Updated 4/18/2026 Today, an interim final rule was released from the Department of Justice, extending the effective date for compliance with its new website accessibility rules by one year. The new deadlines are now April 26, 2027 for government entities with populations of 50,000 and above, and April 26, 2028 for government entities with populations [...]
Over the past five years, virtual and hybrid meetings have become essential tools for local governments. These meeting formats have opened doors that previously limited who could participate, giving residents a voice no matter their location or schedule. That said, the laws governing how you conduct these meetings vary across states. For example, Massachusetts recently [...]
It doesn't have to be. As we turn the page to 2026, we know the challenges municipal and county clerks—and your entire teams—are facing can feel overwhelming. Increasing workloads, staffing shortages, growing expectations for transparency, accuracy, and efficiency, along with navigating new technologies, are top concerns for local government staff. On top of that, many [...]
Cybersecurity is essential for municipal clerks—whether working with a dedicated IT team or safeguarding agency resources alone. The threats are real, but simple strategies can reduce risk and protect public trust. Here’s what every clerk needs to know: What to Confirm with Tech Support/IT If your agency has technical support, confirm these essentials: Multi-factor authentication [...]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept. It's quickly becoming a vital tool that local governments embracing to improve efficiency, decision-making, and resident services. As municipal clerks, understanding the benefits and responsibilities of AI can empower your community to innovate safely and effectively. Why AI Guidelines Matter for Municipalities Local governments face [...]
Municipal professionals responsible for preparing meeting agendas and minutes know the value of efficiency and consistency. Microsoft Word, the workhorse of municipal documentation, comes equipped with powerful formatting shortcuts that make document preparation faster and more professional. Here’s a toolkit of the most valuable shortcuts and features for your workflow, according to expert resources. 1. [...]
If you’ve read the recent ELGL blog post, “10 Questions GovTech Vendors Hope You Don’t Ask” (and you should), you know how vital it is to dig deep before committing to a new software partner. These aren’t just good questions—they’re essential for making sure your agency gets real value, transparency, and long-term support from any [...]
Why Zoom and Video Meeting Platforms Still Matter for Public Meetings in 2025 The shift to virtual and hybrid meetings is here to stay. For municipal clerks, Zoom and similar platforms remain essential tools for running accessible, transparent, and efficient public meetings. Here’s why these platforms are still a core part of local government—and how [...]
updated June 26, 2025 As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more sophisticated and accessible, they offer new opportunities—and new challenges—for clerks striving to serve their communities better. Here’s what you need to know about integrating AI-generated content into your daily operations. The Power of AI in the Clerk’s Office Enhanced Communication: AI can generate personalized [...]
updated March 2026 How to Unsend an Email in Outlook (Updated Best Practices) Everyone has had that moment. You click Send in Outlook and immediately realize something’s wrong. Maybe the attachment didn’t make it. Maybe the message went to the wrong person. Maybe you spotted a typo just a second too late. The [...]