Planning for Election Day
For Local Government Officials and Staff Only
Friday, October 16, 2020 - 9:30 - 10:00 am
Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator
League members are invited to participate in a Zoom call focusing on election issues. Wisconsin Elections Commission staff will be on hand to answer your election related questions, including:
- How to deal with potential election observers at the polls.
- Counting absentee ballots as quickly and efficiently as possible on election day.
- Finding sufficient number of poll workers for election day.
- Keeping voters, poll workers, and city staff safe from COVID-19 on election day.
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Celebrate! Wisconsin Policy Forum Salute to Local Government
November 18
The Salute Awards recognize Wisconsin local governments and school districts for innovation, partnership and cooperation, as well as individuals in government and school districts for excellence and lifetime achievement. In addition, this year’s awards slate includes two new categories that highlight the unprecedented pandemic-related challenges facing local governments and school districts across the state.
The Salute will be held in a virtual format on November 18. While the pandemic required that we reimagine this event, it’s more important than ever to recognize local governments, school districts, and individual public sector employees who are excelling in these challenging times. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks, and stay tuned for an announcement about our keynote speaker.
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The 2020 Engaging Local Government Leader (ELGL) Diversity Dashboard survey is live and ready for you to complete so your community’s data is logged into an interactive dashboard measuring the demographics of local government leaders. The survey is short and only takes a few minutes to complete. You can provide responses for yourself or for your organization.
Please take the survey online here: https://publicinput.com/diversity2020. ELGL collects this information because “what gets measured gets improved.” If we can first understand the diversity of local government leaders, we can be more effective at finding ways to increase and encourage diversity and inclusion in the local government field.
Each week, ELGL uploads the completed survey responses to the live DiversityDashboard.org site, so data can be analyzed. Your personal information will not be included, and data will not be used for any purpose other than this project analysis.
Please take the survey today so your local government is included in this year’s Diversity Dashboard! If you want more information about ELGL, a professional association focused on all levels of government, you can check out their website here: www.elgl.org.
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Putting the Responsible in Public Bids
New public bidding resource!
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities and Construction Business Group (CBG) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement that will make the CBG bidder database, with over 6,000 contractors, a powerful tool for local governments.
Local government officials will have exclusive access to a project evaluation form that may be completed for your public works projects. The project evaluations will be connected to the contractor (or subcontractor) that was evaluated and available to view by other local governments. The project evaluation survey form allows local government staff and officials to weigh in on whether the project was completed on time, within budget, and whether the quality of the work was satisfactory. Taking 10 minutes to complete a survey could save a fellow local government from awarding work to a contractor that is not responsible.
To learn more read this article from the League's October The Municipality.
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Apply for the Small Dollar, Big Impact Grant by October 19th
AARP Wisconsin
"We are excited to be accepting applications from across Wisconsin for “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grants, which will be awarded to new projects that are designed to improve a community and make it a better place for everyone to live, work, and play as they age. AARP Wisconsin may award a grant of up to $1,000 to at least one eligible applicant. The grant amount could be a portion of or the total cost for the project. All projects must be completed within 60 days from winner announcement. if your project includes public engagement, please ensure that the activities follow all local/state guidelines."
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Survey: Reminder - Funding Sources for Municipal Forestry Programs
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the WDNR Urban Forestry Team invite you to participate in a short survey we are conducting to learn more about how cities and villages pay for their forestry programs.
Many municipalities are struggling to continue to provide the same number and quality of services as they have in the past while operating under the strictest levy limits in the nation, and experiencing reductions in shared revenue and other state aids. We are interested in learning about any alternative sources of revenue municipalities might be using to help pay for the annual cost of providing forestry services.
The results of the survey will be available League members, shared with the DNR's Urban Forestry Council and summarized in an article to be published in 2021 in The Municipality magazine. Take the Survey.
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Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Annual Awards Program
The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council presents annual awards to outstanding individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin. The awards are announced each year at the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference and presented to winners in their community.
The five categories of awards are:
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Lifetime Achievement
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Distinguished Service .
- Project Partnership
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Leadership
- Innovations in Urban Forestry
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Halloween and Holiday Parade Plans?
Are you wondering what other municipalities have planned for Halloween. Take a look and add your own plans to this spreadsheet created by Sarah Millard from the City of Beloit: Halloween Plans Google Spreadsheet
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Click here to access all six Wisconsin Elections Commission Videos
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Voter Information Resources
The Wisconsin Elections Commission has produced a comprehensive package of voter education materials for the 2020 election and beyond for use by local election officials and any other groups or individuals working in the field of voter outreach. In other words, please use this accurate, accessible and free information to help you communicate with voters and the media about voting.
Included are Social Media posts that you can use. (Scroll down thei page.)
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Campaign 2020
Learn more about the candidates for the Wisconsin State Legislature thanks to WisconsinEye. Why? Because your legislators matter to the future of your community.
WisconsinEye reporter Steve Walters is in the process of talking with all the candidates - about 160 interviews all told. You can click on your district to see your candidates.
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Public Webinar and Hearing on Triennial Review of Surface Water Quality Standards
DNR
Monday, November 16, 2020, 1:00 p.m. to end of agenda
Every three years, the DNR reviews Wisconsin's surface water quality standards as required by the Clean Water Act, to determine which standards need to be developed or revised. The DNR uses the Triennial Standards Review process to prioritize which of these topics the DNR plans to work on over the next three years. The review process provides the public an opportunity to provide input on how the DNR should focus its available resources to ensure the health of Wisconsin lakes, rivers and streams.
At this meeting, the DNR will provide an overview of the topics to be considered and an invitation to complete an online topic ranking form, and will also take comments on which topics the public feel should be priorities. The comment period will be open from November 16 through December 4, 2020. Details
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Reminder - League Capitol Buzz Newsletter
October 8, 2020 - Appeals Ct Stays Extension for Receiving Absentee Ballots
October 6, 2020 - PSC Requiring Utilities to File COVID 19 Related Reports in October
September 22, 2020 - Clarity Restored on Using CARES Act Dollars for Police Payroll Expenses
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Reminder - Municipal resolutions for creating or amending a tax incremental district must be adopted between Oct. 1, 2019 and Sept. 30, 2020. The deadline to email completed documents and pay the corresponding fee is Nov. 2, 2020. DOR Information
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WisDOT local roads program web tool easier to use
LRIPWeb, the web-based tool that allows communities to manage their Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) dollars and public road projects, has been improved. The enhanced LRIPWeb was released on June 22nd. It was developed by WisDOT in response to feedback from LRIP partners, and is a more intuitive and efficient tool. LRIP program participants can learn more about the enhancements through videos and other educational materials on the LRIP website at: WisconsinDOT.gov/LRIP, or by contacting Patrick Vander Sanden, WisDOT LRIP Program Manager, at (608) 266-0775, or via email: [email protected].
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Routes to Recovery Question?
Information on the program is posted to our website here on the "Financing Impacts" page and may be updated as warranted.
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Janesville's Covid-19 Positive Employee Process Map & Quarantine Timelines
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NEW - Covid-19 Resources
It’s a Pandemic. You need answers.
Welcome to Dear Pandemic, a website where bona fide nerdy girls post real info on COVID-19. We are committed to facts.
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The League is a member
Wisconsin is facing a COVID-19 crisis, and our state MUST come together to help stop community spread. Rates of COVID-19 infection are continuing to rise at an alarming pace in Wisconsin, and additional public awareness is urgently needed about the seriousness of the pandemic and the critical need for preventative measures.
“Stop the Covid Spread!” is a coalition of Wisconsin’s leading health care, business, and advocacy organizations along with prominent individuals who have joined together to urge the public to take preventative measures seriously so that we can all continue to safely participate in Wisconsin’s economy.
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Reminder - Covering Wisconsin: Health Insurance Resources for you and your community
"Are your constituents losing healthcare coverage as a result of the pandemic? Covering Wisconsin has federally certified/State licensed navigators who provide free enrollment assistance for Badger Care and the federal Marketplace. Navigators also assist consumers with appeals, bills, and other issues relating to their healthcare coverage. We can be reached by calling (608) 261-1455 or (414) 270-4677."
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What to Know This Flu Season
From the CDC
It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Here is what you should know this season, including information on how to protect yourself and your family against flu by getting a flu vaccine. CDC Resources
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Calendar these Upcoming League Member Virtual Roundtables
Tuesday, November 10. 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Zoom information will be posted here.
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Workshops/Training
by date
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Leading for Racial Equity
UW-Madison Continuing Education
Transform your commitment to racial equity into anti‑racist leadership in this new 3‑part series.
Session 1: Becoming an Anti-Racist Organization, Sept. 18
Session 2: Using Racial Equity Decision and Policy Tools, Oct. 16
Session 3: Anti-Racist Workforce Development, Nov. 20
Live online • $365 per session; gov't/nonprofit $255 per session
In Session 2: Using Racial Equity Decision and Policy Tools, learn how racial equity decision tools are used to hardwire equity strategies in budget allocations, program and policy decisions. Apply an equity-focused analysis to a current project and leave with feedback on how to leverage the project for social justice and racial equity. Session 1 recommended but not required.
In Session 3: Anti‑Racist Workforce Development, explore whiteness in the workplace, understand racist organizational detours and interrupt institutional barriers to recruit, hire and retain racially diverse staff. All are welcome, although experience or interest in human resources and/or supervising and managing are a plus.
September/October
Energy Utility Basics 2020 – Multi-day web conference
Energy Utility Basics is an intensive course on the fundamental concepts critical to being conversant in today’s energy industry. Course content is updated yearly as technology, regulation and markets evolve. WPUI has proudly presented this exceptional course each fall since 1983.
Water Affordability – Web conference
OCTOBER 21, 2020, 9:00AM-2:00PM
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Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters Breakfast Series
Register to join us online from 7:30am-8:45am for any or all in the series:
Racism is a Public Health Crisis: And What are We Going to Do About it?
Toward One Wisconsin Preconference Event
Wed. Nov. 11
Noon-4:30 p.m.
Total Virtual Event
$25 (Scholarships available)
Toward One Wisconsin 2020
A Conference on Building Communities of Equity and Opportunity
November 11-13, 2020
With a great sense of urgency, we invite you to join a growing and powerful network that reaches across sectors to every corner of the state to take this challenge head on. We are mining the art and potential of gathering through technology instead of in person, excited by the experts that can be brought together, for the interactive exchanges that can happen. Details and Registration
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Local Governments Advancing Clean Energy Amidst Budget Constraints
Co-Hosted by the League
Tuesday, November 17th at noon
Local governments from across Wisconsin are making progress on transitioning to renewable energy, reducing operating expenditures on utility bills and helping to address residents' desire to reduce emissions. Hear from local elected officials and municipal electric cooperatives about the process they utilize to implement clean energy goals in challenging fiscal circumstances.
Hosts:
Heather Allen, RENEW WI
Curt Witynski, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Scott Coenen, Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum
Speakers TBD
Salute to Local Government
Wisconsin Policy Forum
November 18 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join the Wisconsin Policy Forum for our annual Salute to Local Government awards! We’ll recognize Wisconsin local governments and school districts for innovation, partnership and cooperation, as well as individuals in government and school districts for excellence and lifetime achievement. In addition, this year’s awards slate includes two new categories that highlight the unprecedented pandemic-related challenges facing local governments and school districts across the state. Register here.
Cities Summit
National League of Cities
November 18-20
Learn. Grow. Build. Renew.
2020 has been a year like no other.
We invite you to take part in our immersive program that includes informative panel discussions, keynotes, and fireside chats, as well as engaging workshops and opportunities to network with your peers.
National Urban Wood Academy 2020
November 20th 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM CST
This webinar will be presented in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Partners in Community Forestry virtual conference. Participants will explore the how the urban wood movement has grown and understand its significance in local communities across the U.S. Industry success stories will demonstrate best practices from removing trees, to making and marketing urban wood products. Details and Registration
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Redistricting
For League Member Officials and Staff
Hosted by the League
Tuesday, December 1,12:00 pm
No Cost and No Need to RSVP
This webinar will focus on preparing for Local Redistricting in Wisconsin in April 2021. The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) and Legislative Technology Services Bureau (LTSB) will provide information on the legal process of redistricting and the software utilized for local redistricting in the State of Wisconsin.
The first portion will focus on local redistricting timelines and information on current redistricting statutes. This will include an overview of the ‘how and why’ of redistricting for municipalities, as well as discussions of procedures, guidelines, and the laws that shape redistricting in Wisconsin.
The second portion will be a demonstration of the WISE-LR software, which will be used for local redistricting. WISE-LR is a web application developed by the LTSB specifically for the state statutes of Wisconsin and local redistricting laws. WISE-LR will allow local officials, or their delegates, to create, analyze, and share county supervisory plans, ward plans, and alder plans with accurate demographic data.
Presenters:
Legislative Reference Bureau
Joe Kreye: Senior Coordinating Attorney
Michael Gallagher: Senior Coordinating Attorney
Staci Duros: Research & Policy Analyst
Legislative Technology Services Bureau
Ryan Squires: GIS Team Manager & Applications Developer
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Passcode: 174311
Dial In: 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 872 1101 4863
Passcode: 174311
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Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters Breakfast Series
Register to join us online from 7:30am-8:45am
ONGOING
UW-Madison Continuing Studies LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND WORKPLACE SKILLS
Details of all programs including the Public Manager Program at UW-Madison, Continuing Studies which are Ongoing is here
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Boost your municipal connections on the League's LinkedIn page!
Comment on this post on the League's LinkedIn page to connect with people working in municipalities or interested in municipal issues. Once you've commented, take a look at the other people that have commented and reach out to connect with them.
The League's strength is the community we've created and since LinkedIn is a great way to connect, we can use LinkedIn as a tool to enhance those connections.
NLC’s Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) initiative serves to strengthen local leaders’ knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities. Through training and online resources, REAL helps NLC members build safe places where people from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds thrive socially, economically, academically and physically. Resources are here
21st Century Policing Resources
Mayor's Innovation Project
The National Civic League focuses much of its work on equity, and racial equity in particular. This work extends from our core mission: The mission of the National Civic League is to advance civic engagement to create equitable, thriving communities.
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The Municipality reaches everyone so we made it the Annual Conference Program. Check out the full conference schedule plus all of the extras. Plus you can read about responsiblewisconsin.com, the new responsible bidder database, three feisty clerks and innovative phosphorus solutions.
Note - if you work for a League member municipality and previously shared a magazine with colleagues but would now like your own, please send an email with your mailing address to [email protected] There is no additional cost.
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Funding
by date & many ongoing
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FCC
The Federal Communications Commission provides funding to bring high-speed, fixed broadband service to rural homes and small businesses that lack access. Application Deadline: October 22, 2020
USDA Rural Development grant to help develop innovative treatment solutions of regional wastewater systems in rural America. Application Deadline: November 4, 2020
USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA B&I CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Webinar for Lenders and Webinar for Businesses and Producers. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021, or until funds are expended.
EPA Funding for Water Projects
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
This year’s notice of funding availability prioritizes construction-ready projects in three areas: updating aging infrastructure; reducing exposure to lead and addressing emerging contaminants; and water reuse and recycling. The 2020 notice of funding availability builds upon the existing, active pipeline of WIFIA projects, which includes 49 projects in 19 states and D.C. For the first time, the agency will evaluate submitted projects using additional criteria that were developed to help clarify project and federal budgetary considerations. EPA will accept letters of interest from prospective WIFIA borrowers for 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.
State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA)
This new program, which was authorized by Congress as part of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, offers low-interest loans to state water infrastructure programs (e.g., the State Revolving Funds) that then help finance needed water infrastructure projects in local communities. This round of funding will provide SWIFIA borrowers up to $1 billion to support $2 billion in water infrastructure projects. EPA will accept letters of interest from state water infrastructure programs for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. More information here.
USDA
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Ongoing
USDA
The application window for the second round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program opened January 31, 2020.
These funds will enable the federal government to continue to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second download and 1 megabit per second upload. ReConnect funding applications can be submitted at www.usda.gov/reconnect.
Dam removal grant applications are being accepted and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding is depleted. This grant program provides 100% reimbursement up to a maximum award of $50,000. Eligible applicants include any Wisconsin City, Town, Village, County, Tribe, public inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation district or any other dam owner. Grant application materials are available on the DNR's Dam Removal Grant Program web page: https://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/DamRemoval.html
Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program
Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America
To fund feasibility studies that may result in economic development and improved community assets for rural areas in Compeer’s 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through this grant program we are helping to ensure a strong future in rural America. Eligible feasibility studies may include:
- Market research
- Cost analysis
- Financial projections
- Assessment of suitable facilities, equipment, etc.
- Development of a business plan
Location – project must be located in Compeer’s 144-county territory in Minnesota, Illinois or Wisconsin.
Eligible Applicants - Non-profit organizations serving rural areas, educational institutions, and state, county, local or tribal governments are eligible to apply.
Applications will be accepted until all funds are awarded. Learn more
Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.
Location: Nationwide
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
U.S. Economic Development Administration assistance helps communities/regions devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Wisconsin Dept of Tourism Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding and guidance to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin non-profit organizations for qualified advertising costs. There are five categories of JEM grants with various deadlines. More information here.
USDA Rural Development offers direct home loans for very-low- and low-income applicants. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Funds available to nonprofit organizations to help very-low- and low-income families build their own rural homes. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Loans help very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes. Grants help elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Application Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports development in economically distressed areas by fostering job creation and attracting private investments under their Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Programs which have included past funding awards for water/wastewater projects and road infrastructure projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Services offers this program to provide financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development provides loans to intermediaries to establish revolving loan funds and to provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs. Application Deadline: Ongoing
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League Handbooks
The following Handbooks are now available as a PDF at a reduced price for email delivery.
- Handbook for Wisconsin Municipal Officials - PDF Available!
- Handbook for Wisconsin Police and Fire Commissioners - Completely updated in Jan. 2019. PDF Available!
- Municipal Licensing and Regulation of Alcohol Beverages - Completely updated in Sept. 2019. PDF Available!
Physical PRINT copies of ALL Handbooks are also still available but on a delayed weekly shipping basis. You can order Handbooks online here
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www.lwm-info.org
SUBSCRIBE to the League’s Legislative Bulletin, Capitol Buzz and E-Newsletter – sign up here.
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