Recent articles by Tod Newcombe from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87484082 Tod Newcombe -- Senior Editor. With more than 20 years of experience covering state and local government, Tod previously was the editor of Public CIO, e.Republic’s award-winning publication for information technology executives in the public sector. Eric Garcetti Faces Major Challenges as Next Mayor of Los Angeles http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-eric-garcetti-faces-major-challenges-as-next-mayor-of-los-angeles.html How will Eric Garcetti lead a city that's been stuck in the economic doldrums and suffered through four years of budget deficits? Air Service in Steep Decline at Small and Mid-Sized City Airports http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-air-service-steep-decline-small-city-airports.html The days of numerous flights from the nation’s small, medium and large airports are over. Bike Lane Battles Heat Up http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/gov-bike-lane-battles-heat-up-san-francisco-chicago.html Cities like San Francisco and Chicago are running into resistance from drivers as they try to meet demand for more bike lanes. Cities Ramp Up Data Projects http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-cities-ramp-up-data-projects.html Better ways of using data can speed up solutions to urban issues. But a number of traditional problems stand in the way. Complete Streets Policies Surge in Popularity http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-complete-streets-policies-surge-popularity.html A new report says 488 states, counties and cities now have a plan that calls for streets that are "safe for all users of all ages and abilities." Preservation Tax Credit’s Uncertain Future Puts Local History in Danger http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-preservation-tax-credit-at-risk.html The historic tax credit, which has helped preserve thousands of old buildings in cities across the country, is at risk of being eliminated. Tom Menino, Boston's 'Urban Mechanic' Mayor, Will Not Run for Re-Election http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-tom-menino-bostons-urban-mechanic-mayor-not-running-reelection.html After five terms, the city's longest-serving mayor will leave office at the end of the year. What Makes Grand Rapids So Grand? http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-grand-rapids-michigan-economy-rebounds.html The Michigan city is rebounding, and its secret to success includes partnerships and a regional agenda. Detroit’s Tax Dilemma, a Local Government Anniversary and School Success http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-school-success-detroits-tax-dilemma-local-government-anniversary.html Can one school revitalize a whole city? Cloud Computing in Texas, Chief Innovation Officers and Cyberthreats http://www.governing.com/columns/col-innovation-officers-cyberthreats.html News you should know about government and technology. Transparency, Social Media and Gun Safety http://www.governing.com/columns/col-transparency-social-media-gun-safety.html 4 ways technology can help make guns safer, 5 up-and-coming social media sites and more. The Mayor Had Chutzpah http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/The-Mayor-Had-Chutzpah.html Ed Koch, the lively, contentious mayor of New York City who died at the age of 88 on Feb. 1, left an indelible mark on the city where he lived and worked for most of his life. U.S. Cities Consider Capping Parking Spots http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/col-us-cities-consider-capping-parking-spots.html Cars are being kept out of popular pedestrian areas worldwide and the movement is coming stateside. When Will the U.S. Build Another Subway? http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/When-Will-the-US-Build-Another-Subway.html High construction costs have made it virtually impossible to build new subways. But we still need them. Chattanooga’s Internet Rise http://www.governing.com/columns/Chattanoogas-Internet-Service-Is-No-Choo-Choo.html Chattanooga, Tenn., has leapt to the forefront of cities with ultra high-speed broadband and has accomplished the feat in a surprisingly old-fashioned way.