The Department of Homeland Security, the 9-11 Commission, the Katrina Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission have concluded that improved wireless communication among federal, state, and local public safety agencies is essential to national security. Washington understands that public safety radio networks must be upgraded so public and private safety, health, and emergency response personnel and all levels of government can seamlessly communicate with each other in real time. Significant federal funding for the construction of these next-generation public safety radio networks may be just around the corner. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether it is a renewable energy project, a cellular communications tower, or a public safety radio network, a project can often be designed to give the community a real economic stake in the project’s success. Giving the community a stake in the project may, in turn, speed project approvals. Here are two examples of how our clients have put this approach into practice. Read the rest of this entry »