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In Focus for Councilmembers and Commissioners (Aug 19)
MRSC's bi-weekly In Focus e-newsletter is an excellent way for your elected officials to stay informed about the latest news, research, events and trends affecting Washington city and county governments. Forward a copy of this newsletter to your elected officials or sign them up today.

Making Sense (Aug 19)
Many state and local officials struggle to communicate the business of government to residents, particularly when presenting information about how taxpayers' money is allocated and spent. More from American City & County.

Seniors Facing High Gas Prices Find Giving Up Their Cars Tough (Aug 19)
AARP finds that 29% of older Americans polled say they are now walking as a way to avoid high gas prices, but 40% say the sidewalks in their area are inadequate. More from Market Watch.

Romancing the Factory (Aug 19)
Forget about the brightly lit movie complex and pedestrian shopping patterns. The New Economy isn’t for everyone. More from Governing.

Soaring Gas Prices Fuel Four-Day Weeks (Aug 19)
With the cost of regular unleaded gasoline eclipsing $4 a gallon, some cities and counties are offering employees four-day workweek schedules to reduce fuel consumption. More from American City & County.

Grief is Good (Aug 19)
Organizational change is tough for those on the receiving end. But grieving is essential to change. More from Governing.

The Promise of Municipal Broadband (Aug 19)
Broadband is too important to the economy, education, and, well, democracy to be at the mercy of Comcast, Verizon, or AT&T. More from The Progressive.

Global Winners Chosen for Sustainable Cities Award (Aug 19)
Nine ‘outstanding’ programs from around the world have been chosen as winners at the first ever Sustainable Cities Awards. More from Sustainablog.

Cities in a State of Rapid Decay (Aug 19)
While the mortgage crisis has hit hard in California and other prosperous regions, the cities that are sliding fastest into decline are still in the Rust Belt, with disappearing populations and bleak job prospects. More from Forbes.

Lodging Tax Reporting Forms Available (Aug 7)
SHB 3206, which passed during the 2008 legislative session, made several changes to previous legislation requiring cities to complete reporting forms about lodging taxes. More from AWC.

Local Governments in the News
Local Governments in the News by Subject or Month

Here are the latest news clippings from around the state highlighting current events, trends and other news affecting Washington city and county governments and special districts:

Also in Focus