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Population Growth Means a City Is Thriving, or Does It?

Public officials and reporters alike adopt the myth that bigger is better. That’s not always the case.

The Week in Public Finance: Latest Repeal and Replace Proposal Still Damaging for States, Pennsylvania's Downgrade and More

A roundup of money (and other) news governments can use.

As Protests Escalate Under Trump, States Seek New Ways to Deter Them

Stricter rules and penalties for protesting are being considered in nearly half the states.

The Next Big Technology to Transform Government

It's called blockchain. Some say it will have a bigger impact than the internet.

Is Connecticut to Blame for Hartford's Looming Bankruptcy?

The state's way of governing may be causing some of its capital city's financial problems.

5 Obamacare Changes States Want, Ranked From Most to Least Likely to Pass

Although many governors oppose the last-ditch repeal bill, it has some of what they've asked for.

California Poised to Be a 'Sanctuary State.' Will Others Follow?

A couple of other states are considering similar bills. It was an uphill battle -- even in one of the most pro-immigrant states.

• New York Governor Restricts What State Workers Can Say About Immigration
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An HR Expert's Dos and Donts of Managing

Sometimes you have to be the bad cop. Throwing out stereotypes about millennials is a good idea, too.

The Key to Winning Down-Ballot Races

A hint: In states, it all starts with the top of the ticket.

COMMENTARY

Intelligent Automation’s Untapped Potential for Government

Bots and cognitive systems can automate repetitive, routine tasks, freeing humans for more creative work.

To Wipe Out Corruption, Look to Philadelphia

The city went almost a decade without a single corruption scandal. What's its secret?

COMMENTARY

Stadium Shutout

Local governments are no longer as willing to take on the risky business of building a ballpark.

WHO SAID THAT?

“I am sorry if people took offense to it and perceived my message in any way insinuating support or condoning people being hit by cars. I perceived it differently. I perceived it as encouraging people to stay out of the street.”

MORE QUOTES

Buses, Yes Buses, Are 'the Hottest Trend in Transit'

Technology, declining ridership and changing demographics have spurred cities across the country to redesign bus systems that are more convenient. It's no easy task.

MOST READ

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    Why Obamacare's Much-Criticized Individual Mandate Is Likely to Endure (for Now)
  2. 2

    Trump Leaves Obama's Last-Minute Child Support Rule Alone
  3. 3

    Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval's 2015 State of the State Speech (Text and Video)
  4. 4

    The Next Big Technology to Transform Government
  5. 5

    Drinking Water Isn't Safe for Millions of Americans. It's Up to States to Fix.
  6. 6

    5 Obamacare Changes States Want, Ranked From Most to Least Likely to Pass
  7. 7

    Food Deserts and the Policy Power of Maps

Will the U.S. Supreme Court Take a Stand Against Partisan Gerrymandering?

Past rulings have "made politicians think there are no boundaries around what they can do." A Wisconsin case may lead to some limits.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

More than 24

Illinois state lawmakers who have either resigned this year or said they won't seek re-election, which is about 15 percent of the General Assembly and an unusually large exodus. Many have cited the state's political gridlock and increasingly angry citizenry as reasons for moving on.

MORE DIGITS

Drinking Water Isn't Safe for Millions of Americans. It's Up to States to Fix.

A new report documents what environmental advocates say has been happening for decades: The federal government fails to protect Americans from potentially cancer-causing chemicals. And they have little hope that will change anytime soon.

COMMENTARY

The Autonomy a School Needs for Success

In transforming its public-education structure and bureaucracy, Indianapolis is showing that there is more than one route to excellence.

Attica Scott Is Tired of Being the 'Angry Black Woman'

The first black woman elected to the Kentucky state House in almost 20 years says she gets the label sometimes for simply speaking her mind.

COMMENTARY

What Government Can Learn From ‘Best Places’ Employers

The companies that top the rankings have something in common: workplace practices that confirm employees are valued.

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Thriving Environment, Thriving Community

Fresh air, clean water and open spaces are fundamental pillars of a healthy community.

Incomes Are Rising in Most States, Yet Inequality Isn't Improving

The nation's median household income rose 2.4 percent last year, with significant increases in 30 states.

Food Deserts and the Policy Power of Maps

It's hard to fix a problem you can't see. So Maryland made its lack of healthy food options very visible.

COMMENTARY

Why Government Watchdogs Are Worried

Budget cuts and political retaliation, they say, are endangering their jobs and their ability to uncover information.

After 2016 Election Hacks, Some States Return to Paper Ballots

It's one of the ways states are trying to address growing concerns about the cybersecurity of voting.

• Top State Officials Join Bipartisan Fight Against Election Hacking
An empty Sears store.

As U.S. Economy Improves, Cities May Be Headed for Another Downturn

Cities still haven't recovered from the recession, and a new report concludes that they might instead be sliding into another fiscal contraction.