Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: A Tale of Two Revolutions
The printing press and social media democratized communication in their respective times. They both turned the order of things on its head — for good, for ill, and forever.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Why Cities Have More People but Less Clout
Cities have always gotten less than their share from states. As they've become wealthier and more Democratic, they've come increasingly under attack.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Government Has a Trust Problem. It Will Take Time to Restore
The route to trust in our institutions is through candor, competence and a clear sense of mission. Two examples, from Indiana and West Virginia, show how trust can be rebuilt one careful step at a time.
Maryland’s Digital Ad Tax May Receive Legal Pushback
Maryland made history last week, becoming the first state in the country to codify a tax on digital ads. The move would have a significant financial impact on big tech, but the bill will probably face multiple legal challenges.
Despite Security Concerns, Online Voting Advances
In nine states, some jurisdictions have allowed voting via computer or app.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
The Learning Agenda Every Public Agency Needs
It's an important tool for evidence-based decision-making and program management. Asking agency leaders one simple question can start the process of building it.
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
California’s Unplanned City in the Sonoran Desert
Slab City, a do-it-yourself, free-wheeling community, has been functioning to some degree for decades. Without any infrastructure or civic institutions, such as police or fire services, it exists by defying normalcy.
The number of new EV school buses that the Montgomery County, Md., Public Schools Board of Education has ordered, the largest single order of EV buses by any school district in the nation. The new buses will be implemented across the next four years.
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
The Promise a Local Politician Can Keep: a Clean City
Every neighborhood should be free of litter, debris and property- and housing-code violations. There's plenty that government can do, including helping residents understand their own role.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
46,218 News Transcripts Show Ideologically Extreme Politicians Get More Airtime
When far-right and far-left politicians get most of the media attention, it hurts democracy.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Evidence-Based Government Gets a Boost During COVID
As strains on public resources grow, a new center at the National Conference of State Legislatures shares lessons from evidence-based policymaking to help states make the most of programs and budgets.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Tyler Technologies Buys NIC in Monumental Gov Tech Deal
The acquisition, probably the biggest gov tech deal ever, would bring together a giant of local government software with a giant of state software. Here's how the deal came together, and what it might mean for gov tech.
Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: A Tale of Two Revolutions
The printing press and social media democratized communication in their respective times. They both turned the order of things on its head — for good, for ill, and forever.
