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Mortgage No More: Baby Boomers Who Rent Are On the Rise

In the past decade, there was a 43 percent increase in renters over the age of 60. The trend brings with it new challenges -- and benefits -- for cities.

As China Builds U.S. Transit Cars, Congress Seeks to Ban Them

The state-owned China Railway Rolling Stock Corp is building rail cars for some of America's biggest cities, prompting cybersecurity concerns and bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Vaccine Bills Make a Comeback Amid Measles Outbreak

As once-eradicated diseases return, more and more states are debating legislation that would make it harder, or easier, for parents to not vaccinate their kids.

Inside Trump's Budget: 6 Things State and Local Governments Should Know

The president's 2020 proposal would slash domestic spending by nearly 10 percent and increase defense spending by 5 percent.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom at a podium.

Why California Is Suing Its Own Cities

In one of his first moves as governor, Gavin Newsom is taking some cities to court for failing to address the affordable housing crisis.

Linda Darling-Hammond

What Linda Darling-Hammond's Appointment Means for Education

Democrats once fought to keep her from becoming Obama's education secretary. Now she's set to lead California's State Board of Education, where she could influence the national party's education stances.

SXSW 2019: A Governor and a Mayor Discuss the Future of Data

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and former Indianapolis Mayor Steven Goldsmith talk about how tech can change the public sector.

Building Booms and Busts: Where Housing Construction Is Up, and Where It's Slowing Down

In many cities, new homes are popping up twice as fast as normal.

America Has a Sewage Problem

Faulty septic systems are making pollution and health problems worse in much of the country. What we don’t know is how much worse.

As Hate Speech Pervades Politics, Many Politicians Escape Consequence

After making racist, anti-Semitic or homophobic comments, elected officials often stay in office, either by apologizing or attacking their opponents. But public servants may have a harder time keeping their jobs.

Where 'Bring Your Baby to Work Day' Can Be Every Day

A growing number of state agencies -- mostly in places with no paid family leave -- are letting public employees bring their infants to the office.

COMMENTARY

A Permanent Place for Data Analytics

In codifying its innovative operation into law, New York City has provided a useful guide for other localities.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

181 electoral votes

The representation by a multi-state compact to guarantee that the winner of the national popular vote becomes president. It would only take effect once 270 electoral votes are represented. Twelve states and the District of Columbia have joined the compact so far.

MORE DIGITS
COMMENTARY

The Growing Importance of the Arts to Rural America

Cultural activities are already contributing billions of dollars to struggling economies. Government has an important role in nurturing this creativity.

MOST READ

  1. 1

    Inside Trump's Budget: 6 Things State and Local Governments Should Know
  2. 2

    America Has a Sewage Problem
  3. 3

    As China Builds U.S. Transit Cars, Congress Seeks to Ban Them
  4. 4

    Where 'Bring Your Baby to Work Day' Can Be Every Day
  5. 5

    North Dakota's Massive Effort to Avoid Floods
  6. 6

    Why We Need to Rethink Misdemeanor Justice
  7. 7

    What Linda Darling-Hammond's Appointment Means for Education
COMMENTARY

The Key to Nebraska's Water Conservation Success

Other places should emulate the state's model.

WHO SAID THAT?

“A 'wow' moment in American legal history. It breaks open the seemingly impenetrable shield -- unjust and unfair -- enjoyed uniquely by the arms manufacturers.”

MORE QUOTES
COMMENTARY

A Vision for Getting Mental Health Care Right

There's a lot that state policymakers could do to move us toward treating it the same as physical health.

After Years of New Voting Restrictions, Momentum Swings the Other Way

Some states are still purging voter rolls and requiring IDs. But most are now looking to expand access to the ballot box.

Why Some Government Managers Make Less Than Their Employees

This form of pay inequity, referred to as salary inversion, is making it difficult to fill supervisor positions in the public sector.

Despite Teachers' Strike Success, Their Schools Are Still Funded Less Than a Decade Ago

For the first time since the Great Recession, most states have restored their education cuts. But the places where protests have erupted still have a long way to go.

North Dakota's Massive Effort to Avoid Floods

Fargo, North Dakota’s most populous city, faces the threat of flooding nearly every spring. It’s taken a lot of creativity and cooperation to agree on a solution.

Corporate Tax Deals May Be Public, But What Happens Next Is Often Secret

New research shows that it's not rare for companies to lower their job promises after accepting tax incentives from the government.

• Some Lawmakers Seek Multistate Ban on Corporate Tax Breaks

For More Citizen Engagement, One Town Turns to Video Calls

A Miami suburb might be the first in the nation to let residents participate in -- not just watch -- public meetings from anywhere they have an internet connection.

For a Glimpse Into Trump's New Era of Title X, Look at Texas

Years before the Trump administration's family planning changes, the state of Texas cut funding from reproductive health clinics. Low-income women felt the impact the most.

• With Title X Funding at Stake, States Join the Legal Battle
The U.S. Capitol

Senate Bill Would Stop States From Punishing People at Work for Missed Student Loans

Some states can revoke your job license if you fall behind. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio introduced legislation that would outlaw that practice.