Mike Maciag

August 9, 2017

Is Automation Anxiety All Hype?

Fears are spreading that automation will be a massive job-killer. But the extent to which that could be true depends on the region and industry -- and which researcher you talk to.

August 7, 2017

How Driverless Cars Could Be a Big Problem for Cities

The technology could signal the beginning of the end of parking tickets and other revenue sources. Some cities' budgets could take a big hit.

August 4, 2017

Local Government Hiring Slows So Far in 2017

Hiring has picked up in the past two months, but it's still far behind last year's growth.

July 27, 2017

Rats! The Regions With the Most Sightings

Several cities have intensified their efforts to combat rat infestations. It’s no simple task.

July 13, 2017

Auto Manufacturing's Slowdown Could Trouble Some U.S. Regions

The industry has been a key driver of the sector's job gains. See which metro areas could suffer most from expected job losses.

July 5, 2017

The Counties Where Housing Is Booming

New estimates show areas of the country experiencing large increases in housing units.

July 1, 2017

What America’s ‘Baby Bust’ Means for Public Policy

Birth rates are at a historic low. If they don't rebound, the effects will be felt outside the family.

June 22, 2017

States Where Each Generation of Americans Is Growing, Declining

Newly released Census data show different shifts in millennial, Generation X and baby boomer populations across states.

June 7, 2017

These Metro Areas Had the Top Job Gains Over the Past Year

Metro areas around the country have been adding jobs. But some regional economies have seen especially sharp gains in recent months.

June 1, 2017

Population Growth Shifts to Suburban America

Suburban counties are once again gaining population at the expense of the cities around them. What does that mean for urban areas?

May 22, 2017

How Much Do States Rely on Federal Funding?

There's a wide range of dependence across and within the states. Here's a state-by-state look at how welfare, education and roads could be impacted by the next budget that Trump signs.

May 19, 2017

Fewer People Are Getting Degrees in Public Service

It's hard to say, though, whether this is a temporary adjustment or a long-term trend.

May 15, 2017

Without More Census Funding, Disadvantaged Communities Risk Being Overlooked Most

Many predict severe, long-term consequences for the 2020 count and all the programs that rely on it.

May 5, 2017

Local Governments, Schools Added 45,000 Jobs So Far This Year

The increase in hiring in April follows several months of weak growth.

May 5, 2017

Wages Have Started Growing, But Not for Everyone

While the rest of the workforce has seen wage increases, low-income employees haven't been as fortunate. There's also a divide among the states.

April 28, 2017

Most Special Districts Lag in the Transparency Department

Special districts are all over, and according to one of the first nationwide reports on them, most aren't revealing even basic information online about how they're spending public money.

April 24, 2017

How Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts Could Impact Employment Across the Nation

Contrary to popular belief, most federal employees actually work outside of the D.C. metro area. See where and how vulnerable regional economies might be to reductions.

April 12, 2017

Your Age May Indicate Your Impact on Racial Segregation

New research offers a first look at how migration patterns are influencing diversity.

April 5, 2017

The Uneven Recovery of Youth Employment

Only half of 16- to 24-year-olds had a job last year, and youth employment has rebounded in just a handful of states. Is the recession all to blame?

March 28, 2017

A Look at What's Driving (or Stunting) Income Growth in the States

Personal incomes rose overall last year -- but not as much as the year before and not at all in certain parts of the country.

March 23, 2017

Population Declines Accelerate in Many Large Urban Areas

The latest Census estimates show urban counties in the Northern U.S. and Midwest, in particular, are losing residents to the suburbs and Sun Belt.

March 20, 2017

Is Indianapolis Becoming the Silicon Valley of the Midwest?

Most places in America aren't adding many tech jobs. The Indianapolis region is an exception.

March 16, 2017

The Cities Where Autonomous Vehicles Would Be Most Practical

A new report suggests certain travel patterns make some cities ideal for the technology and urges officials to start planning for it.

March 13, 2017

When It Comes to Tax Incentives, How Transparent Is Your City?

A new report highlights major holes in local governments' online disclosure of how economic development dollars are spent.

March 8, 2017

How Many Jobs Can Governors Take Credit for Creating?

Governors can affect their states’ employment picture, but not in the way -- or with the speed -- that most people think.

March 7, 2017

How States Compare on a Critical Jobs Measure

Economists say the employment-to-population ratio for prime-working-age adults can be more reliable than the unemployment rate.

March 2, 2017

The Mythical Link Between Immigrants and High Crime Rates

Decades of research has largely rejected claims associating immigrants with higher crime. A new Governing analysis finds the same to be true for undocumented immigrants in particular.

February 17, 2017

Riding Transit Takes Almost Twice as Long as Driving

If transit systems want to attract more riders, they need to find ways to speed up the journey to work. See how the times compare in your metro area.

February 7, 2017

A First in Decades, More Businesses Are Closing Than Opening in Most Metro Areas

The little growth that is occurring is confined to a relatively few regions. See how your area compares.

February 2, 2017

Union Workers Continue to Disappear in Most States

They're least prevalent in the South and places with right-to-work laws. See how your state compares.

February 1, 2017

With Less State Aid, Localities Look for Ways to Cope

In much of the country, states are offering localities less financial help than they were before the recession. That won't change anytime soon.

January 26, 2017

Home Values Are Almost Back to Pre-Recession Prices

But as prices climbed, housing inventories have shrunk, making the market less attractive to homebuyers. See how your metro area compares.

January 24, 2017

States With the Strongest Job Growth in 2016

All but nine states added jobs but at a slower pace than the year before.

January 24, 2017

Study: More Corrupt States Have Higher Public Debt

The link between corruption and debt is particularly prominent for private projects, such as stadiums.

January 23, 2017

A Relic of the Recession: Fewer Local Government Workers

Our analysis shows the agencies and states that have suffered the largest payroll cuts.

January 17, 2017

Millennials Let Their Grandparents Decide Local Elections

Young people rarely vote in presidential races -- and even less often in mayoral contests. See which cities have the biggest generation gap in turnout.

January 6, 2017

A Bright Spot of December's Jobs Report: Wage Growth

Wage growth reached its highest level in seven years. But increases aren't being enjoyed by all segments of the economy.

December 20, 2016

Where Are Americans Moving? According to New Census Data, Utah.

A group of states experienced strong gains, while much of the Midwest and Northeast lost residents via migration.

December 8, 2016

Most States Are Combating Climate Change and Growing Their Economies

But a new report, released right after Trump nominated a climate skeptic to lead the EPA, shows that some states still have rising emissions.

December 2, 2016

The 5 Metro Areas Where Personal Income Is Rising Fastest

Incomes are rising nationwide -- but at a slower rate in rural America.

December 1, 2016

Struggling State Parks Seek New Ways to Survive

Budget cutbacks are forcing many of them to find more sustainable funding models. See how your state's parks are funded.

November 21, 2016

How Governments Are Tackling a Deadly Threat to Seniors: Falling

Fall injuries among older adults cost Medicare almost as much as cancer treatment last year.

November 17, 2016

From Police Shootings to Playground Injuries, Lawsuits Drain Cities' Budgets

Municipalities spend more than a billion dollars a year on settlements and claims from citizens. Some are trying hard to rein in those costs.

November 4, 2016

October Jobs Report: Local Government Hiring Slows

Meanwhile, state employment has changed little.

November 2, 2016

The Government Jobs That Are (and Aren't) Becoming Safer

New data shows some public-sector workers are suffering fewer injuries and illnesses, while others aren't experiencing any improvement.

November 1, 2016

States Increase Tabs They Keep on Municipalities’ Fiscal Health

Chapter 9 bankruptcies and debt defaults have driven a surge in monitoring -- and the localities seem to appreciate it.

October 28, 2016

What Each Generation Wants in a Workplace

When it comes to career development and job benefits, millennials, Generation Xers and baby boomers have different priorities.

October 20, 2016

How Many Police Officers Does a City Need?

There are many factors that go into staffing decisions -- some of which fail to take agencies' actual workloads into account.

October 5, 2016

Consumer Spending Rises Most in the West

Americans continue to spend more on almost everything, but money habits vary widely across the states.

October 4, 2016

For Some, 'Ban-the-Box' Laws Are Making It Harder to Get a Job

The laws are meant to make it easier for ex-felons to get hired. But they're having the opposite impact on some people who don't even have a criminal history.

September 21, 2016

GDP Growth in Many Metro Areas Still Stunted From Recession

Real GDP increased in most regions last year, but many have experienced little to no growth since 2007.

September 15, 2016

Demographics Can Spell Trouble for a City's Finances

New Census data shows some cities have a lot of residents who consume more public services than they contribute in taxes. That can cause fiscal problems down the road.

September 9, 2016

Is There Really a ‘Ferguson Effect’?

Some say police officers are increasingly reluctant to intervene in dangerous situations, fueling a crime wave in cities throughout the nation. Others say that's just not true.

September 2, 2016

Jobs Report: Local Government Employment Picking Up

The sector added more jobs in recent months, but it still hasn't recovered from cuts during the recession.

September 1, 2016

The Metro Areas With More New Businesses

Younger companies are crucial to creating jobs and promoting innovation in local economies.

August 26, 2016

Displaced Workers Faring Better, But Many Remain Unemployed

New data on displaced workers shows that those in the South have had the hardest time finding new jobs.

August 18, 2016

Landing a Summer Job Is Getting a Little Easier -- For Some

While slightly more young Americans got jobs this summer, they're not working nearly as often as they used to.

August 16, 2016

The States That Spend the Most (and the Least) on Education

Several factors are behind the drastic differences in funding.

August 12, 2016

Who Crime Victims Are and How They View Justice Reform

Key takeaways from recent surveys about crime's impact on victims.

August 5, 2016

Local Governments Record Hiring Uptick in July

They added the most jobs last month in a year. But employment for the sector is still well below prior levels.

August 5, 2016

Whose Park Is It Anyway?

America's largest state park is a battleground between conservation activists and small towns desperate for development.

August 4, 2016

How a Theme Park's Closure Devastated a Tiny New York Town

Frontier Town was the lifeblood of North Hudson, N.Y.'s economy. Now, like much of the town, it's empty.

August 4, 2016

Jobs Key to Economic Growth Expanding Unevenly Across U.S.

According to a new report, some regions are adding high-skill, high-paying jobs, while others are seeing them decline.

August 3, 2016

Where the Cost of Housing Is Rising the Fastest

In the priciest markets, some are spending nearly half their income on rent or mortgage. See how your area compares.

August 1, 2016

'Island' School Districts: A Story of Haves and Have Nots

School districts completely surrounded by a single larger district often have vast disparities.

July 26, 2016

Gov2Gov: The Lobbying That Falls Under the Radar

Cities, counties and states put a lot of effort -- and money -- into lobbying other levels of government.

July 22, 2016

States With Top Job Growth in the First Half of 2016

The latest employment estimates show the biggest gains in the West.

July 19, 2016

States Where Government Workers Are Most Prevalent

There's a wide variation in the numbers of public employees and how much they cost in each state. See how yours compares.

July 14, 2016

What U.S. Mayors Care About Most

A review of the year's State of the City speeches details their top priorities.

July 7, 2016

Louisiana’s Budget Crisis Empowers an Unusual Group

In the midst of its biggest fiscal disaster in decades, the state is a good place to watch the evolving roles of freshman lawmakers and veteran lobbyists.

July 6, 2016

Where the Working-Age Population Is Declining and Why It Matters

Some counties are losing people in their prime working years, creating potential challenges for local governments.

June 20, 2016

ATVs and Public Roadways: A Deadly Combination

ATVs aren't built for roads, but more places are making it legal for them to drive alongside other vehicles anyway.

June 8, 2016

The Regional Job Credentials Gap

More and more employers are demanding college degrees -- but not all are created equal.

June 3, 2016

May Job Growth Was Slowest in More Than 5 Years

Government and most other sectors of the economy aren't adding many jobs.

May 31, 2016

The 'Silver Tsunami' Has Arrived in Government

Significantly more state and local workers are retiring or quitting, according to a recent survey.

May 19, 2016

Highlights From New Census Population Estimates

Seven of the nation's fastest-growing cities are in Texas, according to new data. See how population changes in your city compare to others.

May 19, 2016

The Daily Crisis Cops Aren’t Trained to Handle

Ten percent of 911 calls involve mental health situations that most police aren’t prepared to deal with, leading to sometimes tragic outcomes.

May 11, 2016

Where Housing Is Least and Most Affordable for Military Families

They move more often than most and tend to rent rather than own.

May 6, 2016

April Jobs Report: Gloomy for Public and Private Sectors

The economy added the fewest jobs last month since September. But there is a bright spot in the report.

May 4, 2016

The Metro Areas Most Lagging Behind in the Recovery

They have a long way to go for a full recovery.

April 21, 2016

'Fragmented' School Districts: A Complicated Issue

In much of the country, school districts survive even when they have few students. In an era of budget cutbacks, these districts are prime targets for consolidation.

April 20, 2016

How Energy States Could Better Weather the Boom-and-Bust Cycle

As major oil-producing states face budget shortfalls, a new report calls on states to rethink how they’re collecting and spending severance tax revenues.

April 14, 2016

Report: Minorities, Poor Residents More Likely to Have Their Driver's License Suspended

A new study highlighting racial and socioeconomic disparities in license suspensions is the latest call for states to make reforms.

April 4, 2016

Teen Driving Laws' Unexpected Impact on Crime

New research shows certain graduated driver licensing laws result in fewer teens being arrested for nontraffic-related crimes.

April 1, 2016

Local Governments Pick Up Hiring in 2016

The latest jobs report shows local government employment increasing, while state and federal employment stagnates.

March 29, 2016

Public Unions Claim Victory in Supreme Court's 4-4 Tie

The ruling lets unions keep collecting fees from nonunion members -- for now. The case is likely to be retried.

March 24, 2016

More Americans Flocking to Sun Belt

After a slowdown during the economic downturn, the great migration to the South and Southwest is back.

March 23, 2016

Uninformed Voters Are a Problem. This May Be a Solution.

A new award-winning website aims to better educate voters about downballot races, which people often know little (if anything) about.

March 10, 2016

Tax Revenues Are Starting to Slow in Most States

A new report details revenue projections for each state, showing that many will have sizable budget shortfalls to close.

March 7, 2016

Where Youth Unemployment Is Highest and Lowest

Young people were twice as likely to be out of work last year, according to new data.

March 3, 2016

How Immigrants Are Impacting the Cities That Want Them

In an effort to boost their economies, cities in the Midwest and Rust Belt have launched initiatives in recent years to attract immigrants. Are they working?

February 23, 2016

Despite Lack of Seat Belts, School Bus Fatalities Are Rare

Only a few regions experienced multiple fatal crashes in the last decade.

February 23, 2016

States Seek More Secure Seat Belt Laws for School Buses

Only one state follows the new federal recommendations for seat belts in school buses. That could change soon, but money remains an issue.

February 19, 2016

Why Are Traffic Deaths Rising?

After years of going down, road-related fatalities went up last year. There's two big reasons for that.

February 5, 2016

Job Growth in State Government Remains Sluggish in 2016

It's looking like 2016 will be another year with employment cuts in some states and little to no growth in others.

February 3, 2016

Life Expectancy Varies Greatly Within Cities

Just a few blocks away, your neighbors may be expected to live 20 years longer.

January 29, 2016

Unions' Presence Shrinks in Several States

The declines are happening mostly in places that enacted anti-union laws or had job cuts in heavily unionized industries.

January 28, 2016

In Growing Economies, Some People Are Left Behind

Despite recent growth in jobs and economic prosperity, a new report finds most low-income workers haven't benefited.

January 26, 2016

When It Comes to 311, the Customer Isn’t Always Right

As cities explore ways to use citizen complaints to enhance public services, research shows there are drawbacks to such data.

January 26, 2016

Almost All Police Departments Plan to Use Body Cameras

Even though every cop will likely wear a recording device in the not-too-distant future, a new report reveals there's little consensus about how to use them.

January 19, 2016

The States With Declining Populations

Why are some states losing people, even as the country continues to grow? Jobs, jobs, jobs (and, in some cases, aging).

January 8, 2016

Private-Sector Employment Grew 4 Times Faster Than Government in 2015

New data depicts weak job growth for all levels of government.

January 6, 2016

How States' Dependence on Corporate Taxes Has Declined

Most increased their reliance more on income taxes from people instead of corporations in the past few decades. View data for every state.

December 28, 2015

Where New Businesses Are Starting Up

New Census data show the areas of the country where more businesses are being established.

December 11, 2015

How Major Industries Are Driving Population Shifts

Particularly during a recession, a county's ability to attract and retain residents depends largely on what industries drive its economy.

December 11, 2015

Can You Find Me Now? Why Calling 911 Will Get Easier

Phones can detect your location, but emergency responders can’t. That’s all going to change soon.

December 4, 2015

How Public-Sector Employment Fared in 2015

All levels of government experienced weak job growth, while the private sector expanded five times faster.

December 3, 2015

A State-by-State Look at Traffic Deaths

The number of fatal car crashes fell overall last year. But in some states, they were on the rise.

December 1, 2015

Black and Out of Work: How the Recession Changed Government Employment

The public sector used to be a place of upward mobility for minorities, particularly black women.

November 25, 2015

How People Spend Their Time in Each State, in 6 Maps

As one may expect, Southerners devote more time to religion, while people out West play more sports.

November 20, 2015

How State Economies Are Performing

View the latest jobs data for states -- and trends over time.

November 13, 2015

The Most and Least Kid-Filled Cities

The percent of American households with children has slowly declined over the past decade.

November 13, 2015

What America’s Biggest Counties Have in Common

When Americans move, they generally stay within one region. But some of the most populated counties are attracting higher rates of new residents from far away.

November 6, 2015

The Latest State and Local Government Jobs Data

And how it has fluctuated in recent years.

November 4, 2015

Explaining the Cost of College Tuition in Every State

Tuition prices are influenced by far more than just state funding. View and compare differences for each state.

November 2, 2015

Where Can Families Live?

In many urban centers, families are finding themselves priced out of the market for housing large enough to accommodate them. Some cities are trying to fix the problem, but it’s not easy.

October 16, 2015

How Unemployment Rates Can Exaggerate States' Recovery

Politicians have been touting their states' low jobless rates as proof that they've bounced back from the recession. But unemployment only tells part of the story.

October 15, 2015

The Longer Americans Live Somewhere, the Less They Like It

The reasons for citizens' dissatisfaction vary from place to place -- but age isn't one of them.

October 7, 2015

The Top 10 Counties Where People Are Moving

Migration rates are near historic lows, but some places are still attracting large numbers of new residents. View data for every county.

October 2, 2015

How Americans' Spending Habits Have Changed Over a Decade

New data shows how much people have spent each year on health care, housing, transportation, education and retirement since 2004.

September 30, 2015

Ohio's New Ethics Strategy: Public Shaming Politicians

To deter questionable (but not necessarily illegal) conduct, the state plans to publicize when officials abuse their power.

September 16, 2015

How Consumer Spending Compares Across Metro Areas

View detailed data on what Americans are spending their money on.

September 4, 2015

5 Charts Showing How Nearly Every Age Group Is Less Employed

With one notable exception, all age groups are employed at rates below pre-recession levels.

September 2, 2015

How State and Local Construction Dollars Are Spent

Trends in spending on roads, schools, prisons and stadiums.

August 28, 2015

Where Police Don't Mirror Communities and Why It Matters

Minorities are underrepresented in nearly every large law enforcement agency in America. Some police agencies are now looking to change that.

August 21, 2015

The States Most Dependent on Sin Taxes

Taxing alcohol, tobacco and gambling isn't a good long-term revenue source. But states do it anyway.

August 18, 2015

Where Young People Found Work This Summer

A new report shows how many young people found jobs and the industries where they worked.

August 18, 2015

States Turn to Smokers for Band-Aid Budget Fixes

Fiscally and politically troubled states can solve some of their money problems by increasing cigarette taxes, but it’s no long-term solution. Here's why.

August 5, 2015

The Counties Where Wealthier People Are Moving

Long-awaited migration data show where people are relocating to and the wealth that they're bringing. View data for your county.

July 31, 2015

How Government Employment Costs Are Growing

The latest federal data illustrates how benefits are becoming more costly for states and localities.

July 21, 2015

Jobs Data for States, Halfway Through 2015

Nevada and North Dakota, once at the bottom and top of unemployment rates, are now seeing their situations reverse.

July 8, 2015

How States Are Confronting High Long-Term Unemployment

Numbers of long-term unemployed remain high in most states.

July 1, 2015

Millennials Remade Cities, But Will They Keep Living in Them?

Officials in several cities transformed by young adults try to predict their next move.

June 30, 2015

Where Neighborhood Inequality Is Most Severe

A new report assesses disparities across neighborhoods within each region. See how different areas compare.

June 25, 2015

A State-by-State Look at Growing Minority Populations

Minorities account for the majority of the population in only four states, but that's set to soon change. View updated data for each state.

June 24, 2015

Homeownership Drops to Lowest Level in Decades

A new report lays out why so many Americans are renting even though rents are rising nearly everywhere.

June 19, 2015

May Jobs Report Reveals Uneven Recovery

View how recent job growth compares for each state.

June 10, 2015

Police Aren't the Only Public Workers Wearing Body Cameras

Some cities have started equipping them not just to cops but also other government employees who often encounter confrontation.

June 3, 2015

The Recession’s Over, But Schools Aren’t Feeling the Recovery

New data suggests education spending remains below pre-recession levels in most states. View charts and maps showing trends for each state.

June 1, 2015

Lessons From L.A.'s Failed Fast-Food Ban

After Los Angeles banned the expansion of fast-food places in some parts, obesity actually increased.

June 1, 2015

Are Some Government Jobs Gone for Good?

In localities badly hurting for revenue, public employment may never return to pre-recession levels.

May 27, 2015

How States’ Job Growth Compares So Far This Year

While job growth mostly got off to a slow start, some states have fared well in recent months.

May 21, 2015

4 Takeaways From New Census Population Data on Cities

Plus, view data and estimates for dozens of jurisdictions.

May 20, 2015

What Background Checks Data Reveals About Gun Ownership in America

Most states ran fewer firearm background checks last year, but that's only part of the story.

May 6, 2015

States' Shifting Reliance on Income Versus Sales Taxes

Many states are weighing policies to shift their tax burden. View data showing how it's changed in each state over time.

May 1, 2015

What Cities Need to Close the Skills Gap for 'Smart Jobs'

"Advanced industry" jobs are expected to drive economic growth. But cities must invest in training and education to build a qualified workforce.

April 27, 2015

What People Want From Police Departments

A recent survey shows how Americans feel about the job police are doing and how they can improve.

April 13, 2015

What We Can Learn From the Police That Pioneered Body Cameras

Police across the country are being outfitted with body cameras, but managing all the hours of footage comes at a price and poses unintended consequences.

April 13, 2015

Why Health Depends Partly on Where People Live

Poor people are unhealthier not only because of their lower incomes, but also as a result of where they live.

April 3, 2015

Weak Government Job Growth, in 4 Charts

See just how far state and local government employment lags behind other sectors of the economy.

April 1, 2015

How Prepared Is Your Community for an Emergency?

A new survey shows the extent to which Americans around the country have taken measures to prepare for natural disasters or other emergencies.

April 1, 2015

Case Closed? How 'Solved' Murder Stats Are Misleading

Homicide clearance rates don't always mean what they seem to mean.

March 26, 2015

View New Population Estimates for Each County

New Census Bureau data shows which counties are gaining and losing residents.

March 17, 2015

States Start 2015 With Strong Job Growth

Thirty-nine states added jobs in January, while half recorded declines in their unemployment rates. View data for each state.

March 17, 2015

Which Companies Get the Most Federal Subsidies?

A new report tallies federal grants and tax credits across more than 100 different programs.

March 17, 2015

Why Some Public Pensions Could Soon Look Much Worse

A Governing analysis shows how a new accounting rule dramatically changes some plans' pension liabilities and will likely force many states to finally face their obligations.

March 13, 2015

Where Wages Are Lowest and Highest in America

Workers are feeling the pinch the most in the South and in areas highly dependent on the tourism industry. View data for nearly 200 metro areas.

March 4, 2015

What America Will Look Like Decades From Now

A Census report explores demographic shifts set to take place.

March 1, 2015

Workers Aren’t the Only Ones Waiting for Wage Growth

Decades of stagnant pay is costing states and localities tax revenue.

February 18, 2015

Survey Forecasts 2015 Public-Sector Employment

Most local governments expect to hire some workers, but more will not only continue to leave vacancies unfilled but also anticipate an uptick in layoffs.

February 3, 2015

Where Advanced Industry Jobs Are and Why They’re Crucial to Economic Growth

A new study takes a novel approach in identifying types of jobs vital to prosperity, finding some regional economies lag behind others.

February 1, 2015

Why Car-Free Cities Aren’t Right Around the Corner

Cities are trying to curb people’s driving habits, but most Americans aren’t ready to give up their cars.

February 1, 2015

Gentrification Has Accelerated Since the Millennium

Since 2000, urban neighborhoods have gentrified at twice the rate of the 1990s. View maps and data for the nation's 50 largest cities.

January 13, 2015

Counties Lag Behind National Recovery

A new National Association of Counties report depicts an economic recovery that hasn't yet been realized at the local level in much of the country.

January 1, 2015

The Suicide Crisis

The number of suicides in America is growing, particularly in the West, but the issue rarely garners attention from most policymakers.

December 5, 2014

Economy Records Strongest Job Growth in Years

Total payroll employment rose by 321,000 in November, but public-sector job growth remained unchanged.

December 3, 2014

The Biggest Drivers of Public Employees’ Rising Health Costs

A new survey examines the main reasons most government workers' health-care costs are increasing and how municipalities are responding.

December 1, 2014

Where More People Are Putting Down Roots

Having a high number of deeply entrenched residents helps shape the character of a city. See how your city’s population compares to others.

November 21, 2014

How States' Recent Job Growth Compares

See which states are adding more jobs and those that lag behind.

November 18, 2014

How Much State Prison Populations Are Projected to Grow

A handful of states expect their prison populations to shrink, but most expect growth, according to a new report. View data for each state.

November 13, 2014

America’s Most Internet-Connected Cities

For the first time, an annual Census survey measures local Internet adoption. See which cities have the highest rates.

November 7, 2014

How Poorly Government Job Growth Compares to Other Sectors

New data suggests job growth for state and local governments is among the slowest of any sector.

November 5, 2014

How Local Governments Are (or Aren’t) Examining Economic Development Dollars

A new survey provides a detailed portrait of how local governments use business incentives, finding many lack basic accountability measures.

November 4, 2014

Why Cyclist Groups Lashed Out on the Latest Bike Safety Report

An analysis by the Governors Highway Safety Association that called attention to an increase in cyclist deaths caused an uproar among bike advocates.

November 1, 2014

Broadband Expands into Rural America, But How Many Will Adopt?

High-speed Internet is finally starting to reach the nation’s most remote areas. Many residents, though, are slow to adopt it.

November 1, 2014

Aging Prisoners Shackle State Budgets

The nation’s graying prison population will strain the corrections system. There are ways to keep costs down, but they’re not often used.

October 22, 2014

Where Summer Crime Spikes the Most

Some places actually experience slightly less crime in the summer. But for those with big increases, what are police doing about it?

October 8, 2014

Banning Smoking in Public Housing Could Save States Millions

At a time when public housing agencies are increasingly considering smoking prohibitions, a new study shows that a ban would save nearly $500 million a year.

October 7, 2014

Asian-American Voters Could Swing November Elections

This fast-growing demographic group is largely ignored yet a sizable share hasn't decided how they'll vote, according to a new survey.

October 3, 2014

New Construction Pushing up Apartment Vacancies

See metro areas with the largest increases.

October 1, 2014

Voter Turnout Plummeting in Local Elections

Voter turnout for local elections has historically lagged but is getting worse, prompting officials to explore new ways to get people to the polls.

September 5, 2014

Updated Government Job Totals

See how each level of government employment has fared in recent months.

September 3, 2014

Where Employees Are Working Longer Hours

Many local economies experienced a shift in average hours worked, a key indicator for future job growth. View data for more than 400 areas.

September 1, 2014

Where Income Inequality Has Gotten Worse

Larger metro areas experience some of the highest income inequality, and since the Great Recession, it’s only gotten worse. On Thursday, fast-food workers in 100 cities protested for higher wages.

August 26, 2014

How Laid-Off Workers Are Recovering (or Not)

See charts and a few key takeaways on new data measuring how recently laid-off workers are faring across regions and industries.

August 22, 2014

Ferguson Relies on Court Fines for Major Revenue Generator

Some say Ferguson's increasing reliance on court fines to fund its municipal operations may have contributed to its residents' distrust in law enforcement and government.

August 18, 2014

A State-by-State Breakdown of New Jobs Data

See how each state's economy fared over the past month and year.

August 11, 2014

Report Examines Income Gaps Across Metro Areas

A new report highlights a wide wage disparity across many regions. See data for your area.

August 11, 2014

Neighborhoods with the Highest Pedestrian Death Rates

View maps of a few of the nation's deadliest places for pedestrians.

August 4, 2014

How Have Bridge Conditions Changed in Your State?

Last week marked the seventh anniversary of the fatal Minneapolis bridge collapse. Check out 20 years of bridge data for each state...

August 1, 2014

More Pedestrian Deaths Occur in Poor Neighborhoods

Many cities have made pedestrian safety a priority, but their efforts rarely focus on poorer areas, which have approximately double the fatality rates of wealthier communities.

August 1, 2014

The Implications of Older Housing Stock for Cities

Old homes can pose a unique set of challenges for local governments. View detailed housing data for hundreds of cities.

July 31, 2014

A State-by-State Look at Where Each Generation Lives

Millennials, Gen Xers and baby boomers' different needs and wants lead them to flock to different places.

July 31, 2014

Pedestrian Deaths in Poorer Neighborhoods Report

Full results and data for Governing's report on pedestrian safety in poorer neighborhoods

July 28, 2014

Are STEM Graduates Really Having Trouble Finding Jobs?

A recent Census report suggested many STEM grads don't work in STEM occupations.

July 18, 2014

States Recording the Largest Job Gains, Losses in June

Thirty-three states added jobs last month, while 17 lost them.

July 8, 2014

Where Government Employment Most Lags Behind National Recovery

Job totals have returned to pre-recession levels, but the public sector lags far behind. View data for every state.

July 1, 2014

Where More People Are Living in High-Poverty Areas

A record number of Americans live in high-poverty areas -- but they aren't necessarily poor themselves. View a map and estimates for each state.

July 1, 2014

The Citizens Most Vocal in Local Government

Citizen participation in local government is abysmally low, but a national survey shows what types of people are most and least likely people to speak up.

July 1, 2014

Houston Passes What May Be the Nation’s First Anti-Hoarding Law

Echoing the format of reality TV shows, the city hopes to address not just safety hazards but the mental illnesses that drive people to hoard.

June 16, 2014

The Current State of State Budgets

A new report shows how states are managing their money.

June 10, 2014

The Most Small Business-Friendly States, Metro Areas

A new survey shows how small business owners perceive their state and local governments in terms of "business-friendliness."

June 6, 2014

Local Governments Account for All Public-Sector Job Growth This Year

Meanwhile, the latest Labor Department data shows states and the federal government have shed workers.

June 1, 2014

Why Camden, N.J., the Murder Capital of the Country, Disbanded Its Police Force

In hopes of reducing the city's high crime rate, Camden, N.J., made a controversial and unprecedented move a year ago to replace its police force.

June 1, 2014

Immigrants Countering Population Losses in Many Metro Areas

Policymakers are looking to attract immigrants in an effort to offset some regions' population declines.

May 22, 2014

The Nation's Fastest-Growing Cities

According to new Census estimates, most cities continue to record steady population gains. View maps and updated data for hundreds of cities.

May 20, 2014

A State and Local Government 'Silver Tsunami' Has Begun

A new survey shows most governments are experiencing more retirements and also hiring more.

May 16, 2014

How to Appeal to Millennial Voters

Results of a new nationwide survey show Millennials’ attitudes on a range of issues. Read key takeaways from the report.

May 16, 2014

States Record the Biggest Job Gains in Years

Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia added jobs in April as the national economy had one of its strongest months in years.

May 9, 2014

Which Cities Have the Biggest Police Presence?

Police staffing levels vary greatly across U.S. cities, averaging about 17 officers per 10,000 residents. View and compare employment data for each jurisdiction.

May 8, 2014

How Long Must New Hires Work to Get Pension Benefits?

A recent Urban Institute analysis shows how many years new state workers will need to put in before earning pension benefits from their employers.

May 2, 2014

Jobs Report: Local Government Employment Keeps Improving

According to the latest Labor Department data, local governments are continuing to add jobs while state government payrolls remain flat.

May 1, 2014

Where Purchasing Power of Incomes Has Grown

Some of the starkest illustrations of the uneven recovery are shown by a new measure estimating real personal income. See how data for each metro area compares.

April 18, 2014

States Adding the Most Jobs in March

States reporting the strongest job gains last month included Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. See totals for your state.

April 11, 2014

Where Residents Are Most Satisfied with Their Communities

A new Gallup survey finds 85 percent of Americans are satisfied with the city or area where they live. Compare ratings for each metro area.

April 10, 2014

Where Americans Are Becoming Wealthier, Poorer

See how incomes have changed since the start of the recession for each county in America.

April 8, 2014

New Spending Transparency Grades Issued for States

A new report finds that while most state governments continue to post more spending data online, progress has been uneven. See how your state compares.

April 2, 2014

The Highest (and Lowest) Paying Jobs in Metro Areas

Wages vary greatly based on job types and where workers live. Review new data showing pay for hundreds of occupations based on metro area.

March 28, 2014

International Migration Driving Metro Area Population Gains

The Census Bureau’s international migration estimates include not only foreign immigrants, but natives and members of the military coming back home. View new population estimates for each area.

March 27, 2014

Where the Minimum Wage Has the Least Buying Power

While minimum-wage workers feel the pinch everywhere, it’s far more difficult to make a living in the nation’s most expensive urban centers. View data and read an analysis for more than 300 cities.

March 20, 2014

States with the Most (and Least) Government Workers

New data suggests Republican-leaning states are home to the highest concentrations of employees on government payrolls. View data for every state.

March 13, 2014

Where State Government Employment Has Dropped, Climbed

New data provides a detailed look at changes in state government employment. Read key takeaways and review data for each state.

March 7, 2014

Governments Record Positive Job Growth in February

After two consecutive dismal jobs reports, new Labor Department estimates mostly exceeded economists’ expectations.

March 5, 2014

Cities Consider Taxing Commuters to Drive Up Revenue

Taxes on commuters (and reverse commuters) represent a largely untapped source of revenue that cities may begin to target more aggressively -- particularly if they’re struggling. View data showing the cities with the most outside workers and reverse commuters.

March 1, 2014

Facing Obamacare Mandate, Governments May Turn to Temps

Many states and localities are cutting their employees' hours to avoid having to offer them health insurance. Some say they'll make up the workload by hiring more temporary workers.

February 25, 2014

Public Transportation’s Demographic Divide

People who use public transportation are disproportionately poorer than other commuters in nearly every U.S. city, according to an analysis.

February 24, 2014

States with the Most Minimum-Wage Workers

An increase in the federal minimum wage would have far greater effects in some states than others. View new data to see where workers are earning at or below the federal rate, which has been frozen at $7.25 since 2009.

February 20, 2014

Where Do People Spend the Most of Their Paycheck on Housing?

According to a new report, the share of households that spend more than half of their income on housing slightly declined last year – but the trend could be short-lived. View data for every state.

February 19, 2014

Survey Forecasts Better Public-Sector Job Market for 2014

Two-thirds of governments are expecting to hire this year, though not for very many positions.

February 7, 2014

Public Sector Records Worst Jobs Month in Over a Year

New figures show local, state and federal payrolls shed 29,000 jobs in January -- the steepest decline for the sector since October 2012.

February 6, 2014

Where Are Your County's Residents Moving to and from?

Regions in the southwest, Colorado and Florida added the most residents in 2011.

February 5, 2014

How Much States Lose to Corporate Tax Havens and How They Can Recoup It

A recent report finds that states lost $20.7 billion to tax havens in 2011 and tallies how much they can save by closing the offshore tax loophole.

February 4, 2014

What’s Behind States’ Population Growth?

Fifteen states experienced significant population increases last year. New Census estimates on migration trends and birth rates provide a glimpse into what's driving each state's growth. View data for your state.

January 29, 2014

Group Ranks How Well States Disclose Economic Development Subsidies

Some states lag far behind others in disclosing information online, according to a new report that reviews 246 subsidy programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

January 27, 2014

States Where Union Membership is Highest, Declining the Most

While union membership has slowly waned over the past several decades, some states are recording steeper declines than others.

January 23, 2014

Where Do Taxpayers Have the Highest Total Unfunded Pension Liability?

A new report examines pension liabilities for all types of retirement systems in select jurisdictions, showing sizable fiscal burdens in some cities.

January 23, 2014

Pension Reforms Push Employees Out the Door in Some States

An analysis of retirement data finds that pension reforms contributed to significantly more workers filing retirement paperwork in at least six states.

January 14, 2014

The Biggest Barriers to Small Business Growth

A new survey identifies the top political concerns and impediments to job growth for small businesses.

January 2, 2014

Parade Deaths Prompt Safety Recommendations for Localities

Some governments lack clear planning procedures and rules for parades. Read how localities can better prepare, along with a summary of recent parade accidents.

January 1, 2014

2014's Top 10 Legislative Issues to Watch

Plus six trending issues that could be big this year.

January 1, 2014

Snow: Every Budgeters’ Worst Nightmare

The unpredictability of snow doesn’t just drive citizens and public works crews crazy – it makes it nearly impossible for city officials to plan their budgets.

December 19, 2013

Cities Where Wages Haven't Kept Pace with Rising Housing Costs

With wages stagnant and housing costs rising, many Americans struggle to pay their rent and mortgage. View data showing each city's housing affordability burden.

December 17, 2013

Report Ranks States with Best and Worst Tax Administration

A new study by the Council on State Taxation compares states' tax appeals processes and procedural requirements. See how your state ranks.

December 13, 2013

The Most Walkable Cities and How Some Are Making Strides

Nationally, only a small fraction of people walk to work. But some cities' policy and planning efforts are making walking an everyday means of commuting. View data and maps for dozens of U.S. cities.

December 11, 2013

Report: Hunger, Homelessness on the Rise in Many Cities

A report finds many cities are receiving more requests for food and housing assistance, but expect fewer resources to meet the demand.

December 6, 2013

Government Job Growth Among Weakest of Any Industry

While private-sector employment may finally be ready to accelerate, state and local government job growth has been among the weakest of any industry.

December 3, 2013

States Make Turnaround in Higher Ed Funding

A preliminary survey by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities finds 37 states boosted fiscal year 2014 support for public four-year institutions. View data for each state.

December 1, 2013

The Public Employee 'Silver Tsunami' Looms for Governments

The long-anticipated wave of government worker retirements was delayed by the recession. But now, some agencies report signs it's starting to begin.

November 26, 2013

Spending Levels Rebounding for Most States, Report Finds

After declining last year, it's estimated that 41 states recorded spending increases in fiscal 2013. View up-to-date spending data for each state.

November 22, 2013

Which States Added the Most Jobs This Year?

In nearly half of states, job growth for 2013 has yet to top 1 percent. View a map with updated employment estimates.

November 19, 2013

Report: Economic Growth Slowing in Many Metro Areas

A new study finds a slowdown in economic growth for metro areas this year. View data showing projections for more than 300 areas.

November 19, 2013

The Most Dangerous Government Jobs and Why They're Riskier Than the Private Sector

Public-sector workers typically face a greater risk of suffering an injury on the job than other segments of the workforce. Read five key takeaways from new industry-level data.

November 13, 2013

The State of the Shrinking Postal Service Workforce

Despite its new deal with Amazon, it's unlikely the Postal Service will start to reverse years of workforce cuts. View data showing numbers of postal employees in each state.

November 8, 2013

Jobs Report: Federal Government Employment Continues Steady Decline

The federal government has now recorded monthly job declines every month since last September.

November 7, 2013

New Data Shows Housing Market Remains Tight

Listed housing vacancies remain low across the vast majority of metro areas, new Census estimates show. View areas with the least vacancies and historical data for each market.

October 29, 2013

Cost of College Continues to Skyrocket

The cost of higher education has far outpaced state funding, household incomes and inflation. Now, the president has put the issue back on the policy radar.

October 23, 2013

Where Are More People Putting Off Retirement?

Americans are still working longer than they used to. View data showing states where more people tend to remain employed later in their careers.

October 11, 2013

Report: Cuts to City Personnel Budgets Slowly Declining (Except Pensions)

Hiring freezes, furloughs and other personnel cuts are slowly beginning to taper off in some of the nation's cities, a new report finds.

October 10, 2013

Do States' Business-Friendly Tax Rankings Matter?

The Tax Foundation's ranking of states based on how business-friendly they are has generated a lot of attention, but a better rating doesn't necessarily mean a state has a stronger economy.

October 7, 2013

Student Interest in Public-Sector Careers Grows

Despite the bleak employment outlook and negative rhetoric, recent surveys suggest enrollment for public administration programs and interest in government careers has increased.

October 3, 2013

D.C. Area Workers Not the Only Ones Hit Hard by Federal Shutdown

Federal workers sent home this week aren't limited to the Washington, D.C., region. View states and agencies most affected by the shutdown.

October 2, 2013

Mapping the Nation’s Most Densely Populated Cities

View maps showing population density and land area for the 200 most populous cities.

October 1, 2013

Millennials Face Hurdles Entering Public Sector

To compete with the private sector and nonprofits these days, states and localities have to rethink their recruiting and hiring processes.

September 25, 2013

Who's Moving to Your State?

Each state’s new crop of residents varies significantly across demographic groups. See how those moving to your state compare to others.

September 12, 2013

Oil Boom Fuels Fastest-Growing Metro Area, But at a Price

Midland, Texas, ranks at or near the top of the list in every measure of recent economic and population growth. See how your area compares.

September 6, 2013

Government Employment Remains Stagnant in New Jobs Report

As the recovery drags on, state and local government payrolls aren't expanding.

September 4, 2013

What’s Behind the Drop in College Enrollment?

New data indicates colleges recorded a record drop in enrollment last year. We take a look at factors driving the decline.

August 29, 2013

A State-by-State Look at Flat Wages

Most segments of the workforce haven't seen wage growth in more than a decade. View maps and wage data to see how your state compares.

August 26, 2013

Public Sector Has Some of Oldest U.S. Workers

Industry observers warn that the public sector is ill-prepared for the departure of this large segment of the workforce.

August 16, 2013

Report: Travel, Tourism Workers Can't Afford Housing in Costly Metro Areas

Hotel, restaurant and travel industry employees often can't afford housing costs in travel destinations, a report finds. View rental and home prices for more than 200 metro areas.

August 13, 2013

Report Forecasts Slow Revenue Growth for States

View and compare states' revenue projections for fiscal year 2014

August 12, 2013

Can Governments Keep the Jobs Obama Saved?

The stimulus played a large role in propping up schools and other public-sector payrolls as agencies sought to stave off job cuts during the Great Recession. Where these jobs stand today, though, varies greatly.

August 2, 2013

State Government Employment Hits 8-Year Low

U.S. Labor Department estimates released Friday indicate state government employment has reached the lowest levels since May 2005.

August 2, 2013

Farm Bill Holds Fate of Food Stamp Program

The cuts and changes Congress has been weighing to the farm bill could knock millions off SNAP rolls and reverse years of progress states have made in streamlining applications. See data showing how each state could be affected.

August 1, 2013

How Governments Are Innovating Their Workforces

The results of a Governing survey paint a portrait of a public sector hard-hit by budget cuts, pay freezes and a lack of advancement opportunities. But employees have reasons for optimism.

July 31, 2013

How Satisfied Are Government Workers with Their Jobs?

A Governing survey of senior state and local officials paints a portrait of a sector hard-hit by budget cuts, pay freezes and a lack of advancement opportunities. But the news isn’t all bad.

July 30, 2013

Food Stamp Enrollment Still Climbing in Many States

While the economy recovers, SNAP participation hasn't yet fallen. View charts and updated data for each state.

July 22, 2013

Which States Have Recovered the Most Lost Jobs?

Last month marked the four-year anniversary of the end of the recession. While employment has returned to pre-recession levels in a few states, most are still far from recovering lost jobs.

July 17, 2013

Debate on How to Define Obesity Intensifies

Both doctors and public officials are aware of the limitations created by using body mass index to define obesity, which is now considered a disease. But no clear alternative has emerged.

July 11, 2013

Data Shows How Much Housing Costs in 29 Metro Areas

View updated housing data for select metro areas.

July 10, 2013

What Aging Population? 5 Areas Getting Younger

While the nation is aging, a few select areas are not only bucking the trend but may actually be getting younger.

July 2, 2013

Q&A: Departing Secretary on Transportation's Future

As U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood leaves office Tuesday, he sees a path forward for solving transportation's biggest problems.

June 28, 2013

What the GAO Predicts for States and Localities’ Future

A recent report by the Government Accountability Office finds a widening gap between projected revenues and expenses for years to come. Rising health and pension costs and less federal funding are just a few of the reasons.

June 25, 2013

As Internet Gap Narrows, Who's Most Connected?

How well-connected Americans are varies greatly across regions, racial groups and income levels. View data for each state.

June 21, 2013

Ohio, Texas, Michigan Added Most Jobs in May

View updated jobs data for each state.

June 20, 2013

States Awarding More Big Tax Incentive Deals, Report Finds

States have collectively awarded $64 billion in 'megadeals' after many pursued top employers more aggressively in recent years. View award totals for each state.

June 13, 2013

What Areas Are Growing Oldest the Fastest?

New Census data shows most regions are seeing their age 65 and older population climb. But for some jurisdictions, the growth has been far more pronounced than others. View new demographic data for states and counties.

June 12, 2013

When Your Government Job Isn't Yours Anymore

Tennessee is asking its 1,600 IT employees to reapply for their jobs. The state may learn from Colorado and Hillsborough County, Fla., which have both overhauled their workforces in this way.

June 11, 2013

Metro Areas with the Most Blue-Collar STEM Jobs

A new Brookings report finds that there are far more STEM employees in the United States than previously estimated -- and the demand is growing. View maps and data for metro areas.

June 11, 2013

The Implication of Long-Term Pay Freezes

Many public employees have waited years for salary increases, and recent surveys indicate pay freezes are continuing to persist. The implications have been far-reaching, from hindering employee retention to hurting morale.

June 7, 2013

As Feds Make Cuts, Local Government Employment Ticks Up

While the federal government began to feel the effects of the sequester, localities have added jobs in recent months.

June 6, 2013

Teacher Pension Systems Headed in Opposite Directions, Report Finds

A report published today examines projected retiree costs for three large school districts, evaluating cost savings of recent pension reforms.

June 4, 2013

Municipally Owned Bridges in Worse Condition Than State-Owned Ones

Bridges localities own are more than twice as likely to be considered structurally deficient as those on state roads. View detailed bridge inspection data for your state.

May 31, 2013

Christie's Bet on Tax Incentives Failed Expectations

Despite awarding nearly $2 billion in tax incentives, New Jersey's job growth trails other states.

May 28, 2013

States with Worst Bridges Face Uphill Battle

As transportation advocates push for bridge upgrades in response to the collapse in Washington state last week, it’s clear that some states have far more work to do than others.

May 23, 2013

Are Cities That Lost Population Making a Comeback?

New Census estimates suggest that many larger cities continue to see populations climb, including some that could be experiencing their first growth in years. View data for each city.

May 21, 2013

Education Spending Fell in 2011: See How Your State Compares

Per pupil spending fell for the first time ever in fiscal year 2011, with 21 states reporting declines. See rankings and totals for each state.

May 17, 2013

Which States Added the Most Jobs This Year?

View data showing changes in total employment for each state so far this year.

May 16, 2013

Areas with Most Commuters Reap Benefits and Costs

Many of the nation’s urban areas see their populations jump during the day with an influx of workers, requiring additional public services. View which counties have the most out-of-town commuters.

May 13, 2013

Which States Saw Voter Turnout Jump, Decline Most Last Year?

Thirty-eight states saw voter turnout drop last year, driven in large part by young adults and non-Hispanic whites heading to the polls at lower rates.

May 8, 2013

GAO Report Paints Bleak Fiscal Outlook for States, Local Governments

A new report by the Government Accountability Office forecasts a gloomy outlook for state and local government budgets, finding an ever-widening gap between projected revenues and expenses for years to come.

May 3, 2013

Jobs Report Exceeds Expectations as Unemployment Rate Falls

The economy added 165,000 jobs last month while the unemployment rate fell slightly to 7.5 percent.

May 2, 2013

Survey: Median Pay for Top Local Officials is $103K

A new survey tallies pay and benefits for chief appointed officials across the country, finding compensation varies greatly by locality.

April 29, 2013

Youth Unemployment Reached Record Highs: What Can Officials Do About It?

The number of out-of-work teens and twenty-somethings climbed to record levels during the recession. View data for each state.

April 28, 2013

America’s Rural-Urban Divide is Growing

Rural populations are shrinking as Americans migrate to cities and suburbs. As a result, rural areas are mobilizing to grow and convince residents to stay.

April 19, 2013

Midwestern States Suffered Most Job Losses in March

Most of the job losses last month were concentrated in Midwestern states. View employment data for each state.

April 19, 2013

The Feds' Loss is State and Local Governments' Gain

Public approval of state governments is at its highest since 2008, while views of Washington have plummeted to an all-time low, according to a new survey.

April 18, 2013

Suburbs Suffered Most Job Losses During Recession, Report Finds

The sprawl of jobs outward from downtown areas slowed during the recession. View data for 100 metro areas.

April 12, 2013

State Tax Collections Reached Record High in 2012

New census data indicates state tax revenues finally exceeded pre-recession levels. View revenue data and graphs for each state.

April 5, 2013

Government Employment Changes Little as Job Growth Slows

The U.S. economy added only 88,000 jobs last month, far below economists' expectations.

April 5, 2013

The Metro Economies Most Dependent on Manufacturing Jobs

Manufacturing jobs account for a sizable portion of the employment base in many regions. Read our analysis of the top 10 areas, along with data for more than 300 metro areas.

April 2, 2013

Survey Ranks Most (and Least) Small Business-Friendly States, Cities

A new survey of nearly 8,000 small businesses rates state and metro area business climates, providing clues to what these economic engines value most.

March 29, 2013

Unemployment Rate Falls in 22 States

View updated jobs data for each state.

March 29, 2013

How Smaller Cities Hold onto Major Employers

When a city’s economy depends on one employer, leaders will go to great lengths to make them happy. But to survive, towns need to attract new businesses.

March 26, 2013

Immigrant Population Growing Faster Than Natives in Many Metro Areas

New census estimates find international migration surpassed domestic population growth in 135 metro areas. View data showing which metro areas are welcoming the most immigrants.

March 26, 2013

New Transparency Grades Issued for States

A new report finds all 50 states now maintain online spending transparency websites. View grades issued for each state.

March 20, 2013

Data Shows County-to-County Migration Patterns

New census figures estimate where residents are moving across county borders. View data for your area.

March 14, 2013

Metro Areas in South, Western U.S. Record Largest Population Gains

Census data signals nearly all the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas are concentrated in the South and western U.S. View new population estimates for each area.

March 11, 2013

Which Transit Agencies Added, Lost Riders Last Year?

Data released this week finds Americans made a record 10.5 billion trips in 2012. View totals for 113 different transit systems.

March 11, 2013

State of the State Addresses: What Are Governors' Priorities?

We've summarized all the key issues governors talked about in their speeches to kick off legislative sessions.

March 8, 2013

State Governments Continue Slashing Payrolls

State governments cut 53,000 jobs over the past five months, with education employees being hardest hit.

March 6, 2013

Which Government Services Are Citizens Most, Least Satisfied With?

See how certain municipal services score in citizen satisfaction surveys.

February 28, 2013

Disability Rate Among Government Benefit Recipients Varies

Nearly a third of all beneficiaries of income-based assistance from the federal government or states reported a disability in 2011.

February 25, 2013

Visualizing Governors' State of the State Addresses

What words were uttered most often in governors' State of the State addresses this year?

February 21, 2013

Average Tax Refunds: Connecticut, Nevada and Texas are Highest

Rural states tend to have lower federal tax refunds.

February 13, 2013

Survey Signals Possible Public-Sector Hiring Rebound

State and local governments may start to hire, but employment remains below pre-recession levels.

February 10, 2013

Which Metro Areas Have the Most Graduate Degrees?

More Americans are earning graduate degrees. See how your area compares to others.

February 6, 2013

Group Grades Online Transparency for States, Local Governments

See how well state and local governments sites promote transparency.

February 1, 2013

State, Local Government Employment Remains Steady

View monthly changes in state and local government employment.

January 31, 2013

States Experience Disparity in Police Fatality Rates as Agencies Target Safety

An analysis shows fatality rates vary by state, with most deaths in the South.

January 31, 2013

Mexico City's Recycling Incentive: More Food

Mexico City has a massive trash problem that's partially caused by citizens' resistance to recycle. To encourage them to do so, the city gives residents food vouchers in exchange for their recyclable waste.

January 31, 2013

Report Identifies Top Job-Poaching States

Many states engage in bidding wars to pull companies into their region. A new report examines recent high-profile tax incentive deals.

January 30, 2013

States, Local Governments Prepare for Aging Population

A panel discusses how governments can prepare for the new wave of retirees.

January 27, 2013

How Do U.S. Health Costs Compare to Other Countries?

View an interactive map with health costs for each country, and read our first-ever International Issue online Feb. 1.

January 25, 2013

Report Grades Cities’ Spending Transparency Websites

A new report examines 30 cities' online transparency efforts. View scores for each local government.

January 24, 2013

How Rare Are Municipal Bankruptcies?

Local governments rarely opt to file for bankruptcy. View totals and bankruptcy laws for each state.

January 18, 2013

New York, New Jersey, Georgia Add Most Jobs in December

View updated job totals and unemployment rates for each state.

January 11, 2013

Gun Background Checks Skyrocket in Nearly All States

FBI Background checks for firearms jumped last month as calls for gun control intensified. View totals for each state.

January 8, 2013

How Well is Power Spread Across Metro Areas?

An index ranks metro areas by how well authority is consolidated or shared among municipalities.

December 28, 2012

Governments Resisting the Urge to Merge

Despite strained finances, there’s been no significant shift toward consolidation in recent years.

December 20, 2012

Spotlight Shifts to Mental Health and States' Funding Cuts

Many states' mental health funding declined in recent years, but now some lawmakers have focused their attention on the issue after last week's shooting deaths in Newtown, Conn. View charts and spending amounts for each state.

December 20, 2012

Census Bureau Releases 2012 State Population Estimates

View maps showing recent population changes for all states.

December 6, 2012

View State Government Financial Data Released by Census Bureau

View detailed financial figures for each state.

December 3, 2012

Group Rates Best, Worst Cities for LGBT Equality

A new report by the Human Rights Campaign assessing local laws policies for LGBT individuals.

November 29, 2012

Report: 21 States’ Pension Systems Not Fiscally Sound

A new report examines the financial health of state pension systems. View maps and data for each state.

November 26, 2012

Personal Incomes Rise in All Metro Areas, Most Counties

View charts and maps with new personal income data for counties and metro areas.

November 20, 2012

Unemployment Rates Drop in 37 States

Jobless rates fell in most states last month. View updated totals for each state.

November 16, 2012

Analysis: Redistricting Mostly Protected Incumbents in 2012 Congressional Races

Most U.S. House members easily won re-election last week. View partisan composition for each state.

November 7, 2012

California Unions Help Defeat Ballot Measure Targeting Campaign Donations

Voters rejected Prop. 32, which would have restricted unions from using payroll deductions to fund campaigns.

November 2, 2012

Jobs Report: Public Sector Employment Drops Slightly After Rebound

State and local government employment fell slightly in October after revised estimates indicated the sector rebounded in recent months.

October 31, 2012

Tax-Exempt Properties Rise as Cities Cope with Shrinking Tax Bases

A comprehensive solution to replenish municipal coffers has yet to emerge.

October 25, 2012

Which States, Districts Are Most Gerrymandered?

A new report examines redrawn Congressional districts, highlighting ones with unusual boundaries.

October 19, 2012

Unemployment Rates Fall in Most Battleground States

Jobless rates dropped in most swing states last month. View updated data for all 50 states.

October 18, 2012

Survey: Obama Supports State and Local Governments, Congress Does Not

A Governing survey finds most state and local officials believe the president's policies support their government, but far fewer feel the same way about Congress.

October 16, 2012

New Data Shows Where Americans Bike to Work

Recent census data indicates bicycle commuting has jumped in some cities far more than others. View interactive data maps for more than 400 localities.

October 12, 2012

Analysis Offers Path to Michigan's Economic Prosperity

Data shows how jobs requiring high educational attainment lead to a state's economic prosperity.

October 8, 2012

Revised Jobs Numbers Indicate Upswing in Education Employment

Revised figures in Friday’s jobs report show a noticeable jump in education jobs, with employment levels above last year.

October 4, 2012

Where Do Most Commuters Walk to Work?

Maps shows areas where most people walk to work with new census data.

September 28, 2012

Data Shows Where Workers Relying More on Public Transportation

See which metro areas have the highest share of public transportation commuters, according to new census estimates.

September 20, 2012

Income Gap Widens in 20 States, Census Data Shows

Census Bureau estimates released this morning show income inequality increasing across much of the country. View data for each state with our interactive map.

September 19, 2012

Is Bankruptcy a Viable Tool for Struggling Cities?

Panelists at Governing's Cost of Government summit shared their experiences with Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

September 13, 2012

Household Incomes Decline in 29 States

New data from the Census Bureau shows household incomes dropped in most states last year.

September 13, 2012

North Dakota Leads in Hyper-Local Government

The state, which has the most governments per capita, represents one of the nation's last remaining systems of hyper-local governance.

September 7, 2012

Local Government Employment Declines for 12th Month

Friday's jobs report marks a year of declining local government employment. Some, though, think the end of cuts is near.

August 30, 2012

Which States Have Most Fragmented Local Governments?

New data indicates no significant shift toward consolidation has occurred in recent years.

August 30, 2012

Mapping Baby Boomers Across the U.S.

View interactive maps showing each county's population figures for baby boomers and other age groups.

August 23, 2012

Full-Time Government Jobs Down, Part-Time Employment Up

New data shows many state and local governments cut full-time staff last year while adding part-time workers.

August 17, 2012

Unemployment Rates Rise in 44 States

The July jobs report shows an uptick in unemployment for nearly every state. View current and historical data for each state.

August 15, 2012

Are State Pension Funds Paying Wall Street Too Much?

A report suggests pension funds pay too much in fees for paltry returns. See how much each state pays Wall Street.

August 9, 2012

State Pension Assets Grew in 2011, But Large Gaps Remain

New census data shows how pension systems fared in 2011. View aggregate totals for each state.

August 7, 2012

Survey: State Budgets Stabilize, But Remain Vulnerable

Most states’ fiscal outlook for the rest of the year is stable, according to an NCSL survey. View maps with projections for every state.

August 3, 2012

The Best Days to Commute in Metro Areas

New data shows what day you chose to drive matters. View data showing the best and worst days for 100 metro areas.

August 3, 2012

Jobs Report: Governments Cut 9K Jobs in July

State governments cut 6,000 jobs last month, and localities haven't added total jobs in nearly a year.

August 1, 2012

States and Localities Take Hit in Libor Scandal

Recent allegations of banks manipulating the Libor rate have some governments considering legal action. But which municipalities were affected and how much did they lose?

July 27, 2012

Ranking the Nation’s Worst Friday Afternoon Commutes

Which areas have the worst traffic on Friday afternoons? View data for 100 metro areas.

July 25, 2012

Mapping Municipal Bankruptcies

A total of 27 cities and municipal agencies have sought bankruptcy protection since 2010. View a map with details on each filing.

July 20, 2012

Jobless Rates Rise as Calif., Ohio, North Carolina Add Most Jobs

Some states added jobs, but jobless rates increased for most states last month. View updated data for each state.

July 19, 2012

Some States Lag Behind in Internet Adoption

While Internet adoption has increased, some regions of the country trail others. View charts and data for each state.

July 16, 2012

Transit Accessibility to Jobs for Metro Areas Examined

A Brookings Institution study shows jobs are largely inaccessible to the nation's suburban workforce via transit. View data for 100 metro areas.

July 12, 2012

Government Construction Spending Plummets to Nearly 7-Year Low

While private-sector development has fueled construction industry growth, government spending has dropped to the lowest level since 2006.

July 3, 2012

July Fourth is Most Dangerous Day for Teen Drivers

Data shows more teenage drivers are killed on the holiday than any other day. View state totals for each month.

June 28, 2012

Population Growth Accelerates in Large Cities: Census

New census estimates show population is increasing in large cities faster than the nation as a whole, and the growth appears to be accelerating. View an interactive map with updated figures for the 1,000 largest U.S. cities.

June 22, 2012

How Do Americans Spend Their Time?

See how much time Americans work, relax or engage in other activities in an interactive chart with Labor Department data released Friday.

June 21, 2012

D.C., West Virginia, North Dakota Record Largest Education Spending Increases

New data shows education spending and revenues per pupil for each state.

June 14, 2012

Census Releases New County Housing Unit Estimates

How many housing units have been added in your county? View 2011 estimates released Thursday.

June 14, 2012

Analysis: Cities with More Walkers, Bike Commuters are Less Obese

A GOVERNING data analysis finds metro areas with more walkers or cyclists are strongly correlated with healthier weights. View our detailed data for each community.

June 8, 2012

What Cities Have Longest Public Stairways?

Some cities are home to many stairways, often hidden from public view. We list some of the longest.

June 4, 2012

Public vs. Private Sector Cuts: A State-by-State Breakdown

While most governments have made cuts, some states have added public sector jobs since the start of the recession.

June 1, 2012

Economy Slows as Employers Add Fewest Jobs in a Year

Employers added few jobs, while government employment remained mostly unchanged last month.

May 22, 2012

Which States Have Highest Injury Risk?

New Mexico residents are almost three times more likely to die from injuries than people from New Jersey. Check to see how your state ranks on injury fatality rates.

May 22, 2012

Traffic Firm Ranks Most Congested Corridors

As you head out of town for Memorial Day weekend, take note of where the nation's most congested corridors and cities are, according to a new study.

May 18, 2012

Indiana, Texas, Georgia Add Most Jobs in April

A few states added significant jobs last month. See how your state's employment has changed over the year.

May 17, 2012

Demographic Shift Underway: Majority of Babies are Minorities

Minorities now account for the majority of babies in the U.S. View new estimates of minority children for each state.

May 16, 2012

U.S. Ranks High on Internet Usage, Despite Slow Speeds

The United States may lag behind in Web speeds, but Americans use the Internet far more than those in other countries.

May 14, 2012

Labor Force Participation Declines in States, Inflates Jobless Rate

Many states have experienced large drops in labor force participation since the recession began. View historical data for each state.

May 7, 2012

Mapping Historic City Halls

View an interactive map of more than 600 city halls throughout the country.

May 4, 2012

Local Governments Cuts Accelerate in Jobs Report

Previous employment estimates showed local government cuts subsiding, but new figures tell a different story.

May 1, 2012

Use Tax Revenues: How Much Are States Not Collecting?

Many taxpayers opt not to pay use tax. View reported totals and estimated amounts uncollected for each state.

April 26, 2012

Average Credit Scores Vary Across States

An array of common indicators provide insight into a region's economy. A drop in credit scores can also explain a region's economic situtation.

April 25, 2012

Map: Personal Income Per Capita for U.S. Counties

View new and historical data on personal income per capita for each U.S. county.

April 18, 2012

Public Employee Salary Disclosure Survey

View results of GOVERNING's public employee salary survey.

April 18, 2012

Disclosing Public Employee Pay Troubles Some Officials

A new GOVERNING survey finds some public officials do not think their compensation should be public as governments work to make the information more available.

April 12, 2012

State Tax Collections Rise, But Growth Remains Slow

New figures show state revenues rose in FY2011, but remain below pre-recession levels. View data for your state.

April 11, 2012

Bicycle Commuting Gains Traction In Cities

Many city dwellers are opting to ride their bikes to work. See data for your area on our interactive map.

April 6, 2012

State, Local Government Employment Remains Flat in Jobs Report

The latest jobs report shows state and local government employment remained mostly unchanged in March.

April 5, 2012

2011 Population Estimates Show Gains in South, West

View 2011 population estimates for all counties and metro areas, released today by the Census Bureau.

April 3, 2012

2012 County Health Rankings Highlight Income Gap

While a myriad of factors determine a community’s overall health, a strong correlation exists between median household income and health outcomes, according to Governing’s analysis of data from the 2012 County Health Rankings, conducted by the University of Wisconsin and sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

April 2, 2012