2011 NCLM Annual Conference, October 22-25, 2011, Raleigh 

 

Special thanks to our sponsors!

  

 

 

 

Seventh Annual Youth Summit

The Seventh Annual Youth Summit – “Making Cents:  Youth Innovation in a Troubled Economy" will take place on Saturday, October 22 in Raleigh as part of the NCLM Annual Conference pre-conference activities.

Here is the agenda for the summit, along with session summaries.

12:30 – 1:00                        Registration

1:00 – 1:35                           Welcome & Opening Session:  “Making Cents: Youth Innovation in 
                                            a Troubled Economy"

1:35– 1:45                            Break

1:45 – 2:40                           Concurrent Session – Where Did All My Money Go?

2:40 – 3:00                           Snack Break

3:00 – 3:55                           Concurrent Sessions – “Our City Council Cut WHAT?” How Local

                                            Government Budgeting Affects You

3:00 – 3:55                           Youth Advisor’s Session – Youth Program Ideas for Limited
                                            Budgets

3:55 – 4:05                           Break

4:05 – 5:00                           Concurrent Sessions – What Does the “American Dream” Mean to
                                            Me?

5:00 – 5:30                           Closing Session

 

Welcome & Opening

Amidst a worldwide recession, North Carolina’s communities face numerous challenges, many of which have a direct impact on youth.  With frightening statistics on low high school graduation rates and teen employment numbers being the weakest they have been in years, we are reminded that the future of our nations’ economic health will require collective action.  North Carolina’s youth will provide the future brainpower and manpower to fuel our economy, fill our skilled jobs, renew our civic life, and ensure prosperity for our state’s communities.  Join the N.C. League of Municipalities for “Making Cents:  Youth Innovation in a Troubled Economy” and explore important economic issues, from personal financial literacy to governmental budgeting.  High school students from across the state are invited to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and learn how to make a difference back in your home community – our economic future depends on it.

Presenter:  Christie Hinson, Project Director, Civic Education Consortium, UNC SOG

 

Concurrent Sessions

“Where Did All My Money Go?”

Sure, you really want the latest iPhone, but can you afford it?  In this session, participants will learn how to take control of their personal finances, focusing on important life skills such as developing a financial plan and budgeting.  With the right planning, who knows – maybe you can afford that iPhone!

Presenter:  Stephen Day, North Carolina Council on Economic Education

“Our City Council Cut WHAT?” – How Local Government Budgeting Affects You

What do city council members do?  How, in this difficult economy, do they decide which city services and programs to cut or to fund?  How do their decisions impact you?  Learn the answers to these questions and more first hand as you play Budgetoplis, a game in which participants take on the role of city council members who must balance their city’s annual budget!

Presenter:  Paul Bonnici, NC Civic Education Consortium

What Does the “American Dream” Mean for Me?

The definition of the “American Dream” is changing.  Young North Carolinians (like all young Americans) will likely struggle to achieve the economic security realized by their parents.  But is economic security how you define your “American Dream”?  What do you want your future to look like, and how can we develop a roadmap to help North Carolina’s youth achieve their dreams?

Presenter:  Diane Cherry, Institute for Emerging Issues

 

Youth Advisor Session:  Youth Program Ideas for Limited Budgets

Has your youth program been suffering budget cut after budget cut?   Do you find yourself struggling for creative ideas on how to keep the youth with whom you work active and engaged?  In this session for youth advisors, we’ll discuss free resources for ensuring your work with young people is educational, engaging, and fun-even when you finds are limited!

Presenter:  Christie Hinson, Project Director, Civic Education Consortium, UNC SOG

 

 

Visit the Products, Services & Equipment Trade Show

Be sure to visit the Products, Services & Equipment Trade Show beginning Sunday afternoon and Monday until 2:15 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall.

In this year's Exhibit Hall you will find the latest in products, services and equipment available to cities and towns. Visit Products, Services and Equipment Exhibit Trade Show on the lower level of the Raleigh Convention Center. The Exhibit Hall will be open on Sunday afternoon and on Monday until 2:15 p.m.

The Exhibit Hall Show this year will have a whole new feel. Besides longer times to visit with the exhibitors, we have entertainment, door prizes, snacks, a new dessert social on Monday and much more. Make your plans to network with the exhibitors as much as you can. There are always new products, services and equipment you may want to have available in your town or city.

 

 

Mobile workshops will show you good works going on in Clayton & Raleigh

A popular option in recent years at NCLM Annual Conferences has been mobile workshops. This year, the League is once again offering two mobile workshops for you to choose from: one to Clayton, and one in Raleigh.

Here is a preliminary look at the mobile workshops planned for the 2011 NCLM Annual Conference.

SMALL TOWN MOBILE WORKSHOP - TOWN OF CLAYTON

The town of Clayton's refurbished town hall, the Clayton Center, has made its mark as one of the area's must-see landmarks. The facility, originally built as a high school and then later used as an elementary school, not only houses the town hall, but it also boasts a unique cultural arts center (Performing Arts Auditorium) and business center. Be amazed by the state-of-the-art technical enhancements in a historic building that has retained its charm and integrity while playing host to some of the biggest names in entertainment.

LARGE TOWN MOBILE WORKSHOP - CITY OF RALEIGH

This tour will consist of a combination of revitalization, urban design sustainable energy and public-private partnership in promoting the viability of large cities. This educational walking and riding tour will combine elements from the new Raleigh Convention Center, Fayetteville Street, City Plaza and Glenwood South. Join us for this very visual and informative tour.

 

 

Concurrent sessions will help you do a better job

Registration for the 2011 N.C. League of Municipalities Annual Conference is now open.

This year's conference will take place in Raleigh, October 23-25, with preconference activities beginning on October 22.

As always, a host of concurrent sessions throughout the annual conference will educate you so that you can return to your city or town and do the best job possible for your citizens.

Here is a look at the concurrent sessions planned for the 2011 NCLM Annual Conference.

 

A NEW DAY IN ANNEXATION

How will the recent changes to the state's long-standing annexation statutes affect the ability of North Carolina's cities and towns to appropriately and effectively grow? Learn about the practical implications of the changes to the annexation statutes.

MAKING SENSE OF THE CENSUS

How did North Carolina's population change between 2000 and 2010? How did those changes affect municipalities and their strength in the General Assembly, and why were the Census numbers for some municipalities so different from their 2009 population figures? The answers to all of these questions and more can be found at this session.

HOW DO WE GET FROM HERE TO THERE? AN INTERACTIVE SESSION ON TRANSPORTATION IN N.C.

Join N.C. Department of Transportation Chief Operating Officer Jim Trogdon and many of NCDOT's leadership in an interactive session on the future of transportation in N.C. Come offer your perspective on the department's long-range plan, funding and priorities, and participate in a simulation of the state's transportation budgeting priorities.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 101 FOR SMALL TOWNS

This session is designed for small towns (populations of 5,000 or less) or for municipal officials that are new to economic development to give attendees an introduction to economic development. Walk away ready to organize, plan and implement economic development activities and programs in your hometown.

CIVIL RIGHTS/POLICE LIABILITY (SECTION 1983)

Examine liability concepts in actions against a municipality and its police officers alleging excessive force or wrongful arrest.

PERSONNEL PRIVACY PROVISIONS

Examine when the disclosure of information contained in personnel records is appropriate under recent changes to the law.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

This session will highlight two projects, one a public-private project in Uptown Charlotte (the Levine Center for the Arts) and another in a small town. Experts will illustrate the advantages of using public-private partnerships for redevelopment.

GOVERNMENT RETIREMENT SYSTEMS: OURS VS. THEIRS

The Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) is vastly different from other retirement systems across the nation - and even others within the state. Join us to learn more about the LGERS and what distinguishes it. But more importantly, this session will help you understand the benefits of LGERS.

LOCAL NETWORKING EQUALS LEGISLATIVE RESULTS

In this era of the citizen lobbyist, we know that having personal connections, combined with a persuasive message, translates to legislative victories. In this session, you'll work with colleagues in your region to design a mock legislative lobbying effort that can be parlayed into a future session of the NC General Assembly. This session is structured to assist in establishing and strengthening your personal network for legislative success.

SUSTAINABILITY

There is long-term value in sustainability. Attendees will learn from some real-life, practical examples from cities and towns on how energy conservation and sustainability benefits the community over the long-term and helps the environment as a whole.

WASHED AWAY: HOW NEW STORMWATER REGULATIONS  MAY SEND LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGETS DOWNSTREAM

A host of new regulatory actions intended to address the impacts of stormwater on the environment have the potential for great budgetary impacts. Join our municipal stormwater experts to learn more about these responsibilities and what's ahead.

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS - CERTIFICATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

A representative of the State Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses will be on hand to provide the basics on certification, reporting and other requirements associated with programs to promote the use of minority businesses.

PREPARING COUNCILS FOR THEIR WORK

You devote a lot of time to your municipality. Wouldn't it be gratifying if your time was spend in productive and positive endeavors? How much happier would you be if you didn't end up slugging through the swamp at your board meetings? Learn skills that help you improve the performance of your board or council.

SPEED DATING WITH N.C. AGENCIES

Representatives from various state agencies with relationships and interests in cities and towns will be available for face-to-face meetings. Get up close and personal as you go from table to table, speed-dating style, to talk about transportation, environmental issues, public safety and much more.

CREATIVITY AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The traditional economic development tools that worked for communities for decades are, in many cases, no longer viable. Traditionally, a community's economic strength came from location, business assets and economic climate. Today, creative people who develop businesses unaffected by automation and outsourcing are the new engines for economic growth. How does your community stack up? What policies, infrastructure and amenities does your city or town offer that can attract entrepreneurs, community leaders and energetic stakeholders? Several communities across N.C. have begun discussions on this, thanks to the work of the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI). Hear what they have learned to develop the creative work-force while trying to create conditions to make their community a place to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

NCLM 101: WHAT DOES THE LEAGUE DO FOR YOU?

What do you think of when you hear the words, "N.C. League of Municipalities?" For some members, advocacy comes to mind. For others, the League's insurance services may be what they think of. But this is a session where members can hear about services that they may be unaware of, many of which the monetary benefit will more than cover the service fees of being a member. Attendees will also hear stories from other members regarding the value and quality of League programs and services.

EMBRACING ECONOMIC TOURISM As An ECONOMIC ENGINE IN CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA

The speaker for this session is Lynn Minges, Assistant Secretary for Tourism, Marketing, and Global Branding, NC Department of Commerce. Minges will discuss the power of tourism as an economic engine across North Carolina and will outline opportunities for local governments to embrace it as a creator and sustainer of jobs and tax revenues. She will share how communities in each of the state’s 100 counties can garner benefit from the $17 billion spent by visitors annually in the state.

 

Pre-Conference Workshops kick off conference educational highlights

Saturday, October 22, 2011, 1-5 p.m.

CAN WE TALK? TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR BOARD MEMBERS

Do you feel like you are having the same conversation over and over but getting nowhere? Do you struggle to have others understand your point of view? Participants will be introduced to three key elements of skillful communication, will learn how these elements relate to one another and practice techniques to improve their communication with others. This session will help people differentiate between positions and interests, understand the thought process people use to arrive at their conclusions and identify underlying emotional needs that motivate peoples' actions.

Presenters: Vaughn Upshaw, EdD, DrPH, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government; and Donna Warner, director, Local Elected Leaders Academy, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government

 

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

BUDGETOPOLIS: A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT THE TOUGH CHOICES AHEAD

It will soon once again be budget season, and elected leaders will again face tough decisions. The easy cuts have seemingly been made in recent years and the "low-hanging" fruit have been plucked. The downturn in the economy adds additional pressure. In this interactive workshop you will make decisions based on real-life budget situations designed to help you understand your leadership role in the budget process, alternatives to consider when cutting services/programs, and options for generating revenues. Participants will play Budgetopolis, a game in which participants act as city council members who have the challenge of balancing their city's annual budget.

Presenters: Doug Bean, former manager, city of Asheville and adjunct instructor UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government; Donne Warner, director, Local Elected Leaders Academy, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government

 

 

Avlon, Formica to speak at NCLM Annual Conference

 

 

FUTURE ANNUAL CONFERENCES

2012     Charlotte           Oct. 21-23
2013     Hickory             Oct. 13-15
2014     Greensboro       Oct. 12-14
2015     Winston-Salem  Oct. 11-13
2016     Raleigh              Oct.  23-26

 

Interested in serving on a League committee? Click here to fill out an online interest form.

 

Click here to see presentations from the 2010 NCLM Annual Conference