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A Reform of Wetlands Regulations
/0 Comments/in Better Government, News /by Editorial StaffRoe Paper No. 5 2007 Author(s): Kurt Gaertner — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: The cost of housing in Massachusetts absorbs too much of the average resident’s income and drives people and businesses out of the state. According to recent research studies, the problem is not a lack of land but an excess of regulation. I propose a concrete and politically palatable policy reform to ensure that septic and wetland regulations are used to protect the environment and public health. This reform would remove the temptation for towns to misuse these rules to discourage development. [wpdm_package id=92]
The Wetlands Bankting Program
/0 Comments/in Better Government, News /by Editorial StaffRoe Paper No. 4 2007 Author(s): John DeVillars — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: In spite of stringent federal, state and local wetlands regulations in Massachusetts, too many fragile ecosystems are still threatened by development. A primary reason for this is that the Commonwealth’s wetlands mitigation regulations are poorly designed, difficult to implement and costly to regulate. In many permitting situations a new, privatized approach to mitigation—wetlands banking—could help ensure that our wetlands are more fully and cost-effectively protected and restored. [wpdm_package id=91]
The Building Permitting Automation Efficiency Program
/0 Comments/in Better Government, News /by Editorial StaffRoe Paper No. 3 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Buildings in Florida’s Miami-Dade County typically fill up as quickly as they can be built. Between glimmering high-rise towers for vacationers or retirees, banks and offices that serve as the nerve centers of Miami’s southward- looking economy, or schools and public buildings to support a growing population, South Florida has the look of a perpetual hard-hat zone. This steady pace of needed construction is maintained by an innovative building department and its Building Permitting Automation Efficiency Program. [wpdm_package id=90]
The Performance Bonus Pay Program: Dallas County, Texas Motor Vehicle Divison
/0 Comments/in Better Government, News /by Editorial StaffRoe Paper No. 2 2007 Author(s): — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Governing magazine’s July 2003 cover story was entitled “Who’s Afraid of the DMV: For Most People, Motor Vehicle Offices are the Face of Government. It’s Not a Pretty Face.” Most motor vehicle departments project an image of bureaucratic lethargy. By improving their performance and efficiency, they could better serve customers and improve the government’s public image. [wpdm_package id=89]
The Charter Agencies Initiative
/0 Comments/in Better Government, News /by Editorial StaffRoe Paper No. 1 2007 Author(s): Jim Chrisinger — Publication date: 2007-07-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Iowa’s Charter Agencies Initiative, originally developed by the Public Strategies Group, a Minnesota-based government-consulting firm, is one in a series of programs implemented by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to address the ballooning state budget. The program stresses increased efficiency, reduced costs, and greater freedom for state agencies (and the Governor’s office) to offer better value to Iowa’s citizens. [wpdm_package id=88]