Governing: State and local government news and analysis
It depends on the quality of the program and on what the children would be doing if they weren’t in care. Both political parties have failed to capture these nuances.
Wisconsinites could expand the liberal majority on their state Supreme Court, which was majority conservative just a few years ago. And AI is all over political advertising.
The state required counties to sign 287(g) agreements and pressured cities to do the same. Some local sheriffs say it's making their jobs harder.
Restrictive land use policies mean higher housing costs in neighborhoods most in need of affordability. We need policies that promote enough housing for everybody.
The port of Long Beach is an engine for millions of jobs across the nation. Its CEO talks to Governing about managing operations through trade disruptions.
It’s not easy to figure out the exact cost of a service a city or county provides, but it’s worth the effort to get the most out of every public dollar spent.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is proposing a $1-per-ride fee on ride-hailing services to send more revenue to schools. Most state and local ride-hailing taxes support transportation-related needs.
The full impact of changes to Medicaid won't come into perspective until 2027. RAND researchers estimated how many could lose coverage in each state.
Avoiding it will result in missed opportunities. It’s critical to adapt to unpredictable challenges. Too often governments treat inaction as the safe choice.
Charter and school choice advocates celebrate the change as common sense and a solution to financial problems for charters. Critics see an attack on traditional public schools.
Higher gas prices aren’t the whole story. The more a state depends on oil, the more expensive life becomes for residents.
Crowded primaries could signal a weakening of African American political power, but a more open and competitive political environment could also be a sign of democratic health.
Utah is a solid-red state, but that doesn’t shield Weber County’s Ricky Hatch from election controversy.
They provide essential services, employ millions and are drivers of local economies. State and local governments can help their constituents by supporting a healthy and vibrant nonprofit sector.
A new study looks at what it takes for people to be truly economically secure — not just scraping by. The insights could help policymakers target their interventions.
States’ overall fiscal cushions are quickly eroding, leaving states with fewer resources to address widespread current and projected budget imbalances.
We’ve been trying for half a century to bring simple language to government communications, without much success. Speaking to people in language they understand is a high-return, low-cost investment.
States have been watching a digital advertising tax in Maryland that has been tied up in litigation for years. Utah thinks its new approach will work.
Complying with the new federal rules will be a challenge for states and contractors alike.
Left-leaning mayoral winners are getting a lot of attention, but in a few cities business-friendly moderates are showing strength.
If abruptly changing federal policy becomes a recurring feature, state and local governments will need to adjust how they govern, not just how they budget.
Over 10,000 kids voted in Connecticut’s Kid Governor election.
What state legislatures do is important, but process matters just as much. Local governments determine whether reforms unlock housing or quietly stall.
Innovative programs make them safer while enhancing opportunities for success after release. Some states are showing the way.
Household electricity bills were going up in almost every state long before gas prices became a worry.
The first Republican to lead the North Carolina Senate in over a century is seeking a recount in a primary where he trails by 23 votes. And a Chicago institution beats back a primary challenge.
A little-used state program is enabling landowners to set aside water for ecosystems in a system built on strong private property rights.
An overwhelming levy vote is helping the city move closer to ensuring every resident lives within a short walk of green space.
Oregon has one of the highest SNAP enrollment rates of any state. The One Big Beautiful Bill is likely to introduce new issues for administrators.
It’s more important than ever for state and local governments to get strategic about managing federal grants. Without better capacity and coordination, they risk missing opportunities.
