HOPE PEACH STATE POLL. In related news, the HOPE Commission learned from the latest Peach State Poll that while Georgians have a very positive impression of the scholarship program, they are also open to options to modify the awards in light of funding concerns. Link
WORKFORCE WORRIES. A new policy paper in the Institute's Public Policy Research Series identifies the human resource challenges and trends affecting Georgia's public-sector labor market and discusses the barriers that stand in the way of attracting and retaining a strong workforce. The Changing Labor Force: Workforce Development Challenges and Opportunities for Georgia's Government also presents recommendations for possible administrative and legislative action. To download the paper or order a copy, go to Link.
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS. Midyear appropriations amendments, which have been an integral part of the Georgia budgetary process for years, go against the budgeting principle of comprehensiveness but increase flexibility in budget execution. A recent policy note provides a concise summary of the use and value of this budgeting tool. Link
ON THE RIVER. Community and Regional Development Division faculty are helping economically depressed communities located in the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Appalachicola river basin region to develop a heritage tourism initiative. The Riverway South project is involving a variety of representatives from three states and more than 40 counties and will even include a community design competition. Link
COUNTIES UNDER STUDY. The National Center for the Study of Counties recently brought together scholars from across the country to help define a research agenda for the new unit as it moves to become a clearinghouse for information on counties and provide a forum for discussion of timely issues. Link
CHECK BEFORE YOU DIG. A new Internet-based system is being develop to document the location of Georgia's archaeological and historic sites for use in planning activities related to transportation and a variety of other areas. The Natural Archaeological and Historic Resources Geographic Information System (NAHRGIS) will be created for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources by the Institute's Office of Information Technology Outreach Services and the University of Georgia's College of Environment and Design. Link
POVERTY STUDY PERSISTS. The university continues its commitment to the Study on Persistent Poverty in the South by tapping Vinson Institute faculty member Joe Whorton to lead activities forward from this point. A three-part action plan will address issues of poverty in the 242 counties in seven states identified in the first phase of the extensive study. Link
COVERING THE COAST. In an in-depth review of the Coastal Incentive Grant Program (CIGP), Vinson Institute faculty and staff examined not only the environmental effects of the program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, but also regional and statewide economic impacts and the leveraging extent of CIGP funds. Link
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE. A group of directors from regional centers in Ukraine recently spent time at the Institute (and on the road in the state) learning about governmental training programs that they can adapt for their instructional activities back home....The China local government training program is back on schedule after the summer sessions were put on hold due to the SARS epidemic. Link 1, Link 2
NEW FACULTY ON BOARD. Courtney Tobin and Dennis Epps have joined the faculty of the Community and Regional Development Division. Tobin comes to the Institute from the Indiana Development Finance Authority, while Epps was previously the executive director for planning and community relations for Georgia's Southeastern Technical College. Learn more about their areas of expertise at Link.
HEALTH AND FITNESS. Georgians are thinking positively when it comes to their health status, according to a recent Peach State Poll. Wealthier Georgians, however, report a far more optimistic assessment of their health than do the less affluent. Link
NEW FLAG, LONG HISTORY. Nationally, no other state has flown as many different state flags as Georgia. The Vinson Institute and the Georgia Historical Society recently cosponsored a special program in Athens and Savannah to help citizens gain a better understanding of the role of Georgia history in the rise and demise of its many state flags. The historical perspective was presented by Ed Jackson, Vinson Institute faculty member and state flag expert. Color images of the various state flags and a copy of Jackson's talk are found at Link.
RESEARCH AND VIEWPOINTS. Articles in the latest issue of the Institute's national journal, State and Local Government Review, explore revolving funds as budgeting tools in state government, citizen groups in big city politics, bans on executing the mentally retarded, the incorporation of land-use issues in transportation planning, and more. Link
FINANCE MATTERS. The Financial Management Primary Accounting Series Program graduation numbers top 1,300, as another class of state government employees receive certificates during a special ceremony in Atlanta.... In other finance training-related news, there are still opportunities to participate in the new "Understanding Your Financial Statements" workshop. Link 1, Link 2
OUTSTANDING OUTREACH. Karen Baynes, director of the Governmental Services Division, has been named to Georgia's Judicial Nominating Commission. Ed Jackson, senior public service associate and state flag expert, is being honored by the North American Vexillological Association for his technical assistance to the Georgia General Assembly earlier this year in the debate over a new state flag.
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