April-June 2012 (Vol. 11, No. 2)
Institute Begins Career-Readiness Project with Department of Education
The Georgia Department of Education has begun a project with the Vinson Institute and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to learn from surveyed business leaders what skills are most in-demand in today's workforce. Results will help DOE redesign curricula in order to prepare students to leave high school career-ready. (more)
More than 1,500 Local Officials Train at ACCG and GMA Annual Events
More than 500 county elected officials, managers, and clerks participated in professional development and training on topics such as ethics, human resources, and technology solutions at the Association County Commissioners of Georgia 2012 Annual Meeting April 28–30. (more) The Vinson Institute coordinated training for more than 1,000 city government officials at the Georgia Municipal Association's 2012 Annual Convention June 23–26 and unveiled a new course on social media use in local governments. (more)
Watkins Spreads the Word about "Healthy Savannah"
The Institute's Malik Watkins addressed the Georgia Public Health Association annual conference about ongoing efforts surrounding the Healthy Savannah initiative such as creation of pedestrian-friendly green spaces, building community gardens, and advancing no-smoking ordinances. He discussed the lessons he and others have learned about creating a successful public health movement. (more)
Seoul Officials Tour U.S. Emergency Management Agencies
A delegation of emergency management and transportation officials from South Korea's Seoul Municipal Government visited local, state, and federal emergency management agencies in Georgia and California during an experiential learning tour facilitated by the Vinson Institute's International Center. (more)
New Probate Judge Certificate Program Expands Training Requirements
Georgia probate court judges and associate judges will take part in a newly created professional certification program designed by the Vinson Institute in consultation with the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education. The new curriculum expands upon previous requirements and addresses legal concepts, judge roles and responsibilities, leadership, and more. (more)
County Officials Tour Metro Infrastructure During Mobile Classroom
Participants in the most recent Vinson Institute and ACCG mobile classroom visited a number of important transportation and infrastructure hubs in metro-Atlanta to witness behind-the-scenes how people, freight, and more move around and through the state. (more)
Tybee Begins Planning for Infrastructure and More with Environmental Policy Assistance
Tybee Island is learning more about the possibility for future rising tides and storm surges as a result of a plan being developed through a partnership between the Vinson Institute, Georgia Sea Grant, and the Department of Natural Resources. Researchers will identify infrastructure vulnerable to rising waters and present options for protecting the island's assets. (more)
Vinson Fellows Convey their Expertise after Internship
Two Vinson Fellows concluded their spring internships by presenting their research and knowledge gained before a group of Institute faculty and staff. Their topics covered Georgia's burgeoning biofuels sector and corruption in the Nigerian oil industry. (more)
UGA Recognizes Three at Institute for Distinguished Public Service
The University of Georgia Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach presented the Vinson Institute's Rusty Brooks, Dennis Epps, and Michele Bailey with awards in recognition of their commitment to serving Georgia at its annual meeting on April 16. (more)
Stephens County Explores Zoning Ordinance Development
Stephens County officials were able to explore the necessary steps for creating a zoning ordinance during a recent retreat facilitated by the Vinson Institute. The Institute's Chrissy Marlowe answered participants' questions about land use and discussed the balance between landowner rights and community planning. (more)
Revenue Administration Course Becomes Ninth Online Offering
With the Financial Management Program's launch of the online course Revenue Administration, government officials and personnel state- and nationwide can take advantage of the convenience of nine online courses offered by the Vinson Institute. The new course guides participants through the fundamentals of local government revenue sources. (more)
Did you know?
You don't have to be LOST when it comes to local option sales tax negotiations. Cities and counties can get mediation assistance from the Vinson Institute's team of local government experts, attorneys, and trained mediators.
