State trends, rankings, comparative analysis
North
Carolina Quick Fact Profile - (10-2-04) - U.S. Census Bureau
Quick Facts about NC - Compare NC statistics to US averages
and compare individual county facts to state information - population,
trends, etc. Select other states to see similar data for each
state.
NC Child Advocacy latest
trend data - The latest data on trends in child
wellbeing for all of the 100 North Carolina counties is available
on the Child Advocacy web site. The full NC Children’s
Index 2004 and county-level data are available at NC
Child Advocacy Children's Index.
The
Elon University Poll is part of the Elon Institute for Politics
and Public Affairs, which was formed in the fall of 2000. The
institute is made up of two centers -- the Center for Public
Affairs and the Center for Public Opinion Polling. Using sophisticated
survey research software in a computer-assisted telephone interviewing
center on campus, Elon students conduct frequent statewide scientific
polls on issues of importance to North Carolinians. Information
from the non-partisan polls is shared with media, citizens and
researchers to facilitate representative democracy and public
policy making through the better understanding of the opinions
and needs of North Carolina citizens.
Education
Week - Editorial Projects in Education Inc. publishes Education
Week, the monthly Teacher Magazine, and Education Week on the
Web. A nonprofit, tax-exempt organization based in Washington,
D.C. works to help raise the level of awareness and understanding
among professionals and the public of important issues in American
education. The organization covers local, state, and national
news and issues from preschool through the 12th grade and provides
periodic special reports on issues ranging from technology to
textbooks, as well as books of special interest to educators.
Stateline.org
- Politics and policy news by state. Stateline.org is a non-partisan,
non-profit online news publication that reports each weekday
on state government. Funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts it
was created in 1999 to strengthen and enrich U.S. political
journalism by providing information about political activity
in the 50 state capitols. In an era of declining news media
presence in statehouses, Stateline.org helps fill the coverage
gap. Stateline.org features original stories reported and written
by staff journalists who track policy trends and highlight people
and events that affect state politics.
Kaiser
State Health Policy - State Health Facts
Online - The latest state-level data on demographics, health,
and health policy, including health coverage, access, financing,
and state legislation and budgets.
Morgan-Quitno - Since
1989, Morgan Quitno Press provides state and city statistics
and rankings in an easy-to-understand format. Used and appreciated
by libraries, media outlets, government agencies and researchers
of all types, our books are found in all 50 states and throughout
the world. Among the information published is current data on
state rankings on health care, crime, statistical trends, education
rankings, etc.
South
Now - The Program on Southern Politics,
Media and Public Life connects the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill to Southern leadership through its research brokerage
and by providing a patch of common ground on which civic, business,
journalistic and political leaders from diverse backgrounds
can exchange ideas to their common challenges. Principal projects
include the Executive Seminar for Southern Legislators and the
Southern Journalists Roundtable.
The Program also publishes SouthNow, a newsletter on the trends
driving Southern Politics; NC DataNet, a journal devoted to
North Carolina politics; and SouthNow Update, an email publication
covering public policy news.
Council for a Better Louisiana
- Unique among statewide organizations, CABL promotes ideas
for the betterment of Louisiana that cut across political, social
and ideological boundaries. CABL's greatest asset has always
been its members. The organization draws from a rich resource
of citizen leaders who bring a wealth of experience, expertise
and fresh ideas to the discussion of important public policies.
John Locke Foundation
was created in 1990 as an independent, nonprofit think tank
that would work "for truth, for freedom, and for the future
of North Carolina." The Foundation, named for John Locke
(1632-1704) who was an English philosopher whose writings inspired
Thomas Jefferson and the other Founders, is a 501(c)(3) research
institute and is funded solely from voluntary contributions
from individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations.
Texas
Where We Stand - Comparitave facts and figures about the
Lone Star state.
Texas - Window on
State Government - Information on state of Texas, news,
trends, etc.
Friday
Report Archive - The Public School Forum of NC is a not
for profit policy think tank which is a partnership of business
leaders, educational leaders, and governmental leaders in North
Carolina. Since opening its doors in 1986, the Forum has evolved
into an organization that has made a significant contribution
to schools across North Carolina.
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Budget Planning Games and Information
Sacramento
Bee California Budget Excercise - Try your hand at balancing
the California State budget and compare the results to the real
thing. Even send your proposed changes to California legislators
responsible for managing the state budget.
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News - Featured Articles
Governor
Easley Unveils School Report Cards - 11/2004
- Gov. Mike Easley unveiled the 2004 North Carolina School Report
Cards. The report cards provide important information about
schools across the state and will be distributed to parents
by districts beginning 11/16/04, which was proclaimed N.C. School
Report Card Day. These reports provide important information
for parents about how their schools are performing.
Other Recommended Information Portals
Official U.S. Government Portal
- Whatever you want or need from the U.S. government, it's here
on FirstGov.gov. You'll find a rich treasure of online information,
services and resources. FirstGov.gov, the official U.S. gateway
to all government information.
Environmental
Sustainability Portal - An Information Gateway Empowering
the Movement for Environmental Sustainability. The best the
web has to offer in regard to environmental sustainability.
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US Government Organizations
Official U.S. Government Portal
- Whatever you want or need from the U.S. government, it's here
on FirstGov.gov. You'll find a rich treasure of online information,
services and resources. FirstGov.gov, the official U.S. gateway
to all government information.
US Postal Service - All
you want to kow about the USPS and it's services
Look up zip
codes - USPS Zip code directory
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Progress Boards and Similar Organizations
The Florida Monitor
- The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government
Accountability (OPPAGA) is a special staff unit of the Legislature
created by state law under the oversight of the Joint Legislative
Auditing Committee. OPPAGA examines agencies and programs to
improve services and cut costs when directed by state law, the
presiding officers, or the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee.
Asheville and Buncombe County
Vision - Asheville and Buncombe
County have a VISION of the future for our community. A citizen-driven
process, the VISION includes goals and strategies for improving
Education, Quality of Life, Infrastructure, Economic Development,
Leadership and Government. It is a shared image of what we want
our community to become and how we want it to look in 5, 10,
15 and 20 years.
Progress Board -
State of Oregon - The Oregon Progress Board is an independent
state planning and oversight agency. Created by the Legislature
in 1989 to keep Oregon focused on the future, the Board is responsible
for implementing the state's 20-year strategic plan, Oregon
Shines. The 12 member panel, chaired by the governor, is
made up of citizen leaders and reflects the state's social,
ethnic and political diversity.
Progress
Board - Portland Multnoma Board - The Portland Multnomah
Progress Board identifies, monitors, and reports on indicators
(named Benchmarks) for important community-wide goals. The Board
identifies major trends in the community and acts as a catalyst
for government, business, and community groups to improve the
performance of the benchmarks. A series of reports on major
population trends in the Portland Metro area.
Progress Board - Oakland,
CA: Redefining Progress - Redefining Progress (RP) works
with a broad array of partners to shift the economy and public
policy towards sustainability. RP collaborates with partners
because sustainability requires the broad engagement of individuals,
organizations, and institutions. Redefining Progress works with
partners to change technology, influence the choices individuals
make, and resolve pressing social and environmental issues.
RP also adds to our partners’ efforts by pursuing systemic
change in underlying economic, political, and social mechanisms.
Minnesota
Milestones - Welcome to Minnesota Milestones 2002! Minnesota
Milestones began in 1991 in the belief that a shared vision,
clear goals and measurement of results would lead to a better
future for Minnesota. The report uses 70 progress indicators
to determine whether the state is achieving 19 publicly determined
goals. The goals are grouped in four broad areas: People, Community
and Democracy, Economy and Environment. As a starting point,
readers are encouraged to read the summary of Minnesota Milestones
2002. This document provides a brief history and background
on Minnesota Milestones as well as an overview on how Minnesota
is progressing toward each goal.
Progress Board - British
Columbia - BC Progress Board: Working to Move British
Columbia Forward - In July 2001, the Premier formed the
BC Progress Board, an independent Panel of fifteen eminent British
Columbians from a variety of backgrounds from around the province.
The Board is tasked with benchmarking BC over time and relative
to other jurisdictions, and with providing strategic advice
to the Premier on measures to improve provincial economic performance
and the well-being of British Columbians.
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NC
Business News
Business
North Carolina - Up to the minute business, job and other
news for NC citizens.
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Atlases, Maps, References
NC
Atlas Revisited - The NC Atlas web site has
been updated to provide current information on patterns and
trends in North Carolina (initially displayed in The North Carolina
Atlas: Portrait for a New Century, published by the UNC Press
in March, 2000). Topics covered include analyses of history,
the natural environment, population, urbanization, various aspects
of the economic, air and water quality, crime, historic preservation,
health and health care and others.
New sections have been added that include Air
Quality, Retail Trade/Banking & Tourism and,
Politics and Government. Segments of other chapters
have been updated in part, as in Manufacuring, where
the map and statistics on factory closings reflects activity
through September, 2003. http:/www.ncatlasrevisited.org
Our State - Down Home in
North Carolina - Our State: Down Home in North Carolina
celebrates the people and places that make this state great.
From the mountains to the coast, Our State features North Carolina
travel, history, folklore and beautiful scenic photography.
State
Library of North Carolina Home Page - The State Library
of North Carolina's World Wide Web resources reflect the library's
commitment to use the power of information to enrich the lives
of the people of North Carolina. Our World Wide Web resources
focus on services the library is uniquely able to provide to
support the state's libraries, our state government agencies,
the business community, genealogists and the blind and physically
handicapped.
North
Carolina Maps - Information about maps and aerial photographs
for the State of North Carolina available through the NCGS organization.
Maps include topographic maps at many scales, geologic maps
covering much of the state, and aerial photographs including
gray-scale and color infrared.
NC
County Maps - Individual county maps in JPG format. Provided
by NC Department of Transportation.
Look
up zip codes - USPS Zip code directory
MapQuest
- Search for maps to any address.
NC Farm
Fresh - A compilation of sources for NC farm products and
agricultural information presented by the NC Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services.
NC Calendar of
Events - An on-line calendar provided by the NC Department
of Tourism listing current opportunities to visit festivals,
events, parades, celebrations, shows and many other periodic
events to visit.
North
Carolina General Assembly - NC Constitution - Read the Constitution
of the State of NC - We, the people of the State of North Carolina
... ordain and establish this Constitution.
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Best Practices Database
- searchable database of solutions to the common social, economic,
and environmental problems of urbanization.
Best Practices in Education
- non-profit organization dedicated to helping American schools
acquire the best pre-K-12 educational practices from other countries.
http://www.bestpraceduc.org
Dubai International Award
for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment - created
to recognize and create awareness of outstanding and sustainable
achievements in improving the quality of life in urban and rural
settlements.
http://dubai-award.dm.gov.ae
Best
Practices in Information Technology in Unemployment Insurance
Services - Links to best practices in each state
of the US in standard format with very basic information focusing
on information technology. The Information Technology Support
Center (ITSC) is a national collaboration of all State Workforce
Agencies (SWAs), the U.S. Department of Labor and private sector
partners. The ITSC is dedicated to advancing application of
information technology to provide more accurate, efficient,
cost effective and timely service to all Unemployment Insurance
customers with an ultimate goal of returning claimants to employment
as rapidly and efficiently as possible.
The NGA Center for Best Practices
- "The National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective
voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s,
most respected public policy organizations." ....more
Search
the US Conference of Mayors Best Practices Database. This
tool will allow you to search the USCM Best Practices area exclusively.
Find the Best Practices information you need quickly and accurately.
Note that this will not search any other portion of the USCM
Website. You may find other USCM searches in the Mayors at a
Glance and the USCM Site Search areas. USCM
home page.
Welcome to The Florida
Monitor - "The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis
and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is a special staff unit
of the Legislature created by state law under the oversight
of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee." ...more
Governing
Magazine Online: state and local government - Governing
is a monthly magazine whose primary audience is state and local
government officials: governors, legislators, mayors, city managers,
council members and other elected, appointed and career officials.
They are the men and women who set policy for and manage the
day-to-day operations of cities, counties and states, as well
as such governmental bodies as school boards and special districts.
Oregon Progress Board
Home Page - The Oregon Progress Board is an independent
state planning and oversight agency. Created by the Legislature
in 1989 to keep Oregon
focused on the future, the Board is responsible for implementing
the
state’s 20-year strategic plan, Oregon Shines." ...more
Citistates
- The Citistates Group is a network of journalists, speakers
and civic leaders focused on building competitive, equitable
and sustainable 21st century metropolitan regions.
Communities
of the Future - The Communities of the Future (COTF) is
an evolving network of people and organizations throughout the
U.S. and other countries that are working in collaboration to
develop new concepts of governance, economic development, and
education/learning for a fast-paced, interconnected, and increasingly
complex society.
The
Community Indicators Project - A community indicators movement
has arisen around the nation, as local government, business,
and grassroots leaders seek better ways to measure progress,
to engage community members in a dialogue about the future,
and to change community outcomes. Currently, over 200 communities
around the country--from Missoula, Montana, to Jacksonville,
Florida--have developed sets of indicators that illuminate long-term
trends of economic, environmental, and social well-being and
chart the path to a changed future. Community
Indicator Projects on the Web
Maine
Development Foundation - The Maine Development Foundation
(MDF) drives sustainable, long-term economic growth for Maine.
MDF stimulates new ideas, develops leaders, and provides common
ground for solving problems and advancing issues.
Minnesota
Milestones Home Page - Welcome to Minnesota Milestones 2002!
Minnesota Milestones began in 1991 in the belief that a shared
vision, clear goals and measurement of results would lead to
a better future for Minnesota.
University
of Wisconsin-Madison Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS)
Home Page - Sustaining Wisconsin seeks to do so through
the oldest Wisconsin Idea of all -- getting policy expertise
and analysis out into the field, on the bet that an informed
public will make wiser choices.
MACED
- In 1976, ten community development organizations in Central
Appalachia created the Mountain Association for Community Economic
Development as a provider of technical assistance to community-based
groups in the region. Through the years MACED has worked with
people and organizations to improve life in mountain communities,
particularly for low-income people.
The
Florida Critical Benchmarks Goals Report, Table of Contents
- Where should Florida be in the years 2000 and 2010? The Government
Accountability to the People (GAP) Commission has taken the
first step in setting state priorities to guide our decisions
into the 21st century. We have sought opinions from hundreds
of Floridians, using their ideas and insights as a foundation
for the first Critical Benchmark Goals report.
Colorado
Trust - The Colorado Trust was established in 1985 with
the proceeds of the sale of Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical
Center. Nine trustees – drawn from positions of leadership
in the general community, business, finance, religion, health
care and the nonprofit community – are elected by the existing
board for an initial five- year term, with the possibility of
a second five- year term.
Metropolitan
Council - Home Page - The Metropolitan Council is the regional
planning agency serving the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan
area and providing essential services to the region. The Council
advocates smart growth development and works with local communities
to provide several critical services.
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Active Citizens - Accountable Government
South Now
- The Program on Southern Politics, Media and Public
Life connects the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
to Southern leadership through its research brokerage and by
providing a patch of common ground on which civic, business,
journalistic and political leaders from diverse backgrounds
can exchange ideas to their common challenges. Principal projects
include the Executive Seminar for Southern Legislators and the
Southern Journalists Roundtable.
The Program also publishes SouthNow, a newsletter on the trends
driving Southern Politics; NC DataNet, a journal devoted to
North Carolina politics; and SouthNow Update, an email publication
covering public policy news.
North
Carolina State Auditor - The North Carolina State Auditor
organization's mission is to provide citizens with professional,
independent evaluations of the State's financial accountability
and program performance. As a taxpayer, these pages will give
you the tools to see what your State government is doing with
your tax money. As the watchdog for State government, we pledge
to keep you informed and to live up to our core values of Accountability,
Integrity, and Reliability.
NC
Child Advocacy - The North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute
(NCCAI) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue
organization that influences public policy in favor of all children
and youth below the age of eighteen residing in North Carolina.
National
Center for Public Productivity - The National Center for
Public Productivity is a research and public service organization
devoted to improving productivity in the public sector. Founded
in 1975, the National Center is the only productivity center
in the United States which is devoted to public sector productivity
improvement.
The
Council for Excellence in Government - Founded in 1983,
the nonpartisan , nnonprofit Council fo Excellence in Government
works to improve the performance of government at all levels
and government's place in the lives and esteem of American citizens.
Government
Exec business journal - GovExec.com is government's business
news daily and the premier Web site for federal managers and
executives. Government Executive is a monthly business magazine
serving senior executives and managers in the federal government's
departments and agencies. Subscribers are high-ranking civilian
and military officials who are responsible for defending the
nation and carrying out the many laws that define the government's
role in our economy and society.
America
Speaks - Serves as a neutral convenor of large-scale public
participation forums, what we call "The 21st Century Town
Meeting." Through close consultation with leaders, citizens,
the media and others, we design and facilitate deliberative
meetings for 500 to 5,000 participants.
TANN
Entrance - We are primarily dedicated to the creative use
of modern technologies (ICT) and face-to-face deliberative techniques
in all forms that directly empower citizens to have authentic
input into political systems at all levels of governance around
the world.
North
Carolina Geographic Data Clearinghouse (NCGDC) - The NCGDC
is designed to enable users to search across multiple agencies
for their available geographic data, without the user having
to sift through other information the agencies serve.
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Safe and Vibrant Communities
NC
Child Advocacy - The North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute
(NCCAI) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue
organization that influences public policy in favor of all children
and youth below the age of eighteen residing in North Carolina.
Libraries for the Future - national non-profit organization
of library advocates that works to enhance the relationship
between libraries and communities. http://www.lff.org
MDC Inc - MDC’s
mission is to advance the South through strategies that expand
opportunity, reduce poverty, and build inclusive communities.
Core strategies include developing responsive public policies;
demonstrating effective programs; building institutional and
community capacity for progress; and informing the public. MDC
provides information, advice and direct assistance to local,
state, and national leaders to assist in understanding of the
comprehensive nature of development and enable creation of conditions
that remove the barriers between people and jobs. http://www.mdcinc.org
Institute for Sustainable
Communities (ISC) - helps communities around the world address
environmental, economic, and social challenges to build a better
future shaped and shared by all. http://www.iscvt.org
Institute for a Sustainable
Future - striking a balance between sustainable communities,
economies, and enviroments. http://www.isfusa.org
Cybertown - A sci-fi
community of the future. Cybertown is a virtual community on
the Internet. Cybertown is known as the "Civilization for
the Virtual Age" - a futuristic, immersive society accessible
via the Internet. Cybertown citizens use personalized 3D avatars
to represent themselves and they can own free personal 3D homes
with virtual pets, hold jobs, form clubs, shop in the virtual
mall, dance in the nightclub, play games in the Casino and Arcade,
get free Cybertown e-mail addresses, attend live celebrity and
author chat events and more. Citizens are actively involved
in the social structure of the community and with each other,
making Cybertown a true community that is created by its own
residents.
Midwest Renewable Energy
Association - network for sharing ideas, resources, and
information with individuals, businesses, and communities to
promote a sustainable future through renewable energy and energy
efficiency. http://www.the-mrea.org
Global Resource Action
Center for the Environment (GRACE) - works to form new links
with the research, policy, and grassroots communities to preserve
the future of the planet and protect the quality of the environment.
SCN
Creating Community-Community Inventories & Indicators
- This resource list, part of Redefining Progress' Community
Indicators Project, provides links to indicator projects throughout
the United States, Canada and...
Welcome
to the Institute - The North Carolina Institute of Minority
Economic Development is a statewide nonprofit organization representing
the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of
the state's economic base. The Institute's working philosophy
is that--information and business development are critical to
wealth creation and to building the asset base among low-wealth
sectors of the population.
Bureau
of Justice Statistics Crime & Justice Electronic Data Abstracts
- US Department of Justice - Bureau of Justics statistice. Data
for analysis - Crime & Justice Electronic Data Abstracts
Federal
Justice Statistics Resource Center - The Federal Justice
Statistics Resource Center (FJSRC) maintains the Bureau of Justice
Statistics (BJS) Federal Justice Statistics Program (FJSP) database,
which contains information about suspects and defendants processed
in the Federal criminal justice system.
Center
of Excellence for Sustainable Development - Sustainable
development is a strategy by which communities seek economic
development approaches that also benefit the local environment
and quality of life. It has become an important guide to many
communities that have discovered that traditional approaches
to planning and development are creating, rather than solving,
societal and environmental problems.
Welcome
to the Smart Growth Network - In communities across the
nation, there is a growing concern that current development
patterns -- dominated by what some call "sprawl" --
are no longer in the long-term interest of our cities, existing
suburbs, small towns, rural communities, or wilderness areas.
Sprawl
Watch Clearinghouse - Demographics, trends, information
on urban growth and development.
UNCCharlotte
Urban Institute - The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute provides
a range of affordable fee based services to non-profit organizations,
educational institutions, government, businesses, and citizens.
SEARCH - The National Consortium
for Justice Information and statistics (SEARCH) helps state
and local justice agencies with information and identification
technology needs through effective planning and emplimentation
assistance, high tech crime investigation, and criminal history
policy.
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Technology and Infrastructure Development
North
Carolina Information Highway Home Page - Video Network Services
(VNS) is part of North Carolina state government's Office of
Information Technology Services. VNS provides a comprehensive
set of video and multi-media services and provides North Carolina's
state agencies with national and worldwide videoconferencing
connectivity. VNS suite of services offer tools that, used appropriately,
can result in dramatic cost savings for North Carolina's state
agencies.
State
of North Carolina Information Resource Management Commission
(IRMC) - The Information Resource Management Commission
(IRMC) was statutorily created in 1992. Its current 23 members
represent state agency, local government, and non-governmental
interests. The IRMC provides state enterprise IT leadership
including increased emphasis and oversight for strategic information
technology planning and management; policy development; technical
architecture; and project certification.
Improved
Management of IT in State Government - The North Carolina
General Assembly has enacted legislation that allows for the
improved management of IT in state government through an enterprise
approach. Select this link to view the governing legislation
and selected presentations on the topic.
State
Information Processing Services - The Office of Information
Technology Services (ITS) is a partner for IT solutions for
North Carolina. ITS is committed to working with our agency
customers to develop an efficient, effective, customer-centric
e-state.
North
Carolina Technological Development Authority Inc. - The
North Carolina Technological Development Authority, Inc. (TDA)
is a public benefit corporation whose mission is to create jobs
and wealth throughout North Carolina using business incubation,
venture capital, technology transfer and rural initiatives to
commercialize promising business opportunities.
The Transportation Action Network - The goal of The Surface
Transportation Policy Project is to ensure that transportation
policy and investments help conserve energy, protect environmental
and aesthetic quality, strengthen the economy, promote social
equity, and make communities more livable.
TRIP:
The Road Information Program - Founded in 1971, TRIP is
a nonprofit organization that promotes transportation policies
which relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, make
highway travel safer and enhance economic productivity.
AASHTO
Home Page - AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association
representing highway and transportation departments in the 50
states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Falling
Through the Net - Released July 8, 1999, revised November
1999. Third report in the Falling Through the Net series on
the Telecommunications and Information Technology Gap in America.
Closing
the Digital Divide - NTIA and the Economics and Statistics
Administration have published A Nation Online: How Americans
Are Expanding Their Use Of The Internet. This report is based
on the September 2001 U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population
Survey - a survey of approximately 57,000 households and more
than 137,000 individuals across the United States.
Digital
Divide Network - For the last several years, we've all heard
a lot about bridging the digital divide. Each day, more and
more politicians, industry leaders, community activists and
everyday citizens are becoming involved in the issue, especially
at the local level. Despite the various experiences and backgrounds
of these diverse groups of people, their end goal is basically
the same: providing people with the technology, information
and skills needed to help them reach their full potential, whether
they're interested in getting a better education, seeking a
better career, or building a better neighborhood.
North
Carolina Geographic Data Clearinghouse (NCGDC) As the North
Carolina geographic information search gateway, these pages
are designed to bring geographic data producers and users together
by allowing producers of geographic data within North Carolina
to advertise their data, and by enabling all data users to perform
multiple types of data searches.
North
Carolina North Carolina has the most advanced telecommunications
infrastructure in the country for voice, data, and video transmission.
Using that infrastructure to develop innovative telecommunications
applications for its residents and to attract businesses that
rely on high-speed information, the state has established a
wide array of services---from state-of-the-art transmission
of audio and video for educational applications to low-cost
email access for local governments.
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Sustainable Environment
Reinventing
Environmental Protection Homepage Established in 2000, the
Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation is a sign that EPA
is changing with the times. Today, we find ourselves working
in a world confronted by a more challenging set of environmental
issues, like global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion,
and nonpoint source pollution. Fortunately, we also have the
benefit of more sophisticated science, technology, and policy
tools.
UNCC
- Carolinas Land Conservation Network - Land Use and Environmental
Planning conducts research for and provides planning services
to county and municipal governments and to businesses and non-profit
organizations in the central piedmont region of the Carolinas.
LUEP operates the Open Space Institute, which works collaboratively
with regional land conservation organizations to define and
achieve a shared regional open space vision, through education,
research and planning. This division maintains and provides
access to a rich set of regional information resources in support
of land use, open space and environmental planning.
Sierra
Club, North Carolina Chapter The Sierra Club has been devoted
to preserving nature's miracles for over 100 years.
Critical
Trends Assessment Program The Critical Trends Assessment
Program (CTAP) is an on-going process to evaluate the State
of the Illinois environment. It also provides scientific support
for the Ecosystems Program under Conservation 2000, a multi-year
initiative to preserve and restore Illinois ecosystems.
North
Carolina Geographic Data Clearinghouse (NCGDC) As the North
Carolina geographic information search gateway, these pages
are designed to bring geographic data producers and users together
by allowing producers of geographic data within North Carolina
to advertise their data, and by enabling all data users to perform
multiple types of data searches.
Environmental
Sustainability Portal - An Information Gateway Empowering
the Movement for Environmental Sustainability. The best the
web has to offer in regard to environmental sustainability.
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Prosperous Economy
Welcome
to the North Carolina Department of Commerce The Department
of Commerce is the State of North Carolina's lead agency for
economic, community and workforce development. The Department
also has under its auspices the information technology function
for state government and agencies which regulate commerce in
the state.
North
Carolina - A web site focused on things to do and places
to go in North Carolina. Running calendar of events, links to
other sources of travel information.
North
Carolina Agribusiness Council - The North Carolina Agribusiness
Council is dedicated to helping citizens, opinion leaders, elected
officials and the media learn about the industry that employs
more North Carolinians and the industry that drives the economic
engine of North Carolina.
United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) - In 1862, when President
Abraham Lincoln founded the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
he called it the "people's Department." In Lincoln's
day, 58 percent of the people were farmers who needed good seeds
and information to grow their crops. Today, USDA continues Lincoln's
legacy by serving all Americans. USDA remains committed to helping
America's farmers and ranchers. But the organization also does
much more....
USDA
National Agricultural Statistics Service Historical Data
- National Agricultural Statistics Service historical data.
Search for data for the US, states or counties on crops, livestock
and census trends.
Bureau
of Economic Analysis (BEA) Home page - The Bureau of Economic
Analysis (BEA) promotes a better understanding of the U.S. economy
by providing the most timely, relevant, and accurate economic
data in an objective and cost-effective manner.
Bureau
of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Accounts Data - The
BEA prepares regional economic accounts for the United States.
These accounts consist of estimates of state and local personal
income and of gross state product; these estimates are consistent
with estimates of personal income and gross domestic product
in the Bureau’s national economic accounts.
Office
of Advocacy - Small Business State Profiles The Small Business
State Profiles provide an overview of the important role small
businesses play in each state. They include baseline statistics
on each state's small business economy - number of firms, small
business income, industrial composition, job growth and data
on minority and women-owned businesses. More detailed data and
historical may be found in the Small Business Economic Indicators.
NCCBI
Profile of North Carolina Founded in 1942, NCCBI is a nonprofit,
nonpartisan membership organization registered as a 501-c(6)
corporation. Membership dues may be deductible as an ordinary
business expense, less whatever percentage of dues the association
reports to the IRS as lobbying expenditures. Dues generally
are structured on an ability to pay basis, ranging from $355
for small businesses and individuals to $28,100 for the largest
businesses. NCCBI has a staff of 14 who work from offices in
downtown Raleigh near the state Capitol and General Assembly.
North
Carolina World Trade Association The North Carolina World
Trade Association, a membership organization, provides leadership,
support, and voice for individuals, and companies engaged or
interested in international trade and services. The association
promotes the growth and enhancement of trade between North Carolina
and the world.
North Carolina Council for Entrepreneurial
Development (CED) - The Catalyst for Business Growth in
North Carolina
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High Performance Workforce
US
Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics - North Carolina
at a Glance - A view of North Carolina labor statistics
from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
US
Department of Labor - ureau of Labor Statistics - The US
Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency
for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics
and statistics. With a strong commitment to integrity and objectivity,
the BLS produces impartial, timely, and accurate data relevant
to the users needs and to the social and economic conditions
of our Nation, its workers, and their families.
NC
Employment Security Commission - Home Page For more than
50 years, the NC ESC has played a key role in North Carolina’s
economic vitality, helping employers find the staff they need
to carry out their business; serving as a career resource center
for workers at all skill levels and age groups; supplying labor
market data to government officials, researchers and others;
and providing unemployment insurance to people who lose their
jobs through no fault of their own.
MDC Inc - MDC’s mission
is to advance the South through strategies that expand opportunity,
reduce poverty, and build inclusive communities. Core strategies
include developing responsive public policies; demonstrating
effective programs; building institutional and community capacity
for progress; and informing the public. MDC provides information,
advice and direct assistance to local, state, and national leaders
to assist in understanding of the comprehensive nature of development
and enable creation of conditions that remove the barriers between
people and jobs. http://www.mdcinc.org
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Quality Education for All
Education
Week - Editorial Projects in Education Inc. publishes Education
Week, the monthly Teacher Magazine, and Education Week on the
Web. A nonprofit, tax-exempt organization based in Washington,
D.C. works to help raise the level of awareness and understanding
among professionals and the public of important issues in American
education. The organization covers local, state, and national
news and issues from preschool through the 12th grade and provides
periodic special reports on issues ranging from technology to
textbooks, as well as books of special interest to educators.
Friday
Report Archive - The Public School Forum of NC is a not
for profit policy think tank which is a partnership of business
leaders, educational leaders, and governmental leaders in North
Carolina. Since opening its doors in 1986, the Forum has evolved
into an organization that has made a significant contribution
to schools across North Carolina.
Morgan-Quitno
- Since 1989, Morgan Quitno Press provides state and city statistics
and rankings in an easy-to-understand format. Used by libraries,
media outlets, government agencies and researchers of all types,
Morgan-Quitno books are found in all 50 states and throughout
the world. Among the information published is current data on
state rankings on health care, crime, statistical trends, education
rankings, etc.
Morgan-Quitno
Monthly trends - Check latest Morgan-Quitno monthly trend
data.
Public
School Student, Staff, and Graduate Counts by State, School
Year 1993-94 How many students were enrolled in public elementary
and secondary schools in 1993-94? How many staff members were
paid to teach, supervise, and provide support services for education?
How many students graduated from high school? The information
to answer these and other questions is reported in the National
Center for Education Statistics' State Nonfiscal Survey of Public
Elementary and Secondary Education, School Year 1993-94. ....
NC
Business Committee for Education North Carolina is facing
a tremendous teacher shortage. The University of North Carolina
system estimates that the state’s schools will need more
than 12,000 new teachers a year over the next decade. According
to the North Carolina Education Research Council, the state’s
public and private colleges and universities are graduating
approximately 5,000 new teachers each year, but only about 3,200
take teaching jobs in North Carolina. ...
MDC Inc - MDC’s mission
is to advance the South through strategies that expand opportunity,
reduce poverty, and build inclusive communities. Core strategies
include developing responsive public policies; demonstrating
effective programs; building institutional and community capacity
for progress; and informing the public. MDC provides information,
advice and direct assistance to local, state, and national leaders
to assist in understanding of the comprehensive nature of development
and enable creation of conditions that remove the barriers between
people and jobs. http://www.mdcinc.org
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Healthy Children and Families
FitTogether
- November 23, 2004 - New Web site, Ads Link North Carolinians
to Tools for Healthier Weight and Lifestyles. Fit Together,
one of the most comprehensive state obesity prevention campaigns
in the nation is unique in its emphasis on both individual and
community action to prevent obesity and in the way it connects
individuals to local resources.
America
improves health, but... - Health news from CNN.com - America
improves health, but risks growing. Improvement slowing, though,
and could stall, survey says. Article by Michael Coren, CNN,
Monday, November 8, 2004.
NC
Child Advocacy - The North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute
(NCCAI) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue
organization that influences public policy in favor of all children
and youth below the age of eighteen residing in North Carolina.
Healthy People 2010 Healthy People 2010 challenges individuals,
communities, and professionals—indeed, all of us—
to take specific steps to ensure that good health, as well as
long life, are enjoyed by all.
Health,
United States Welcome to the National Center for Health
Statistics' Web site, a rich source of information about America’s
health. As the Nation’s principal health statistics agency,
we compile statistical information to guide actions and policies
to improve the health of our people. We are a unique public
resource for health information–-a critical element of
public health and health policy.
CDC
Media Relations: New CDC report identifies state-by-state
gaps in health risk factors for racial and ethnic groups, Released
Friday, Mrach 24, 2000
The
Future of Children The primary purpose of The Future of
Children is to promote effective policies and programs for children
by providing policymakers, service providers, and the media
with timely, objective information based on the best available
research.
Health
Data The Center for Health Policy, Law and Management is
an instigator and facilitator of a broad range of research related
to public health and the policies that address it. It was created
as a joint venture in 1998 among Duke's College of Arts and
Sciences, the Law School, and the Fuqua School of Business.
Our faculty members collaborate with research colleagues across
schools and disciplines and teach many of the university's course
offerings in health policy. Administratively, we are one of
several centers within the Terry Sanford Institute of Public
Policy. ....
WHO/OMS:
World Health Organization The World Health Organization,
the United Nations specialized agency for health, was established
on 7 April 1948. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution,
is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level
of health. Health is defined in WHO's Constitution as a state
of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity. ...
NAEYC
Online The National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest and most influential
organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated
to improving the quality of programs for children from birth
through third grade. The NAEYC affiliate groups work to improve
professional practice and working conditions in early childhood
education and to build public support for high quality early
childhood programs.
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Health News
America
improves health, but... - Health news from CNN.com - America
improves health, but risks growing. Improvement slowing, though,
and could stall, survey says. Article by Michael Coren, CNN,
Monday, November 8, 2004.
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National Agencies
U.S.
National Library of Medicine - Home Page Every significant
program of the Library is represented, from medical history
to biotechnology. We hope that the resources of the world's
largest biomedical library will find ever wider useful application
around the nation and around the world. Let us know if you have
suggestions about how we can improve the NLM Home Page.
HOME
PAGE : U.S. Department of Health and Human Services THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES is the United States
government's principal agency for protecting the health of all
Americans and providing essential human services, especially
for those who are least able to help themselves. ...
healthfinder®
- your free guide to reliable health information Everyone
has special health concerns based on gender, age, race, ethnic
origin, or role in helping others care for their health. We've
selected very specific information from our health library so
it is easy to zero in on health topics of special interest to
you. ...
Children's
Safety Network Home Page Over the years, CSN has increased
the attention given by public health professionals, legislators,
and stakeholders to childhood injury and violence issues, encouraging
a coordinated response among a variety of constituencies. CSN
has facilitated development of new injury prevention programs,
encouraged integration of injury and violence prevention into
MCH programs, and conducted research and policy activities,
leading to an improved infrastructure of injury and violence
prevention activities in the United States.
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North Carolina Recreational Opportunities
NC Calendar of Events
- An on-line calendar provided by the NC Department of Tourism
listing current opportunities to visit festivals, events, parades,
celebrations, shows and many other periodic events to visit.
Everything
is Closer in NC - Take a look at things to do and places
to go in North Carolina!
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North Carolina State Agencies
North Carolina
State Auditor - The North Carolina State Auditor organization's
mission is to provide citizens with professional, independent
evaluations of the State's financial accountability and program
performance. As a taxpayer, these pages will give you the tools
to see what your State government is doing with your tax money.
As the watchdog for State government, we pledge to keep you
informed and to live up to our core values of Accountability,
Integrity, and Reliability.
North
Carolina State Center for Health Statistics Home Page The
State Center is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating
timely, comprehensive, and accurate health statistics. We also
administer the state's vital records functions, such as registration
of birth certificates. We collect health data on births, deaths,
marriages, cancer, teen pregnancies, and on other health topics
and populations. Once analyzed, the health data become available
through publications and journal articles, presentations, our
web site, and our information office.
The
Minority Health Project at UNC-CH The overall purpose of
the Minority Health Project (MHP) is to improve the quality
of available data on racial and ethnic populations, to expand
the capacity of minority-health researchers to conduct statistical
research and develop research proposals, and to foster a network
of researchers in minority health. Toward these goals, the Minority
Health Project, in collaboration with the Center for Health
Statistics Research, other units in the University of North
Carolina School of Public Health, the National Center for Health
Statistics and the Association of Schools of Public Health,
conducts educational programs including the Annual Summer Public
Health Research Institute and Videoconference on Minority Health,
provides information on research and sources of data on minority
health, and maintains an extensive set of links to organizations
at UNC-CH and elsewhere. ...
North
Carolina Women's and Children's Health Section The mission
of the Women's and Children's Health Section (WCH) is to assure,
promote and protect the health and
development of families with emphasis on women, infants, children
and youth. WCH programs place a major emphasis on the provision
of preventive health services beginning in the pre-pregnancy
period and extending throughout childhood. The Section also
administers several programs serving individuals who are developmentally
disabled or chronically ill. ...
Healthy
Carolinians Where possible, the Governor’s Task Force
for Healthy Carolinians worked collaboratively to support the
existing work and objectives of many statewide initiatives.
Many of the Health Objectives and items listed in the Call for
Action section are extracted from various state-level plans,
such as: 2000 Child Health Report, NC institute of Medicine
Task Force on Dental Care Access, North Carolina Cancer Control
Plan, State Aging Services Plan, and Plan to Prevent Heart Disease
and Stroke. ...
Association
of North Carolina Boards of Health Our purpose is to lead
and support local boards of health in fulfilling their responsibilities
outlined in North Carolina's General Statutes "to be the
policy-making, rule-making and adjudicatory body for local public
health" and to "protect and promote the public's health."
Epidemiology
Across North Carolina Epidemiology is the branch of public
health that works to understand the causes and effects of disease
in communities. We look for ways to prevent or control those
diseases and their negative effects on people and society. Epidemiologists
study the factors and relationships that determine the presence,
numbers, trends and distribution of diseases in communities
and certain populations. ...
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Teen pregnancy
National
Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (NCPTP) The goal of the
National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is to reduce the
rate of teen pregnancy by one-third between 1996 and 2005.
A
NATIONAL STRATEGY TO PREVENT TEEN PREGNANCY: 1997-98 Annual
Report Despite the recent decline in the teen birth rates,
teen pregnancy remains a significant problem in this country.
It is a problem that impacts nearly every community. Thus, the
responsibility to solve this problem lies with all of us, including
families, communities, and young people themselves.
Involving
Males in Preventing Teen Pregnancy A Guide for Program Planners
| Freya L. Sonenstein, Kellie Stewart, Laura Duberstein Lindberg,
Marta Pernas & Sean Williams (Family)
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Immunization
AAP and Immunizations
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in partnership with
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seek to
improve the immunization delivery system across the nation by
developing an infrastructure within the Academy to support its
members and providing education and resources on immunization
and immunization-related issues.
Immunization
Action Coalition and the Hepatitis B Coalition The mission
of the Immunization Action Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization,
is to boost immunization rates and prevent disease. The Coalition
promotes physician, community, and family awareness of, and
responsibility for, appropriate immunization of all children
and adults against all vaccine-preventable diseases.
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention - The National Immunization Program (NIP)
is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
located in Atlanta, Georgia. As a disease-prevention program,
NIP provides leadership for the planning, coordination, and
conduct of immunization activities nationwide.
North
Carolina Women's and Children's Health Section, Immunization
Branch 1. Vaccine delivery and customer support. 2. Immunization
services, assessment, outreach, public education and promotion.
3. Epidemiologic surveillance and outbreak control of vaccine-preventable
diseases. 4. Development and maintenance of North Carolina Immunization
Registry (NCIR).
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Low Birth Weight
Low
Birth Weight: Analysis and Recommendations The primary purpose
of The Future of Children is to promote effective policies and
programs for children by providing policymakers, service providers,
and the media with timely, objective information based on the
best available research.
Infant
Mortality Statistics - 1997 Risk Factors and Characteristics
This is a yearly listing of Risk Factors and Characteristics
for 1997 North Carolina Resident Live Births.
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North Carolina Related Sites
Welcome
to Southern Growth Policies Board online Southern Growth
Policies Board is a non-partisan public policy think tank based
in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Formed by the region’s
governors in 1971, Southern Growth Policies Board develops and
advances visionary policies by providing a forum for partnership
and dialog among a diverse cross-section of the region’s
governors, legislators, business and academic leaders and the
economic- and community-development sectors. This unique public-private
partnership is devoted to strengthening the South’s economy
and creating the highest possible quality of life.
N.C.
Budget and Tax Center The North Carolina Budget and Tax
Center (BTC) provides timely, accessible and credible analysis
of state and local budget and tax issues, with a special focus
on the impact of state fiscal policy on low and moderate-income
North Carolinians. ...
Center
on Budget and Policy Priorities The Center on Budget and
Policy Priorities is a nonpartisan research organization and
policy institute that conducts research and analysis on a range
of government policies and programs.
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North Carolina Schools
Universities
and Colleges in North Carolina - Links to web sites for
most NC universities and colleges.
North
Carolina Colleges and Universities - Links to NC universities
and colleges provided by 50 states web site.
North
Carolina Community Colleges - Links to NC community colleges
provided by 50 states web site.
NC
Department of Public Instruction - Schools of North Carolina
- North Carolina's Strategic Plan for Excellent Schools. The
NC DPI mission is to create a system that will be customer driven
with local flexibility to achieve mastery of core skills with
high levels of accountability in areas of student achievement.
Central
Piedmont Community College: A National Leader in Workforce Development
- Central Piedmont Community College is an innovative and comprehensive
college that advances the life-long educational development
of students consistent with their needs, interests, and abilities
while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life
of its diverse community.
The College provides high-quality, flexible pre-baccalaureate
and career-focused educational programs and services which are
academically, geographically, and financially accessible.
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Media
NewsDirectory:
Television: North Carolina -
NewsDirectory:
Magazines: North Carolina -
Philanthropy Journal
of North Carolina -
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Politics
The Economic Policy Institute
is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to broaden
the public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and
fair economy. The mission of the Economic Policy Institute is
to provide high-quality research and education in order to promote
a prosperous, fair, and sustainable economy. The Institute stresses
real world analysis and a concern for the living standards of
working people, and it makes its findings accessible to the
general public, the media, and policy makers.
The Brookings Institution,
one of Washington's oldest think tanks, is an independent, nonpartisan
organization devoted to research, analysis, and public education,
with an emphasis on economics, foreign policy, and governance.
The Cato Institute is a non-profit
public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington,
D.C. seeking to broaden the parameters of public policy debate
to allow consideration of the traditional American principles
of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and
peace. The Institute undertakes an extensive publications program
dealing with the complete spectrum of public policy issues.
Books, monographs, briefing papers and studies commissioned
to examine issues in nearly every corner of the public policy
debate.
The Heritage Foundation
is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose
mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies
based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government,
individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong
national defense.
The Elon University
Poll is part of the Elon Institute for Politics and Public
Affairs, which was formed in the fall of 2000. The institute
is made up of two centers -- the Center for Public Affairs and
the Center for Public Opinion Polling. Using sophisticated survey
research software in a computer-assisted telephone interviewing
center on campus, Elon students conduct frequent statewide scientific
polls on issues of importance to North Carolinians. Information
from the non-partisan polls is shared with media, citizens and
researchers to facilitate representative democracy and public
policy making through the better understanding of the opinions
and needs of North Carolina citizens.
Stateline.org
- Politics and policy news by state. Stateline.org is a non-partisan,
non-profit online news publication that reports each weekday
on state government. Funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts it
was created in 1999 to strengthen and enrich U.S. political
journalism by providing information about political activity
in the 50 state capitols. In an era of declining news media
presence in statehouses, Stateline.org helps fill the coverage
gap. Stateline.org features original stories reported and written
by staff journalists who track policy trends and highlight people
and events that affect state politics.
NC Institute of Political
Leadership - The purpose of the Institute is to train those
North Carolina citizens who have the potential to be the state's
future political leaders. The Institute of Political Leadership
is a multi-partisan, non-profit, research and educational institution
formed to improve the overall quality of political and governmental
leadership in North Carolina at the state and local levels.
Leadership NC -
The mission of the Leadership North Carolina Program is to develop
and engage informed and committed leaders by advancing their
leadership qualities and broadening their understanding of and
involvement in issues and opportunities facing our state. Sessions
give class members a broader understanding of the State, with
a focus on issues in the areas of: Economic Development, Education,
Environment, Government/Politics, and Health/Human Services.
Participants learn about the critical issues in these areas
through discussions with top state officials, professionals
in the areas, field trips and experiential activities.
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City
Local
Government - Cities - Institute of Government -
Welcome
to the North Carolina League of Municipalities -
Cities
of North Carolina Community Websites -
Carolinas
Partnership Home Page -
Environmental
Protection Home Page The Land Use & Environmental Services
Agency (LUESA) works in partnership with the community to enhance
the quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic
vitality.
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Regions
AdvantageWest
- NC - Welcome to western North Carolina. If you're a business,
or if you're hoping to start, expand or relocate one, browse
our available buildings and sites. Take some time to discover
what makes our region such a special place to work, live, or
visit.
North
Carolina's Outer Banks - Welcome to North Carolina's Outer
Banks. Admire the Outer Banks' natural beauty, experience the
community's unique lifestyle and visit the Outer Banks Village
Directory. Explore the many facets of life on North Carolina's
barrier islands. Special features, monthly business sponsor
updates and an ever expanding list of new information.
North
Carolina Lighthouses - Homepage -
State
of North Carolina Counties, NC Counties, Counties in NC on Official
City Sites -
Open
Directory - Regional: North America: United States: North Carolina:
Counties -
Open
Directory - Regional: North America: United States: North Carolina:
Regions -
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Private Sector
North
Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center
- The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development
Center (SBTDC) helps small business owners (and those interested
in starting a business) meet the challenges of |