Public Events & Tools
Public Forums
As part of its public education effort, the Research Bureau sponsors the Francis A. Harrington Forums on Municipal Government, which highlight current municipal issues. The programs are free and open to all interested citizens and public officials. The panelists have included prominent individuals on both the state and local level who have expertise on the subject being discussed. The forums are hosted by local area colleges and are taped for rebroadcast a number of times on the local cable TV channel. Topics include:
In addition, each year, the Research Bureau brings distinguished scholars and public officials to the area to illuminate current issues and enrich public debate. Prominent speakers have included Governor Mitt Romney, noted political scientist James Q. Wilson, former Senate leader Tom Birmingham, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Eric Kriss.
Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards
Each year, the Research Bureau presents the Thomas S. Green Public Service Award for outstanding public service by municipal employees. The first awards were bestored in 1988. Since then, the Research Bureau has recognized the distingueished service of 63 public employees below the rank of department head.
If you have a nomination for such an "unsung hero" working in municipal government, please contact the Research Bureau.
Tools
ComNet - Computerized Neighborhood Environment Tracking
Are you concerned about the physical condition of your neighborhood? ComNET can help! Residents tend to judge the quality of life in their neighborhoods by conditions such as potholes, litter, vacant lots, and abandoned vehicles. In the past, concerned citizens have conducted pen and paper surveys to record such problems or called government officials to complain about a particular problem like an abandoned vehicle. ComNET takes such surveys one step further by introducing the most up-to-date technology.
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