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Our New Look

When an established magazine changes its design, publishers call it a "relaunch." So it's perhaps fitting that Governing's premiere issue in its new look comes...

When an established magazine changes its design, publishers call it a "relaunch." So it's perhaps fitting that Governing's premiere issue in its new look comes out just as President Obama and the U.S. Congress are attempting a very different kind of relaunch, to jump-start the U.S. economy.

In this issue's special report on transportation , you'll learn more about how states, cities and counties can spend the federal stimulus money both quickly and wisely. With hundreds of billions of dollars on the way, you can be sure we'll be watching how the stimulus story unfolds all year long, both in print and on Governing.com.

Now let me tell you more about the new magazine. Over the past six months, we have been studying the changing information needs of our readers and the time restraints on public officials at all levels of government. The new format is crafted for readers whose busy schedules don't diminish their need to know the latest in their fields. The redesigned Governing delivers essential news and analysis with immediacy, yet in the sophisticated style you've come to expect of us over the past 22 years. Meanwhile, we're showcasing our first-rate editorial content with higher quality paper and a crisp, photo-driven look.

The magazine now is divided into three major sections. Up front is Politics + Policy, where you will find reports on the people and strategies shaping the most important issues from city halls to state legislatures. Then come the in-depth feature stories that have always been a hallmark of Governing's journalism. Finally, there is Problem Solver, dedicated to providing practical ideas for front-line decision makers. This includes the print version of the popular Idea Center page from Governing.com.

Creating new synergies between our print and online products was a driving force behind many of the changes in the magazine. Frequently, we will point you to our Web site to dive deeper into the subject you're reading about, whether it's health care policy, a new technology trend or ways to raise revenue. Also new this year, subscribers can join our editors for 18 online forums , where we will gather government experts to share their perspectives and experiences. Sign up at governing.com/xtras to meet your peers, exchange ideas and create an even stronger and more vibrant state-and-local-professional community.

We hope you like the changes and look forward to hearing your impressions. Please let me know how we are doing.

Beth Bronder is a former publisher at GOVERNING.
Special Projects