Conversations With Clerks: Toya Harrell
A conversation with Shorewood, WI clerk Toya Harrell to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
The Power of Partnership: How State Municipal Associations Strengthen Local Government
Across the country, state municipal associations are serving as behind-the-scenes champions—advocating, educating, and empowering the people who keep our communities running.
Homegrown Cannabis Legislation
As the Cannabis dispensary business becomes more mainstream, medical and recreational users of the product who wish to grow their own plants at home are still subject to a number of legal hurdles. Many municipalities are now addressing the homegrown Cannabis issue by creating legislation that complies with state legalization and allows users to grow the plant at home within certain frameworks.
Affordable Housing Mandates Legislation
Through smart legislation and creative mandates, municipalities are helping to reshape the housing landscape in a way that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and long-term sustainability.
Tree Canopy Preservation Legislation
As municipalities continue to grow, many across the country are taking legislative steps to protect and expand tree cover to combat rising temperatures, air pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
Planner Perspectives: Alyssa Kelly and John Trant
A conversation with planners Alyssa Kelly and John Trant from Strategic Solutions, to learn about their experiences in the role.
Customer Service Excellence is About Listening and Learning
Customer service is at the forefront of everything we do. In our 60+ years of serving thousands of local governments and their communities, we’ve learned that providing excellent customer service is a process that is highly personal and always has room for improvement. Discover a few things that help us to serve our customers better.
Entertainment Noise Legislation
Local governments are continually listening to the call to curb entertainment noise through legislation and community cooperation to help turn down the volume and make entertainment safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Wind Farm Legislation
Wind farms projects offer benefits for communities, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to boosting local economies, but their development hinges on one critical factor: zoning.
Planner Perspectives: Molly Gaudioso and John Steinmetz
A conversation with planners Molly Gaudioso & John Steinmetz from Colliers, to learn about their experiences in the role.
The Power of Interactive Zoning Maps in Economic Development
Explore how interactive zoning maps help local governments streamline planning, attract investment, and build sustainable, thriving communities.
6 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Digital Zoning Map Solution
Discover the key questions municipalities should ask to find a zoning platform that drives efficiency, transparency, and long-term value.
Native Plants Legislation
Expansive commercial, agricultural, and residential land development, climate change, and the introduction of non-native and invasive plants have diminished or destroyed many natural habitats that have taken decades to adapt and flourish. Local governments are proposing policy changes and passing legislation to help communities plant with the purpose of reconnecting to their “native plant roots.”
E-Bike Legislation
Municipalities are adapting to the rise in electric bicycles in their communities.
Solar Energy Legislation
Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity. But local governments are now blocking green energy projects faster than they’re building them.
Conversations With Clerks: Laura Schwall
A conversation with Rehoboth, Massachusetts clerk Laura Schwall to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Street Art and Murals Legislation
Public art can play a crucial role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of a community. Municipalities are finding ways to legislatively support these unique creations while maintaining the character and aesthetics of their communities.
Street Performers Legislation
Today more and more local governments have come to embrace street performers or “buskers” as a community asset that plays a significant role in promoting commerce, human expression, and community engagement. As such, many cities have worked long and hard to develop set rules and guidelines that both encourage and control busking.
Upzoning Legislation
Affordable housing is a crisis-level issue affecting most communities across the United States. A key strategy for local governments seeking to address these challenges is zoning reform – specifically upzoning.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media: A Vital Tool for Local Governments
Social media can serve as a powerful instrument for fostering transparency, facilitating communication, and engaging with constituents. Explore why social media is crucial for local governments and find some tips for maximizing its potential for your community.
Planner Perspectives: Andrew Strniste
A conversation with Rutland, VT Planning & Zoning Administrator Andrew Strniste to learn about his experiences in his role.
Swimming Pool Legislation
The summer season is always a good time to brush up on pool safety and the rules and regulations everyone must follow. As enjoyable as backyard swimming can be, not following local safety ordinances such as adequate, secure fencing, proper flotation devices and supervision can result in unnecessary injury or even death for swimmers of all ages.
Feral Cat Legislation
Cats that stray or live in feral conditions can cause havoc for the neighborhoods where they live and roam. Finding solutions to alleviate the issues associated with feral cat populations is largely left to local government.
Leaf Blower Legislation
Despite their popularity, leaf blowers can produce ear-piercing levels of noise. And gas-powered versions can emit toxic levels of pollutants. Governments in many areas are taking steps to address these issues by placing stricter regulations on the use of many types of leaf blowers.
Conversations With Clerks: Ronnie Shatzkamer
A conversation with Flower HIll New York clerk Ronnie Shatzkamer to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Why Your Municipal Code Matters
A municipal code is a statement that defines your community. It also says a lot about the municipality’s future.
Blighted Property Legislation
Blighted properties are an ongoing challenge for most communities in the United States. And with the current affordable housing crisis, the topic is a rising concern for local governments. Many are examining their municipal codes to ensure ordinances are enforceable and able to address the current conditions.
Community Composting Legislation
As landfills overflow with wasted food and a changing climate depletes fertile land where crops are grown, many communities and government entities are seeing the need and value of rolling out large-scale community composting solutions.
Conversations With Clerks: Jill Dix
A conversation with Holland, New York clerk Jill Dix to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Green Building Standards Legislation
To meet the challenges of climate change, municipalities across the nation are setting goals for greater sustainability, Adopting green building standards and providing an enforceable policy framework is a big step toward achieving these goals.
Filmmaking Legislation
Today it’s not unusual to see movie and TV production crews descend upon big cities and small towns to scope out unique backdrops for new projects. Many municipalities are creating ordinances aimed at finding a balance between allowing filmmakers free access to their communities and protecting residents’ rights, property, and quality of life.
Open Burning Legislation
With the uptick in wildfires across the nation and in neighboring countries, there’s a more keen awareness of environmental and health risks associated with fires, even on a smaller scale. It’s becoming more vital to have open burning ordinances that are clear, understandable, and aligned with state statutes.
Conversations With Clerks: Elizabeth Dreaper
A conversation with Dobbs Ferry, New York clerk Elizabeth Dreaperto learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Pickleball Noise Legislation
Pickleball is not just a fun and popular sport, it can also be a very loud one. Communities where the sport’s noise is a serious problem are beginning to push back by seeking relief through new legislation aimed at lowering the racket.
Street Legal Golf Carts Legislation
Many small towns have led the way for golf carts to travel away from the fairway and onto the highway driving local governments to consider legislation to regulate this increasingly popular form of transportation.
Street Racing Legislation
Communities across the country are seeing an uptick in street racing in recent years. And many states and local municipalities are taking action to rid the roads of these unlawful events through legislation.
Maintaining a Talented Workforce in Local Government
Many experienced workers in government have left their jobs to seek greener pastures. Discover how municipalities nationwide are adopting new strategies to keep experienced workers and attract new ones.
Conversations With Clerks: Laura Gemme
A conversation with Reading, Massachusetts Town Clerk Laura Gemme to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Natural Disaster Preparedness Legislation
Major natural disasters are occurring at an increasing rate. Local governments can act legislatively to prepare their communities for less damage and loss, a more capable response, and effective guidance to rebuild stronger and better.
Catalytic Converter Theft Legislation
Catalytic converters are extremely valuable to thieves. In recent years, the number of thefts has accelerated, prompting governments to pass legislation to curtail the recycling of the stolen devices.
Backyard Chickens Legislation
Keeping chickens in urban and suburban areas, while far from being a new concept, has emerged recently as an increasingly popular trend that local governments are now needing to consider legislatively.
Get Even Smarter with a General Code Lunch & Learn
Improve your knowledge and skills for our digital code-centered solutions with customized on-site or online 1-on-1 training. Find out how to schedule a Lunch & Learn session with one of our Education and Technology Specialists
Conversations With Clerks: Wendy Withers
A conversation with Shady Shores Texas’s Town Administrator/Town Secretary Wendy Withers to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Legislation
With the sale of electric vehicles on the rise, the race is on to build a network of convenient, affordable electric vehicle charging stations to keep the cars running.
Dark Sky Preservation and Light Pollution Legislation
Whether it’s optimal star-gazing, ensuring residents’ wellness, or protecting wildlife and natural resources, minimizing light pollution and maximizing dark sky preservation is a topic of high priority for municipalities across the country.
Conversations With Clerks: Ann Quirk
A conversation with Barnstable, Massachusetts Town Clerk Ann Quirk to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Holiday Lights Legislation
As magical as holiday lights might sometimes be, displays can cause traffic congestion, elevate noise levels, and irritate neighbors. Municipalities can enact regulations to keep these problems at bay.
Backyard Bird Feeder Legislation
Bird feeders can lead to an array of issues such as neighbor disputes, health concerns, and a negative impact on the birds themselves, making them a rising topic of concern for local governments.
All-Terrain Vehicles Legislation
This increased popularity of All-Terrain Vehicles comes at a steep price as accidents, injuries and deaths have reached alarming levels.
eCode360®’s New Laws: Know when changes occur in your online code
eCode360 ‘s New Laws feature allows your entire community to access and see information quickly and easily.
Conversations With Clerks: Lisa Goodwin
A conversation with Bangor, Maine City Clerk Lisa Goodwin to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role
Balloon Releases Legislation
Balloon releases have a serious downside, and many municipalities are enacting legislation to limit or ban the practice.
Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign
In drafting sign regulations local governments should be mindful of cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court and how they impact local government ordinances.
Microbrewery Legislation
The microbrewery industry is one that has seen dynamic growth in the pandemic era. Those who have made the plunge into craft brewing are finding that it can be a daunting task to get up and running in this heavily regulated industry.
Micromobility Legislation
Municipalities are debating the use of scooters, e-bikes, and other one-person vehicles in the street space and how to address micromobility legislation.
eCode360 Notes: Keep Your Community Up to Date and Informed
The eCode360 Notes feature is an excellent tool for giving users of your online code a “heads up” when there is something of importance to communicate.
Top 3 Reasons to Choose Professional Codification Over Self-Publishing Codification
Explore why choosing a professional codifier over having municipal staff do the work is the smart choice financially, from a time- and resource-savings perspective, and ensuring the code’s enforceability.
Conversations With Clerks: Leesa Ross
A conversation with Frontenac Missouri municipal clerk Leesa Ross to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Legislation
Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADUs are trending and municipalities are taking a variety of tactics to regulate them.
Farmers Markets Legislation
Farmers markets offer multiple benefits to their communities. How can local governments support them and keep them safe for residents?
Urban Gardens Legislation
Local governments have several legislative options for ensuring that urban gardens provide all the benefits they can without becoming nuisances to neighbors.
Festivals and Events Legislation
Following a pandemic-induced hiatus, festivals and events are on the rise again. Do existing ordinances still cover all the concerns for health, safety, and other related issues in the not-quite-post-COVID world?
Conversations With Clerks:
Renee Kingston
Conversations With Clerks is a new DeCoder series in which we talk with Municipal Clerks from across the country to learn more about their unique experiences and what it takes to be effective and successful in their roles.
eCode360 Dashboard:
An Instant Snapshot of Code Activity
Available to logged-in eCode360® users, the Dashboard feature displays important information about how and when your online code is used and what topics are top of mind with constituents and municipal users.
Autonomous Robot Delivery Legislation
Autonomous robots are quickly making inroads in the delivery business. Some municipalities are embracing the use of these mechanical helpers, others are pumping the brakes on their deployment.
Short-Term Rental Legislation
Short-term rentals are burgeoning in communities across the country. But not everyone is happy about it; and now COVID-19 is raising even more regulatory concerns.
Trending Legislation: Vaping & Electronic Smoking Devices
Since being introduced to the U.S. market in 2007, electronic smoking devices have gone from a possible solution for breaking tobacco addiction, to an increasingly dangerous public health challenge that hasn’t been simple to regulate.
What’s trending in local government legislation?
Even in a pandemic, local government doesn’t stand still. Remaining legislatively active, these topics have surfaced as trends for municipal legislators across the country.
Trending Legislation: Cannabis & Zoning
Marijuana legalization continues to spread across the country and many at the local level are using their zoning codes to regulate and restrict it within their communities.
Trending Legislation: Social Hosting
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen and larger gatherings take place, pre-pandemic concerns about underage drinking are returning. Communities are examining ways to curb this issue, including enacting local ordinances regarding social hosting.
Trending Legislation: Hair Discrimination
Discrimination can come in many shapes and forms, including age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and more. Banning discrimination based on hairstyle and texture is a rising trend across the country.
Improving Code Updates: 5 Tips for Quicker, More Efficient Supplementation
Regardless of the size and complexity of your supplement project, there are steps you can take that will enable us to process your code updates more efficiently.
The Power of the API Partnership
APIs are fast becoming a technology staple for innovative companies and a powerful business tool. By enabling companies to securely connect business processes, content and data, APIs can help boost customer satisfaction—and build new business.
Dusting Off the Lanyards
Municipal clerks are returning to in-person events and conferences. Here’s why the conferences you once knew and took part in are reflecting a new reality created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trending Legislation: Dog Parks
Dog parks are one of the top amenities going into communities nationwide, and one of the most in demand. Many local governments have taken action.
Trending Legislation: Alcohol To Go
During the pandemic, many states enacted legislation allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold as “to-go” items. As food and beverage businesses begin reopening with on-premises dining and drinking, these laws are being reconsidered at the state and local levels.
Fireworks Sparking Calls for Local Regulation
Fireworks used to be reserved for major holidays and community events. But with some states loosening laws for individual access and use, municipalities are responding to concerns about noise, fire safety, and effects on vets and pets.
Trending Legislation: Marijuana Legalization & Local Government
As the number of states legalizing the sale and use of marijuana increases, acceptance at the local level is a mixed bag.
GIS Story Maps: What’s Your Story?
Does your community need a boost in economic development? Story maps may be just what you’re looking for.
Food Trucks Hit The Road to Find New Customers During COVID-19
Without a steady stream of lunchtime patrons and weekend events during the pandemic, food truck owners are needing to quickly change gears, embracing a move-it or lose-it strategy to stay in business.
Improve your community’s access to emergency information with PubDocs™
PubDocs in eCode360® can help local governments inform and update constituents during quickly-changing public emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Crisis on Top of a Crisis
This once-in-a century pandemic has not only forced us to change many aspects of our lives for our own health and safety, it has also created a new, and unprecedented surge in the use of single-use plastics.
Trending Legislation: Electric Vehicles
Acceptance of electric vehicles has been on a long, winding and sometimes detoured road. But with increasing concerns about climate change and dependence on fossil fuels, a renewed interest, and even enthusiasm, has recently accelerated. Is your community EV-Ready?
Trending Legislation: Outdoor Dining
Dining out has taken on new context in the COVID-19 era. Outdoor dining could lessen the devastating economic impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry and municipalities are trying to help legislatively.
Trending Legislation: Drone Use Takes Off
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are more commonly known as drones, and businesses and cities are finding them to be increasingly useful. But can they be regulated at the local level?
When the ‘home office’ moves to the backyard
The rise of office sheds. All the comforts of your corner office in your backyard.
Online Community Meetings:
Tips for Maximizing Quality and Participation
To help ensure that virtual community meetings are productive for all, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Trending Legislation: Affordable Housing
Even before the recent coronavirus outbreak, affordable housing was an increasing issue of concern across the nation.
Trending Legislation: Political Signs
Location, location, location – that’s the key to regulating campaign signs
Legislating in the Age of COVID-19: Virtual Meetings
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Legislating in the Age of COVID-19
As the pandemic continues to impact communities across the country, local governments are responding with legislation that covers a wide range of critical topics. Stay up-to-date through our new blog series “Legislating in the Age of COVID.”
Promoting Healthy Behaviors
Local governments are creatively using social media during the coronavirus pandemic to stay in touch with constituents, check the pulse of the community, and share useful resources…
Legislating in the Age of COVID-19: Social Distancing
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Legislating in the Age of COVID-19: Face Masks and Coverings
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Planning in the Wildlife-Urban Interface in the age of increasing wildfire risk
Communities expanding into desirable natural wildland areas are requiring planners and local governments to adopt new strategies and alliances to help keep residents and property safe.
Building Trust Through Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for local governments to inform and to engage with the community at-large. Local government needs to demonstrate that it’s worthy of its constituents’ time and trust.
Responding Legislatively to COVID-19
Local governments are acting to allow service continuity in this time of crisis and to protect the safety and health of constituents, as well as in finding ways to overcome food security issues and economic hardships faced by local businesses.
BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag
As permanent bans on plastic bags are enacted, consumers will continue to shift to eco-friendly, reusable bags for carrying groceries and other purchases.
You’ve Got Our Support
General Code offers a variety of options to help our client communities optimize their eCode experience and to provide demos of our other digital solutions.
Keeping Your Code Up to Date is as Simple as [email protected]
When your eCode is regularly updated, you’re guaranteeing a resource your entire community can depend on – every hour of every day, from any location.
Federal Act May Impact Local Tobacco Ordinances
The recent adoption of a Federal Act to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 may require some municipalities to consider changes to their local ordinances.
Why An Up-To-Date Code Is Your Community’s Superpower
A regularly updated Code is an enforceable and reliable resource that empowers everyone in your community.
A Bumpy Road for E-Scooters
Despite the growing popularity of e-scooters as a fun and environmentally-friendly way to traverse cities, not all municipalities and regulators are along for the ride.
Putting A Leash On Puppy Mills
Across the country, cities and counties are taking a stand against the controversial puppy mill industry by adopting retail pet sale bans.
Swarms and the City
Urban beekeeping is challenging local governments to find a balance between the protection of a vital species and the rights and concerns of urban communities.
Driving Traffic to Your Social Media Platforms
“If you build it, they will come,” right? Not exactly. But there are many ways to attract traffic to your social media accounts.
Walk This Way: Making Your Community More Bike- and Pedestrian-Friendly
Exploring how a less car-centric environment can positively impact the health and well-being of your citizens and the livability of your community-at-large.
May is for Meat Lovers
It’s National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month. Eat well—and grill safely.
Thank You for Sharing
The sharing industry that provides consumer deals and conveniences has local governments wondering how to regulate it all.
Lowering the Volume of Questions
When your Code is up-to-date and constituents can find the information they’re looking for, the Town Hall can be a quieter place to work.
Music: A Sound Investment for Your Community
In these TEDx Talks, the presenters explore how music can positively impact your community’s identity, economy, and the well-being of your citizens.
Social Media: Are You Listening?
Social media isn’t all about creating noise to raise awareness or pushing information out to your followers/constituents. Sometimes you need to listen, too.
Restaurant Noise: Dine or Dash?
Restaurant noise is causing patrons to choose between loud popular eateries and their hearing health.
Change happens — have a Code that’s up to date and enforceable
Essential resources for creating and amending ordinances
Taking the Fight to Cyberbullying
With the evolution of the internet, smartphones and social media platforms, bullying has moved from the playground to the cyber realm.
Tweet It From the Housetop!
Using your local gov’s social media channels, you can help local businesses and organizations to draw larger crowds to events, boosting tourism to your region and supporting economic growth.
Roadkill Grilling and Cow Chip Throwing (Yeah, there’s a festival for that)
From the historic to the hysterical, local festivals are on the rise, prompting host municipalities to take a closer look at legislation that protects their community, residents and patrons.
Celebrating the Art of the Urban Park
Did you know that before the mid-1800s, urban parks didn’t exist in American cities? Learn about the American visionary architect who changed all that.
You may be just 10 questions away from being more informed about codification
Doing your homework is important when considering codification so that your Code meets the needs of your municipality and your citizens. Here’s a list of questions you should always ask first before you make your choice.
Tips for Using Model Ordinances
Model ordinances can be great starting points for drafting new ordinances, but they should be reviewed and tailored for your municipality before being adopted.
Technology and Government Transparency
Local governments are upping their games in an effort to be more transparent with their citizens. Municipalities are leveraging the latest technologies to open new communication channels.
Making Happier Cities
Can the city we live in, the environment we inhabit, impact who we are or how we feel?
Choosing the Right Channel
You’ve decided to start using social media to communicate with your citizens, but what channel is the right one to use? We’ve compiled some of the top-used social media channels that local governments are using and examples of how they’re being used.
Putting Roads On A Diet To Cure Traffic Congestion
Just as people try to get healthier with the Atkins, Paleo, Whole30 and other popular diet regimens, urban streets can be more trim and less congested when a “road diet” strategy is put in place.
What’s Your Policy?
Does your community have a social media policy in place? (Spoiler alert: the answer should be yes.)
Innovative Ways to Use Your Code
Some of our clients have used extracts from their municipal Code to feed information into other business
systems used throughout their municipalities.
Improve Your “Note Ability”
Use eCode360’s Notes tool to help citizens and other users of your online Code stay up to date and informed.
Here Comes the Sun
See how some New England communities are adapting
their Codes to meet increased local demand for solar energy.
Reimagining the Future of our Cities
What does “the future of cities” mean to you? Whatever your definition, Oscar Boyson’s 20-minute video “The Future of Cities” is thought-provoking as it probes the question, “is future urbanization going to be a good thing, or a bad thing?”
Getting Social During a Disaster
Social media channels, perhaps more than any other communication tool, offer officials at every level of government the most rapid way to reach out to those in harm’s way or already affected by an emergency situation. It seems that we are all increasingly turning to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more than social reasons. A trend that is not going unnoticed by many in government responsible for emergency management.