Reply-All Nightmare in Utah Offers Important Lessons for Any Large Organization
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STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Texas civil asset forfeitures … New Mexico anti-crime omnibus bill … and Philadelphia “good cause” eviction rules.
Good morning, it’s Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. Leading Route Fifty’s state and local government news roundup is an epic “Reply All” nightmare in Utah but scroll down for more from places like San Francisco, California; Anchorage, Alaska; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. … ALSO ON ROUTE FIFTY … How the humble home water heater could play a big role in energy storage … Detroit’s long-term budget stability finds firmer fiscal footing … San José offers a scooter ultimatum ...
Let’s get to it …
WORKFORCE | A friendly reminder to anyone working in a large organization, like a state government: Be very wary when pressing “Reply All” to a group email. Just ask anyone who works for the Utah state government, where an epic reply-all fiasco when a “simple email about a holiday potluck” was mistakenly sent to approximately 25,000 state employees late last week. That message led to messages like “STOP REPLYING TO ALL,” which didn’t help the situation.
CITY HALLS | San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Friday asked city staff to develop plans to handle future air quality emergencies after the Bay Area experienced unhealthy smoke conditions from the Camp Fire in November. [San Francisco Examiner] … On Tuesday, vaping in public areas will be prohibited in Flagstaff, Arizona [Arizona Daily Sun] … A sidewalk installation plan for one Missoula, Montana neighborhood has been cancelled due to concerns over homeowners difficulty in paying the high cost. [Missoulian] … The Philadelphia City Council passed a “good cause” eviction bill last week, giving renters more protections. [PlanPhilly]
STATE LEGISLATURES | Civil asset forfeiture, which law enforcement agencies say is a necessary crime-fighting tool, is set to be a major topic of discussion when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in the new year. Last year, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in Texas “grew their coffers more than $50 million by seizing cash, cars, jewelry, clothing, art and other property they claimed were linked to a crime.” [Texas Tribune] … Wisconsin Gov.-elect Tony Evers says he might pursue legal action in an attempt to block recently passed legislation to limit the executive powers of the governor. [The Washington Post] … A bipartisan effort in New Mexico has led to an omnibus anti-crime proposal “ranging from the handling of eyewitness testimony to New Mexico’s system for probation and parole.” [Albuquerque Journal] …
DISASTER RECOVERY | More than a week after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck south-central Alaska, the Anchorage Public Schools will be back in session on Monday. [Anchorage Daily News]
Michael Grass is Executive Editor of Route Fifty and is based in Seattle.
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