The Legal Framework for States as Employers-of-Choice in Workplace Flexibility: A Case Study of Arizona and Michigan

Outlines the statutes, regulations, executive actions, and collective bargaining agreements that authorize flexible work arrangements, time off, and career flexibility in the two state workforces; the elements of model programs; and their benefits

Subprime and predatory lending in rural America: mortgage lending practices that can trap low-income rural people

This brief examines predatory mortgage loans and the harmful impact they have on rural homeowners and their communities. The report finds that minorities and low-income people are more likely to fall victim to higher-cost loans. The brief includes recommendations for policy changes at the state and federal levels, as well as advice on identifying and avoiding predatory loans

Countertrade and the choice of strategic trading form

Reciprocal trade agreements, usually known under the generic name of countertrade (CT) have been traditionally seen as a form of bilateralism, and thus as an inefficient form of international exchange. Although contemporary trade theories do not fully explain the increasing prevalence of CT transactions, we will argue that it is possible to construct and use a third (hybrid) institutional form, which is congruent with the transaction-cost theories, and we will show how — under market imperfections — countertrade can reduce transaction costs while conserving the efficiency gains generated by these specific arrangements.Publicad

Identifying barriers to low impact development and green infrastructure in the Albuquerque Area

Many municipalities are now implementing stormwater management techniques that integrate and utilize stormwater in urban design, while greatly reducing urban runoff and non-point source pollutants. These techniques, often referred to as Low Impact Development (LID) or Green Infrastructure (GI), include bio-swales, rain gardens, green roofs, porous pavement, and curb cuts, among many others. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is strongly encouraging the implementation of LID and GI stormwater management programs; however, many of these techniques were developed in and are mainly used in Eastern or Pacific Northwest states. Given New Mexicos semi-arid climate, high intensity rainstorm events, and state water laws, the feasibility of using these techniques may be limited despite their successes in other regions. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to the widespread implementation of LID and GI in the Albuquerque region. This information was collected through a focus group with local professionals that included stormwater managers, drainage engineers, architects and landscape architects, water conservation managers, and developers, as LID/GI implementation requires a variety of experts

What’s Driving Food Prices in 2011?

Agricultural Finance, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Transitions in Maltese society

Malta includes all the demographic characteristics of an ageing population, with future projections noting that the numbers and percentages of older persons are bound to increase in the coming four decades. It is also clear that changes in longevity, health and patterns of employment are transforming how older Maltese citizens are experiencing later life. It is therefore important that rather than viewing older people as merely high users of services, the government recognizes that older people have a range of characteristics, perspectives and interests, which should be identified, acknowledged and used to the benefit of society.peer-reviewe