State Affairs’ Post

Staff from For All Seasons and Harriett’s House accepted a proclamation declaring January 2024 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The proclamation acknowledged the issue of human trafficking, and recognized that increased public awareness and education within organizations will provide more opportunities to identify and aid in the fight against human trafficking. Human trafficking occurs when men, women, or children are targeted with the use of force, lies, and threats to work against their will, often for little or no pay, or to have sex for money or something of value such as food, shelter, clothes, or drugs. “It is a serious issue, we see trafficking victims in our offices every day,” said Katie Theeke, Vice President of Marketing at For All Seasons. According to For All Seasons, there are several factors that make the Eastern Shore an attractive destination for traffickers including, proximity to large metropolitan areas and three international airports; location along the heavily traveled East Coast corridor; home to popular tourism and recreational activities; and a high rate of seasonal employment. Individuals in the transportation, retail, tourism, law enforcement, farming, human services, and educational sectors are particularly helpful in identifying possible victims. More information on this issue can be found at https://ow.ly/AQ9R50QuNsM For more Council Highlights: https://ow.ly/GCQM50QuNt4

Down-ballot races, like Oakland City Council, are critical because they shape your daily life. Council members have the power to: 1. Create local laws   2. Manage the city budget   3. Represent your voice/concerns  They oversee public safety, housing, and the local economy, addressing the issues that affect you the most. Voting in these races isn’t just important – it’s urgent. Your choice will decide the future of our city’s health for the next four years. Make sure your voice is heard where it matters most! #supportlocal #oaklandcity #oaklandcitycouncilatlarge #oaklandcitycouncil #visitoakland #kanithaforoakland #kanithamatoury

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

Learn more about the section of US31N in East Bay Township, monikered as the Beach District, and take the public engagement survey!

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

Maine Town & City Magazine features Community Heart & Soul! Heart & Soul towns across Maine are gaining attention. Maine Municipal Association, the organization serving local governments in the state, featured several municipalities’ adoption of Community Heart & Soul in Maine Town & City. Read the feature. https://lnkd.in/eJqBqrSh #CommunityHeartandSoul #whatmattersmost #involveveryone

According to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, Lancaster County’s population is projected to grow a total of 8.4% from 2020 to 2050. Ultimately, that means we need housing, workplaces, and services for about 45,000 more* people – without creating more traffic congestion, increasing the cost of living, or developing farmland outside growth areas. To meet this challenge, we’re working to create more connections, build within growth areas, and preserve farmland. To protect the character of Lancaster County, we need to be proactive! Please show your support for local, regional, and countywide land-use decisions that help us meet this goal. *Note that the majority of this increase is not from people moving here, but from local families having children Learn more in the Center for Rural Pennsylvania’s report ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eTANtARi

Great article on what a few forward-thinking states are doing to attract younger generations to rural areas!