This reference work presents 27 key documents from the historic origins of the United States government through its subsequent expansion and evolution. The book is divided into five sections, the first of which is an introductory essay about American democracy. Section II includes three documents that laid the foundation for America''s government: the Magna Carta, the 1628 Petition of Right, and England''s Bill of Rights. The third section presents 13 core documents, such as the Mayflower Compact, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Section IV provides 11 documents of America''s territorial expansion, from the Treaty of Paris through the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and the Alaska Treaty and Hawaii Resolution. The final section is an essay about the future of democracy. There are 12 useful appendices.

This work describes the operations of a typical municipal government and examines the many productivity trends that are occurring in city halls across America. Much of the focus is on the increasing need for planning in city government to ensure that productivity goals are met. It thoroughly examines the roles of the council, manager, and clerk in promoting increased productivity. It then looks at such municipal departments as legal, finance, fire, human services, library, police and public works, demonstrating proven techniques and structures in each that improve service.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Over the past several decades, numerous planning movements have taken root within the United States. With names like "Urban Renewal," "Garden Cities," "Healthy Cities," "Smart Growth," "Eco-Cities" and "Sustainability," these programs promote ways to create, protect, preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of life in cities, towns and suburbs, especially in regards to the natural environment. This guide to the best practices of these programs introduces the rapidly evolving field before presenting more than 40 case studies of communities that are effectively "going green." An assessment of the future of these towns and cities and resources for citizens and officials seeking additional information conclude the work. By compiling these success stories, this handbook makes an excellent resource for anyone seeking to facilitate the restoration of the natural environment within their community.

This book is based on a national literature search focusing on the best practices of cities, of all sizes and geographic locations, intended to maintain public services while holding down taxes. Many public officials have great ideas, but tend to work in a vacuum, so they don''t know what other cities are doing. This volume codifies knowledge in this new field for the first time. Every case study included in this book has the city''s website listed. This reference work makes it easy for professionals seeking additional information on any and all budget reduction methods that seem to work somewhere.

This is a timely work on a very dynamic field. It provides more than 40 best practice case studies from nearly half the states in America, and discusses current and evolving trends in the relations between educational institutions and cities, towns and other municipalities. The schools include public and private universities and colleges, public school districts, and other local school systems. Case studies examine current and evolving state-of-the-art practices.

Appendices include a glossary; regional, national and international resource directories; bibliographic sources; model agreements and documents; a state municipal league directory; a state public library directory; and a summary of distance learning resources. The handbook is indexed.

The future of America''s cities and schools depends upon the proper management of resources through the use of state-of-the-art town-gown planning practices. Both public officials and taxpayers, faculties, as well as students, benefit from town and gown best practices.

Local officials are making investment decisions to enhance the quality of life in their communities and to improve economic development conditions. These new programs are not municipal give-aways, or, as some call them, corporate welfare programs, but efforts to invest wisely in downtown areas and neighborhoods with the goal of revitalizing them, with the hope that business and commerce will follow.

This work presents case studies from Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Berkeley, Boulder, Cambridge, Charleston, Chattanooga, Chesterfield County, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, DuPont, Grand Forks, Hampton, Hartford, Hayward, Houston, Kansas City, Lake Worth, Little Rock, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Bedford, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Petuluma, Portland, Saint Paul, Santa Monica, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. The case study topics include streetscapes, public plazas, museums, libraries, cultural parks, walkways and greenways, major infrastructure improvements, transit and transportation enhancements and other works.

This volume is based on an international literature search of the best urban planning practices being used in dozens of cities around the world. Such topics as green technology, conservation, infrastructure maintenance, alternative energy, downtown business districts, and recycling are covered, with many others. Additional information is provided for each community: population, location, website. There are eight appendices: periodicals bibliography, glossary, list of acronyms and abbreviations, U.S. state municipal league directory, both U.S. and international planning and development resource directories, international local government directory and U.S. state library resource directory. Thoroughly indexed.

This handbook of urban transportation planning presents case studies detailing 40 best practices from 33 states in the U.S. and 19 countries on six continents. Cities around the world have improved transportation options for their citizens. Roadways have seen the addition of walkways and bicycle lanes, and light-rail transit systems have reduced street traffic. These cities have decreased reliance on personal cars and enhanced their urban environments by reducing congestion, pollution, and the number and width of roadways. This volume discusses the dynamic field of urban transportation planning and provides resources for planning professionals and public officials interested in obtaining additional information on the latest trends.

Generations ago, immigrants came to the U.S. from Europe and Africa in large numbers. Today they are arriving mainly from Latin America and Asia. Most are documented but many are not. While the federal and most state governments have done little beyond controlling borders and ports of entry to address pressing immigration issues, public officials and community organizations at the local level have been advancing commonsense, pragmatic solutions to accommodate the newest members of American society.

This collection of essays provides a handbook for developing good county- and municipal-level immigrant services. The contributors cover a diverse range of trends, issues and practices, including immigration reform, language access, identification and driver''s licensing, employment, education, voting, public safety and legal assistance.

Corruption is a chronic public concern affecting America''s cities. Greed, ethical lapses and lack of accountability have drained untold millions in tax dollars.

Corrupt practices range from embezzlement, graft, bribery, kickbacks, extortion, nepotism and patronage to the misuse of funds, vehicles, equipment, supplies and other public resources. Court proceedings to investigate and prosecute perpetrators add to the cost.

Media exposes have magnified the spectacle of abusive and unethical government. This book investigates the reasons behind corruption and imparts guidelines for better accountability.

We tend to associate small town economic development with the decline of the rural United States--empty houses, shuttered shops and rusting factories. A common diagnosis of sluggish small town recovery is their lack of lifestyle amenities that attract new residents and businesses. Yet many small towns have shown progress and potential in recent years. This collection of recent articles by experts presents stories of small-town America''s struggle and describes innovations and practices behind successful revivals.

Eminent domain is integral to a government''s legal ability to take private property for a public purpose. If used correctly, the owners are paid the fair market value for their property, few citizens are inconvenienced and everyone benefits. Bad-faith abuses of eminent domain typically make the front pages of news outlets, and receive news coverage from television stations, in cities throughout our nation. To educate citizens and prevent future abuse, this book exposes both the good and the bad aspects of government''s ability to use their power of eminent domain to acquire private property.

Billions of people are connected through billions of devices across the globe. In the age of this massive internet, professional and personal information is being transmitted and received constantly, and while this access is convenient, it comes at a risk.

This handbook of cybersecurity best practices is for public officials and citizens, employers and employees, corporations and consumers. Essays also address the development of state-of-the-art software systems and hardware for public and private organizations.

 The public services and care being provided to our veteran citizens are rapidly changing due to the increasing number of veterans that live in our cities. There are more veteran citizens now living in America than ever before, and the veteran population is becoming ever more diverse. For this reason, cities throughout our nation are expanding their public services in scope and scale, as well as enhancing the quality of existing services. This volume documents these rapid developments in order to help our veteran citizens and supporting communities understand the evolving, dynamic, and innovative services and care that are increasingly available to them.

There are more senior citizens in the U.S. today than ever before. Public services for seniors are rapidly changing and expanding as this diverse population ages. This collection of essays describes key developments in services being provided in cities across the nation. Topics include seniors and the U.S. government; health and wellness; longevity; caregiving; housing and accommodations; Social Security and finance; immigrant, minority and LGBT issues, and life-long learning and technology.

Climate change and natural disasters have always been hot topics of discussion and debate from the living rooms of citizens to meetings to civil society organizations'' candlelight vigils. The consensus from the scientific and academic community on the threat of climate change clashes with the lack of consensus from business and government leaders, while citizens question the scientific data on climate change and if it really affects their cities. Many cities have stepped up to provide united experience-backed testimonies explaining this threat and how climate change contributes to natural disasters, habitat destruction, and food shortage. This book brings together lucid essays and case studies from both scholars and individuals on the front lines who manage international collaborations, lead local communities, provide services for people impacted by disasters, and drive policy change that will lead to a sustainable future.

Since 2009, at least 177 of America''s schools experienced a shooting. A parent should not have to worry when their children are at a public school in their city--whether it be an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, or a college campus. School safety and security are strengthened by prevention, mitigation, and response. The sections in this book educate school boards, school administrators, policymakers, academics, and parents on the importance of staying informed and accurately responding to school security and safety. The book highlights the school shootings in Columbine, Newton, Parkland, and many others that remind us of the responsibilities as citizens and communities to make schools a safe space for children. It is time to think about school shootings not merely as a problem of security but as a problem of security and education.

This reference work presents 27 key documents from the historic origins of the United States government through its subsequent expansion and evolution. The book is divided into five sections, the first of which is an introductory essay about American democracy. Section II includes three documents that laid the foundation for America''s government: the Magna Carta, the 1628 Petition of Right, and England''s Bill of Rights. The third section presents 13 core documents, such as the Mayflower Compact, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Section IV provides 11 documents of America''s territorial expansion, from the Treaty of Paris through the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and the Alaska Treaty and Hawaii Resolution. The final section is an essay about the future of democracy. There are 12 useful appendices.

This work describes the operations of a typical municipal government and examines the many productivity trends that are occurring in city halls across America. Much of the focus is on the increasing need for planning in city government to ensure that productivity goals are met. It thoroughly examines the roles of the council, manager, and clerk in promoting increased productivity. It then looks at such municipal departments as legal, finance, fire, human services, library, police and public works, demonstrating proven techniques and structures in each that improve service.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Over the past several decades, numerous planning movements have taken root within the United States. With names like "Urban Renewal," "Garden Cities," "Healthy Cities," "Smart Growth," "Eco-Cities" and "Sustainability," these programs promote ways to create, protect, preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of life in cities, towns and suburbs, especially in regards to the natural environment. This guide to the best practices of these programs introduces the rapidly evolving field before presenting more than 40 case studies of communities that are effectively "going green." An assessment of the future of these towns and cities and resources for citizens and officials seeking additional information conclude the work. By compiling these success stories, this handbook makes an excellent resource for anyone seeking to facilitate the restoration of the natural environment within their community.

This book is based on a national literature search focusing on the best practices of cities, of all sizes and geographic locations, intended to maintain public services while holding down taxes. Many public officials have great ideas, but tend to work in a vacuum, so they don''t know what other cities are doing. This volume codifies knowledge in this new field for the first time. Every case study included in this book has the city''s website listed. This reference work makes it easy for professionals seeking additional information on any and all budget reduction methods that seem to work somewhere.

This is a timely work on a very dynamic field. It provides more than 40 best practice case studies from nearly half the states in America, and discusses current and evolving trends in the relations between educational institutions and cities, towns and other municipalities. The schools include public and private universities and colleges, public school districts, and other local school systems. Case studies examine current and evolving state-of-the-art practices.

Appendices include a glossary; regional, national and international resource directories; bibliographic sources; model agreements and documents; a state municipal league directory; a state public library directory; and a summary of distance learning resources. The handbook is indexed.

The future of America''s cities and schools depends upon the proper management of resources through the use of state-of-the-art town-gown planning practices. Both public officials and taxpayers, faculties, as well as students, benefit from town and gown best practices.

Local officials are making investment decisions to enhance the quality of life in their communities and to improve economic development conditions. These new programs are not municipal give-aways, or, as some call them, corporate welfare programs, but efforts to invest wisely in downtown areas and neighborhoods with the goal of revitalizing them, with the hope that business and commerce will follow.

This work presents case studies from Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Berkeley, Boulder, Cambridge, Charleston, Chattanooga, Chesterfield County, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, DuPont, Grand Forks, Hampton, Hartford, Hayward, Houston, Kansas City, Lake Worth, Little Rock, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Bedford, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Petuluma, Portland, Saint Paul, Santa Monica, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. The case study topics include streetscapes, public plazas, museums, libraries, cultural parks, walkways and greenways, major infrastructure improvements, transit and transportation enhancements and other works.

This volume is based on an international literature search of the best urban planning practices being used in dozens of cities around the world. Such topics as green technology, conservation, infrastructure maintenance, alternative energy, downtown business districts, and recycling are covered, with many others. Additional information is provided for each community: population, location, website. There are eight appendices: periodicals bibliography, glossary, list of acronyms and abbreviations, U.S. state municipal league directory, both U.S. and international planning and development resource directories, international local government directory and U.S. state library resource directory. Thoroughly indexed.

This handbook of urban transportation planning presents case studies detailing 40 best practices from 33 states in the U.S. and 19 countries on six continents. Cities around the world have improved transportation options for their citizens. Roadways have seen the addition of walkways and bicycle lanes, and light-rail transit systems have reduced street traffic. These cities have decreased reliance on personal cars and enhanced their urban environments by reducing congestion, pollution, and the number and width of roadways. This volume discusses the dynamic field of urban transportation planning and provides resources for planning professionals and public officials interested in obtaining additional information on the latest trends.

Generations ago, immigrants came to the U.S. from Europe and Africa in large numbers. Today they are arriving mainly from Latin America and Asia. Most are documented but many are not. While the federal and most state governments have done little beyond controlling borders and ports of entry to address pressing immigration issues, public officials and community organizations at the local level have been advancing commonsense, pragmatic solutions to accommodate the newest members of American society.

This collection of essays provides a handbook for developing good county- and municipal-level immigrant services. The contributors cover a diverse range of trends, issues and practices, including immigration reform, language access, identification and driver''s licensing, employment, education, voting, public safety and legal assistance.

Corruption is a chronic public concern affecting America''s cities. Greed, ethical lapses and lack of accountability have drained untold millions in tax dollars.

Corrupt practices range from embezzlement, graft, bribery, kickbacks, extortion, nepotism and patronage to the misuse of funds, vehicles, equipment, supplies and other public resources. Court proceedings to investigate and prosecute perpetrators add to the cost.

Media exposes have magnified the spectacle of abusive and unethical government. This book investigates the reasons behind corruption and imparts guidelines for better accountability.

We tend to associate small town economic development with the decline of the rural United States--empty houses, shuttered shops and rusting factories. A common diagnosis of sluggish small town recovery is their lack of lifestyle amenities that attract new residents and businesses. Yet many small towns have shown progress and potential in recent years. This collection of recent articles by experts presents stories of small-town America''s struggle and describes innovations and practices behind successful revivals.

Eminent domain is integral to a government''s legal ability to take private property for a public purpose. If used correctly, the owners are paid the fair market value for their property, few citizens are inconvenienced and everyone benefits. Bad-faith abuses of eminent domain typically make the front pages of news outlets, and receive news coverage from television stations, in cities throughout our nation. To educate citizens and prevent future abuse, this book exposes both the good and the bad aspects of government''s ability to use their power of eminent domain to acquire private property.

Billions of people are connected through billions of devices across the globe. In the age of this massive internet, professional and personal information is being transmitted and received constantly, and while this access is convenient, it comes at a risk.

This handbook of cybersecurity best practices is for public officials and citizens, employers and employees, corporations and consumers. Essays also address the development of state-of-the-art software systems and hardware for public and private organizations.

 The public services and care being provided to our veteran citizens are rapidly changing due to the increasing number of veterans that live in our cities. There are more veteran citizens now living in America than ever before, and the veteran population is becoming ever more diverse. For this reason, cities throughout our nation are expanding their public services in scope and scale, as well as enhancing the quality of existing services. This volume documents these rapid developments in order to help our veteran citizens and supporting communities understand the evolving, dynamic, and innovative services and care that are increasingly available to them.

There are more senior citizens in the U.S. today than ever before. Public services for seniors are rapidly changing and expanding as this diverse population ages. This collection of essays describes key developments in services being provided in cities across the nation. Topics include seniors and the U.S. government; health and wellness; longevity; caregiving; housing and accommodations; Social Security and finance; immigrant, minority and LGBT issues, and life-long learning and technology.

Climate change and natural disasters have always been hot topics of discussion and debate from the living rooms of citizens to meetings to civil society organizations'' candlelight vigils. The consensus from the scientific and academic community on the threat of climate change clashes with the lack of consensus from business and government leaders, while citizens question the scientific data on climate change and if it really affects their cities. Many cities have stepped up to provide united experience-backed testimonies explaining this threat and how climate change contributes to natural disasters, habitat destruction, and food shortage. This book brings together lucid essays and case studies from both scholars and individuals on the front lines who manage international collaborations, lead local communities, provide services for people impacted by disasters, and drive policy change that will lead to a sustainable future.

Since 2009, at least 177 of America''s schools experienced a shooting. A parent should not have to worry when their children are at a public school in their city--whether it be an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, or a college campus. School safety and security are strengthened by prevention, mitigation, and response. The sections in this book educate school boards, school administrators, policymakers, academics, and parents on the importance of staying informed and accurately responding to school security and safety. The book highlights the school shootings in Columbine, Newton, Parkland, and many others that remind us of the responsibilities as citizens and communities to make schools a safe space for children. It is time to think about school shootings not merely as a problem of security but as a problem of security and education.