Recent articles by Mike Maciag from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=130630338 Mike Maciag is Data Editor for GOVERNING. Millennials Face Hurdles Breaking into Public Sector http://www.governing.com/topics/mgmt/gov-more-millennials-going-to-private-sector.html To compete with the private sector and nonprofits these days, states and localities have to rethink their recruiting and hiring processes. How Governments Are Innovating Their Workforces http://www.governing.com/topics/mgmt/gov-public-workers-have-a-lot-to-be-happy-about.html 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. What the GAO Predicts for States and Localities’ Future http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/gov-gao-predictions-for-states-localities.html 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. New Jersey's Tax Incentives Soar as Job Growth Lags Behind http://www.governing.com/topics/finance/gov-new-jersey-tax-incentive-payoff.html Despite awarding nearly $2 billion in tax incentives, New Jersey's job growth trails other states. America’s Rural-Urban Divide is Growing http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/gov-americas-rural-urban-divide-is-growing.html 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. How Smaller Cities Hold onto Major Employers http://www.governing.com/topics/economic-dev/gov-company-towns-face-tough-decisions.html 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. Mexico City's Recycling Incentive: More Food http://www.governing.com/topics/economic-dev/sustainable-communities/gov-mexico-city-recycling-incentive-more-food.html 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. Governments Resisting the Urge to Merge http://www.governing.com/topics/mgmt/gov-governments-resist-urge-to-merge.html Despite strained finances, there’s been no significant shift toward consolidation in recent years. Unemployment Rates Drop in 37 States http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/gov-state-unemployment-rates-job-totals-october-2012.html Jobless rates fell in most states last month. View updated totals for each state. 2012 Elections Leave Few State Legislatures with Split Control http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/2012-state-legislative-election-results-map.html View updated results and maps for all state legislative races. California Unions Help Defeat Ballot Measure Targeting Campaign Donations http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/unions-defeat-california-proposition-32.html Voters rejected Prop. 32, which would have restricted unions from using payroll deductions to fund campaigns. Proposition 32 Represents Game-Changer for California Politics http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-proposition-32-california-ballot-initiative-targets-unions.html Several states have pursued legislation limiting labor unions' political influence in recent years. If California voters approve Proposition 32 next week, would be the most restrictive measure yet. Tax-Exempt Properties Rise as Cities Cope with Shrinking Tax Bases http://www.governing.com/topics/finance/gov-tax-exempt-properties-rise.html A comprehensive solution to replenish municipal coffers has yet to emerge. Ranking the Nation’s Worst Friday Afternoon Commutes http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/worst-friday-afternoon-rush-hour-commutes-american-cities.html Which areas have the worst traffic on Friday afternoons? View data for 100 metro areas. Is Bankruptcy a Viable Tool for Struggling Cities? http://www.governing.com/news/state/municipal-bankruptcy-policy-debate.html Panelists at Governing's Cost of Government summit shared their experiences with Chapter 9 bankruptcy.