THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Some think the rollout of vaccines means we've turned the corner, but things are likely to get worse before they get better. Public officials have a role, and messaging is more important than ever.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
For months, protesters have been targeting government buildings and even the homes of public officials, with some making death threats. Their actions reflect a growing acceptance for political violence.
In 1800, the country struggled to survive its first transition of power between John Adams, America’s first one-term president, and Thomas Jefferson, thanks to political intrigue, chaos and panic.
With incoming President Joe Biden pledging to unify the country, author David French talks about the nation’s current divide, whether the country is in decline and the prospects for a lasting union.
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
After a record-breaking hurricane season, city planners in Florida focus on best practices to rescue affordable housing, while architects adopt new housing designs for the long-term needs of a changing coastline.
America uses tons of rock salt to de-ice roads, but the chemical is harmful to the environment and concrete. Emerging methods could reduce the need for machines, salt, and high snowplow budgets.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Political polarization has become so familiar and entrenched that we barely think how it came about. The backstory is more than a half-century long, involving race, media and a diverging economy.
The proportion of U.S. mayors who believe their police budgets last year were "about right,” according to the Menino Survey of Mayors. Most respondents didn’t support reallocating some or any police resources.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
When a small bump in salary costs more in needed social services than the pay hike brings in, something's wrong. Using broad partnerships, state and federal policymakers are beginning to address the issue.
Vaccines, a new presidency, a reshuffled Congress and a pandemic-shifted economy will transfigure the state and local fiscal landscape.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
The Wisconsin state senator has set a record of service that is unlikely to be broken. The 93-year-old lawmaker started his career when Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House and Alaska and Hawaii were still territories.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Around the country, legislative leaders are still scrambling to figure out the safest way to meet in person. At least a half-dozen legislators have died from COVID-19, with dozens more infected.
Book Recommendations from Officials Who’ve Been “In the Arena”
As 2020 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the numerous books that government officials from across the nation have recommended over the past several years.
