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Higher Wages, a Stronger Bottom Line and Job Growth
Department of Labor | READ STORY
New data released shows that raising the minimum wage in some states does not appear to have had a negative impact on job growth, contrary to what critics said would happen. At the beginning of this year, 13 states increased their minimum wages. In those states, job growth overall outpaced job growth in those that didn’t increase their minimum wages.
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10 Deadliest U.S. Cities for Pedestrians
Weather | READ STORY
Smart Growth America’s Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) ranks your chances of being hit and killed while walking to or from work each day. The PDI takes into account the total number of people who died, the rate of deaths per 100,000 people and the percentage of people who commute by foot. An interactive map of this information is available here.
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Economic suicides in the Great Recession in Europe and North America
BJPsych | READ STORY
There has been a substantial rise in ‘economic suicides’ in the Great Recessions afflicting Europe and North America. Job loss, debt and foreclosure increase risks of suicidal thinking and all of these traits occur during economic recessions.The monitoring of suicide during the great recession allows for a better understanding of whether or not rising suicide rates are inevitable.This report presents those findings.
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Human Impacts on Biodiversity
Science | READ STORY
Human impacts on animal biodiversity are an under-recognized form of global environmental change. Among terrestrial vertebrates, 322 species have become extinct since 1500, and populations of the remaining species show 25% average decline in abundance.This is a very concerning loss of biodiversity; this report discusses why this has occured and what it may mean for the future.
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US Lags Behind on Energy Efficiency, Study Shows
ACEEE | READ STORY
The U.S. ranks near the bottom of the second annual International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, released Thursday by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. The report uses 31 metrics to judge countries which are then used to create the energy efficiency scores. The report may be accessed here; the scorecard infographic may be accessed here.
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Ipsos Global Trends 2014: Navigating the new
IPSOS MORI | READ STORY
The "Global Trends Survey" is the largest study of its kind it looks at the attitudes and behaviors of consumers and citizens in 20 key countries around the world. The survey discusses categories such as privacy, economy, environment, and security. The environmental category may be viewed here.
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The 2014 Montana Extension Annual Conference is planned for Oct. 20-23 in Bozeman, MT and the RFP is currently open; proposals are due Aug. 22 and can be submitted online.
I've been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Association for Community Development; the IACD is the only global network of practitioners and activists supporting community development work internationally and encouraging information and practice exchange. I'll be sure to provide updates on our activities; please contact me if you would like more information about Board Members or the organization.
The new MSU Local Government Center Montana Policy Review titled "Developing Leadership at All Levels" has been posted This issue examines past, current, and future efforts, ideas and initiatives to promote leadership development across Montana. Enjoy!
-Paul Lachapelle
MACDEP President
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2014 UEDA Annual Summit
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Sep 28-Oct 1, 2014
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sponsor: UEDA
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15th Annual Conference of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium
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Oct 5-8, 2014
Edmonton, Alberta
Sponsor: Engagement Scholarship Consortium
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Applications of the Community Capitals Framework in Natural Resource Planning, the Environment and Community Vitality
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November 5-7, 2014
Lincoln, Nebraska
Sponsor: Community Capitals Framework Institute
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14th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference
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January 29-31, 2015
Baltimore, MD
Sponsor: New Partners for Smart Growth and The Local Government Commission
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Community Grants
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Deadline: Rolling Deadline
Funder: The Safeway Foundation
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Support for Organizations Assisting Low-Income Communities
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Deadline: Open
Funder: The Kresge Foundation
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Sustainable Development Program
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Deadline: Rolling
Funder: Rockefeller Brothers Fund
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Learning and Leadership Grants
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Deadline:October 15, 2014
Funder: NEA
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US job growth eases but tops 200K for a 6th month
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A Dozen States File Suit Against New Coal Rules
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House passes two Republican measures in response to surge of child migrants
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Washington Post; August 1
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Rules mandating grain shipments off track, railways agree
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Washington wildfire near Ellensburg grows, burns 8 houses
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Montana wood products industry slowly improving, UM study shows
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US House candidates' energy plans reveal contrasts
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Montana Standard; August 3
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Decision on White Pine Sash cleanup delayed; public meeting this fall
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Herbicides proposed to help control invasive weeds in Canyon Ferry WMA
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Independent Record; August 4
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Gallatin economy growing, state slowing
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Bozeman Daily Chronicle; August 5
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