National Association of Counties * Washington, D.C.            Vol. 31, No. 5 * March 15, 1999

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Community courts explored on Web site
Take a look into the future of justice at http://www.communitycourts.org/. The site, developed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, examines a trend that resolves conflicts through problem-solving and partnership. The page provides a look at community justice projects around the country, including Multnomah County, Oregon’s at http://www.multnomah.lib.or.us/da/ccourt/ccourt.html.

The site mentions that Nassau County, N.Y. and Hennepin County, Minn. have plans underway to establish their own community courts.

Citizen education organization online
Confused about an issue? Looking for the facts? Others’ opinions on hot topics? Head to Public Agenda Online at www.publicagenda.org., a nonpartisan, nonprofit public opinion research and citizen education organization based in New York City.

Its mission is to help leaders better understand the public’s point of view on major policy issues and help citizens better understand critical policy issues so they can make their own more informed and thoughtful decisions.

Abortion, crime, the economy, education, the environment, family, gambling, Medicare, and welfare are among the issues profiled. Each issue is explored with an overview, recent news articles, a fact file, varying perspectives and public opinion.

FEMA holds Y2K workshops
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is holding regional Y2K workshops around the country. The next ones coming up are in King County, Wash., where the contact is Mike Howard at 425/487-4610; the City and County of San Francisco, Eliza Chan, 415/923-7006 and the City and County of Denver, Ed Conley, 303/235-4909.

U.S. Senate issues report on Y2K
Earlier this month, a special Senate committee published a report "Investigating the Impact of the Year 2000 Problem." In addition to examining the readiness of state and local government and emergency preparedness, it also looks at utilities, health care, telecommunications, transportation, financial services, business and international preparedness. For a look at the entire report, go to http://www.senate.gov/~y2k/index.html.

(Web Watch is compiled by Mary Ann Barton, senior staff writer. Got some news? Send it to mbarton@naco.org)