have no experience with this governmental power.

This issue of N.C. Journal contains eight articles:

• Local Government Service Corps to Help Rural Communities in Need 
• Assistance Available in Meeting New Federal Funding Rules Related to Sexual Assault Prevention and Intervention
• Local Elected Leaders Academy Announces Winter 2008 Offerings
• School Sponsors Information Sharing on Workforce and Succession Planning
• Judicial College Inaugurates Advanced Criminal Evidence Course for North Carolina Judges
• Wayne County Moved to Four-Day Workweek
• School Graduates First Class of National Certified Government Chief Information Officers
• School Receives Grant to Document Hunger in North Carolina

This issue of At the School contains four articles:

• School Faculty Train 82nd Airborne Division in Local Government
• Hunt and Joyner Honored
• Media Design Studio Increases Teaching and Learning Options
• Registers of Deeds Honor Szypszak