How Generation X is Shaping Government

Local boards were designed to take politics out of education. But increasing politicization of the boards themselves has led to calls to eliminate them. BY Dylan Scott

California’s lieutenant governor, widely seen as a potential gubernatorial candidate, writes about the importance of citizen engagement in his new book “Citizenville.” BY

Many municipalities prohibit sex offenders from living near parks. L.A. and Miami are taking it one step further and calling patches of grass “parks” in order to rid their cities of the offenders who currently reside there. BY Dylan Scott

Most state lawmakers supplement their legislative job with one in the private sector. To reduce the conflicts of interest that inevitably arise from this, states are considering revising their ethics laws. BY J.B. Wogan

The laboratories of democracy have reopened after the recession. But they’re not delivering the results that most experts have been conditioned to expect from them. BY Alan Ehrenhalt

A case before the nation’s highest court could change the way citizens, journalists and entrepreneurs access government-held information. BY Paul W. Taylor

These demographics will have a profound effect on the needs of the country, and state and local officials need to take notice. BY

The legislation fizzled last year as Congress became mired in the fiscal cliff debate. But advocates are hopeful for a different result this time. BY Ryan Holeywell

As health care for the poor expands, so does the potential for Medicaid abuse. Three states’ experiences with fraud prevention give insight into its value. BY David Levine

The world needs water. Milwaukee not only has lots of it, but it also has transformed itself into a hub for water research and technology. BY Elizabeth Daigneau

Gov. Rick Perry often touts Texas’ economic success, which he attributes to lower taxes and fewer regulations than cash-strapped California. But if Texas is so compelling, why did Perry go to California looking for new companies? BY William Fulton

The historic tax credit, which has helped preserve thousands of old buildings in cities across the country, is at risk of being eliminated. BY Tod Newcombe

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. BY Mike Maciag

Coordination between public agencies and utilities will keep streets from being torn up, again and again. BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Healthy reserve funds allow governments to be careful and smart. BY Mark Funkhouser

Thanks to a little bit of luck and a lot of preparation, the state’s important computer systems and network withstood the storm. BY Steve Towns

When there’s public outcry over something -- whether it’s gun control or apartheid -- states and cities reevaluate what their pension plans invest in. But should they be social investing at all? BY Penelope Lemov