June 19, 2019
As Climate Laws Pass Elsewhere, Oregon Republicans Go to the Extreme to Not
The Trump administration is rolling back carbon dioxide emissions regulations. Meanwhile, states are divided on whether to raise their clean air standards.
June 11, 2019
Batteries or Hydrogen? Cities Weigh the Best Way for Buses to Go Electric
As transit agencies move away from fossil fuels, they are figuring out which environmentally friendly option is right for them.
June 7, 2019
Can America's Biggest Ports Go Green?
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have set an audacious goal: reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to zero.
June 6, 2019
First Bags Then Straws: The Next Front in the War on Plastic
States are wading into what used to be a local issue, and styrofoam containers are their next target in the effort to reduce waste that pollutes the environment.
May 29, 2019
The Revival of a Once-Bustling Airport
The airline industry has changed, forcing cities to rethink the role their airports play. Pittsburgh has.
May 28, 2019
Mayors Appear Increasingly Concerned About Infrastructure
More than half of mayors discussed it during their annual State of the City addresses this year -- double the number four years ago.
May 28, 2019
Is New York’s Plan to Fight Rising Sea Levels a Model for Other Cities?
“They’re trying to think from a new perspective. My hope is that we’ll see more of this boldness.”
May 23, 2019
In Tribe v. State Cases, Court Shifts Support to Native Americans
The Supreme Court, once feared by tribal advocates, ruled twice this year in favor of tribal rights. It’s set to decide another case soon.
May 14, 2019
Despite Funding Fights, High-Speed Rail Progresses in 3 States
The Trump administration is pulling some federal funding from California. But that project and others like it are quickly moving forward.
April 30, 2019
Will the Infrastructure Package Address Public Housing's Problems?
Roads and bridges get most of the attention, but America’s public housing is crumbling too, advocates told Congress on Tuesday.
April 23, 2019
Not Just Toll Roads Anymore: Governments Find New Uses for P3s
State and local officials are striking long-term deals with private companies to upgrade airports, college campuses and prisons.
April 5, 2019
Arizona Becomes the First to Recognize Out-of-State Job Licenses
Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill that makes it easier for people to move there by letting them automatically transfer their occupational licenses from other states.
April 1, 2019
States Worry About the Downside of Low Unemployment
Is the strong job market hiding a growing skills gap?
March 28, 2019
After NYC, Will Los Angeles Be Next to Consider Congestion Pricing?
Charging $4 to drive in certain parts of Los Angeles could cut incoming traffic and greenhouses gases by a fifth, according to a new study.
March 26, 2019
8 Ways to Improve State DOTs, According to Smart Growth Advocates
State transportation departments are often criticized for being too highway-centric. Here are some suggestions for changing that.
March 20, 2019
Suburban Atlanta Voters Block Transit Expansion
This marks the third time Gwinnett County has rejected a plan to expand the city's public transit. But advocates hope the defeat is only temporary.
March 12, 2019
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.
March 12, 2019
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.
February 28, 2019
Last Year Was the Deadliest for Pedestrians Since 1990
Pedestrian deaths continue to climb, even as other traffic fatalities decline. Nearly half of the deaths occurred in just five states.
February 26, 2019
45 Cents a Gallon? 20? 18? Midwest Governors Float Major Gas Tax Hikes
Three governors -- two Democrats and a Republican -- say the big tax hikes are needed to address their road and transportation problems.
February 19, 2019
Supreme Court Will Wade Into Clean Water Dispute
A case over a Hawaii wastewater treatment plant could redefine the scope of the federal law that regulates pollution in lakes, rivers, streams and oceans.
February 12, 2019
How Bad Is America's Infrastructure Crisis? Maybe Not As Bad As It Seems.
While the transportation industry is pushing Congress to pass a new infrastructure plan, a Brown University economist warns that new construction might not get the bang-for-the-buck that proponents claim.
February 7, 2019
State, Local Leaders Urge Congress to Act on Infrastructure Plan
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti both told members of Congress how they campaigned to raise their constituents’ taxes for infrastructure, and emerged victorious.
January 29, 2019
After Toxic Beaches and Waterways, Florida Eyes Septic Tank Upgrades
Officials increasingly want to move away from underground waste storage systems, which can leak chemicals that fuel toxic algal blooms.
January 23, 2019
Still Separate After All These Years: How Schools Fuel White Flight
Segregated schools aren’t just the products of segregated neighborhoods. In many cases, predominantly white schools are driving the racial divide.
January 23, 2019
How States and Cities Reinforce Racial Segregation in America
The black-white divide is still a major problem. Government policies are partially to blame.
January 23, 2019
How Housing Policies Keep White Neighborhoods So White (and Black Neighborhoods So Black)
Decades of local zoning regulations and land-use policies have kept racial segregation firmly rooted in place.
January 23, 2019
How Police and Anti-Crime Measures Reinforce Segregation
Cities' efforts to get tough on crime can make it harder for low-income residents to find good jobs and housing.
January 22, 2019
Speeding Kills, and Safety Group Says States Should Take It More Seriously
America has seen little progress in reducing speeding deaths for decades.
January 14, 2019
As Shutdown Stretches On, Transportation Officials Worry About Long-Term Effects
Local transit agencies are being hit harder than state highway departments. But the shutdown is only part of the problem for transportation funding.
January 9, 2019
Lead in School Water: Less Than Half the States Test for It, and Fewer Require It
Federal regulations neither require schools to test their water nor have a single health standard for drinking water. The resulting patchwork of state policies can have a big impact on how -- and whether -- they respond to lead found in water.
January 9, 2019
What's the 'Dutch Reach'? 2 U.S. States Adopt It to Save Cyclists' Lives
Changing the way Americans open their car doors can help prevent cyclist injuries and fatalities.
January 3, 2019
Master of the Middle: How America’s Longest-Serving Senate Leader Stays in Power
Maryland’s Mike Miller has been in charge for more than 30 years.
December 11, 2018
Citing Racial Disparities, Cities Rethink Punishment for Transit Fare Evasion
Should jumping the turnstile be treated as a crime or a civil violation akin to missing a toll?
November 27, 2018
Scooters Are Suddenly Everywhere. What Should Cities Be Doing About It?
Seemingly overnight, e-scooter companies have set up shop in more than 100 cities.
November 13, 2018
With Election Over, Transportation Advocates Eye 2019 Battles
Supporters of additional funding for transportation have plenty of reasons to smile after last week’s elections, but that doesn’t mean they can stop worrying.
November 7, 2018
Midwest Turns Bluer as Local Concerns Outweigh National Issues
A handful of Democratic wins in governors' races resulted in a Midwest that's more politically balanced than in recent years.
November 7, 2018
Transportation Funding Changes Fail at the Ballot Box
Voters in Colorado, Missouri and Utah rejected new money sources for roads, while Californians opted to keep a recent gas tax hike.
November 7, 2018
Voters Reject, Again, What Would Have Been the Nation’s First Carbon Tax
For the second time in two years, Washington state voters opted not to tax greenhouse gas pollution.
November 6, 2018
The Road Funding Policy That Doesn't Improve Roads Much
Voters in Connecticut approved a transportation "lockbox." But historically, they do little to address transportation funding problems.
November 6, 2018
As Federal Plan Nears, Florida Voters Say 'No' to Offshore Drilling
The Trump administration expects to release a new draft of the proposal to expand offshore drilling "by year's end." Meanwhile, Florida voters sent a message expressing their opposition.
October 23, 2018
In Governors’ Races, Potholes and Pipes Become Major Issues
Both Democrats and Republicans are talking about infrastructure investment on the campaign trail, but only one party tends to have more detailed and ambitious plans.
September 13, 2018
Fire Departments Struggle to Meet New Demands
The job of a firefighter has changed almost beyond recognition. That, combined with lagging pay and personnel problems, is making it difficult to recruit enough of them.
September 11, 2018
On Eve of Global Climate Summit, 19 U.S. Cities Launch Electric Car Effort
Their purchasing pledge is a small but symbolic step toward reducing greenhouse gases.
September 11, 2018
Transit Advocates: Is the White House Purposefully Delaying Project Funds?
Advocates say the Federal Transit Administration is sitting on nearly $1.8 billion that’s supposed to help build light rail lines, streetcars and subway improvements. Delaying these projects, they argue, could increase costs for local transit agencies.
August 20, 2018
To Be, or to Disband? A Question Facing Shrinking Towns
One official in Pennsylvania wants to make it easier for municipalities to disincorporate.
August 14, 2018
Can States Tax Gas Stations on Tribal Lands?
After years of fights between Washington state and the Yakama Nation, the debate is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court.
August 13, 2018
Out of Office But Not Out of the Conversation
Wisconsin's longtime transportation secretary stepped down last year but is still feuding with lawmakers.
August 1, 2018
Elon Musk Has Big Ideas, But Can Cities Make Them a Reality?
His vision for a network of tunnels in Los Angeles and Chicago shows that even the newest technology has its limits.
July 17, 2018
Rhode Island's Governor Isn't a Conventional Democrat. Will That Help or Hurt Her in November?
Gina Raimondo, a former venture capitalist with blue-collar ties who has made job creation her No. 1 priority, could face a tough reelection.
July 17, 2018
'People Are Literally Being Poisoned': How Sewage Problems in Alabama Got So Bad -- and Why Other States Should Worry
The state and county have failed to fix the unsanitary conditions for years, and at times threatened to arrest citizens over them. An outbreak of a once-eradicated disease has prompted the United Nations to get involved.
June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Deals Major Setback to Public Unions
The 5-4 decision -- that employees can opt out of paying fees to unions that represent them -- could invalidate laws in more than 20 states and significantly weaken unions across the country.
June 25, 2018
Along Stretches of Highway, States Eye New Ad Opportunities
Federal law makes it hard for states to capitalize on one of their biggest assets: their highway systems. But that hasn’t stopped state officials from trying.
June 13, 2018
Maine Tests a New Way of Voting, and Opts to Keep It
On Tuesday, the state became the first to use ranked-choice voting, a system that could prevent “spoiler” candidates from causing havoc in crowded races.
June 11, 2018
These Smarter Stoplights Could Be Lifesavers
New traffic signals in Detroit are designed to help pedestrians, cyclists and ambulances get through intersections, while helping traffic planners test safety improvements quickly.
June 7, 2018
How Long Can a State Go Without Repairing Roads and Bridges?
Mississippi is about to find out. Decades of neglect have closed hundreds of bridges, putting the state at the forefront of America's infrastructure fight.
June 6, 2018
In Governors Races, Republican Survives in California While Women Thrive Elsewhere
Tuesday's primaries were a win for the California GOP and women, who advanced in four of the five states voting on candidates for governor.
May 29, 2018
After Flint, Michigan Pushes Toughest Lead Water Rules in the Country
Michigan regulators want to eliminate lead service lines by 2040. But water utilities say that would be too costly, unrealistic and maybe even unnecessary.
May 23, 2018
Will Teacher Strikes Influence the Supreme Court's Union Ruling?
Comments about "labor peace" during the February hearing didn't attract a lot of attention at the time. But since then, labor protests have spread across the country.
May 17, 2018
Long Adversaries, Automakers Now Want to Work With California on Emissions
The Trump administration, though, doesn't appear willing to bring the state to the table when crafting new standards. That puts automakers in a tough spot.
May 14, 2018
Pedestrian Deaths Are Rising. One Big Reason? SUVs
Local leaders are trying to figure out how to respond to the growing number of SUV-related fatalities while more Americans are choosing bigger cars.
May 8, 2018
Nashville's Epic Transit Defeat Offers Hard Lessons for Advocates
The city's new mayor has vowed to start working on a new transit proposal, just days after voters rejected a $5.4 billion plan by a 2-1 margin.
May 2, 2018
Dockless Bike Shares Made a Big Splash. But Where Are The Riders?
In their first year, dockless bike-share services helped double the number of shared bikes on the street. But those bikes are barely used, compared to station-based cycles.
May 1, 2018
Who Ruined Illinois?
Everyone knows the state is a mess. It wasn’t always that way.
April 27, 2018
In Illinois' Ongoing Budget Crisis, She's the Woman Deciding Who Gets Paid
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza must determine who the cash-strapped state pays and who has to wait. A long-running feud with Gov. Bruce Rauner -- she calls him "a madman running this state into the ground" -- makes things decidedly more difficult.
April 23, 2018
'Pedal Pubs' Gain Popularity, Putting Cities on the Spot
Bar-hopping party bikes, which let a dozen or more people pedal through popular destinations, don’t fit neatly under traffic laws.
April 17, 2018
Supreme Court Not Sold on Ending Online Sales Tax Ban
The justices pressed attorneys on Tuesday about the potential consequences of overturning the court’s 26-year-old ruling.
April 11, 2018
4 Ways Uber Wants to Expand Its Services
Under CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, the company wants to partner with cities and be more than just a rideshare.
April 9, 2018
More Poorer Residents Are Driving Cars, Presenting New Issues for Transit Agencies
More lower-income households have access to cars now than they did before the Great Recession. That’s good news for their access to jobs, but it may cause cities to rethink their assumptions about transportation.
April 2, 2018
Transportation Tragedies Shine Light on Pedestrian Infrastructure Needs
Many advocates say the deadly bridge collapse in Florida and driverless car incident in Arizona show how poorly transportation networks handle pedestrians.
March 27, 2018
The Four-Letter Word Changing Daily Commutes
Paying an extra toll for rush hour driving isn’t a popular idea with many motorists. But its time seems to have come. Is it here to stay?
March 26, 2018
Washington Metro May Finally Fix Its 40-Year-Old Funding Problem
The transit agency has long been divided along regional lines. But it looks like local leaders may be able to put aside those differences to provide the troubled agency with long-term funding.
March 21, 2018
Both Illinois Candidates for Governor Avoid the State’s Most Pressing Issue
Neither Gov. Bruce Rauner nor his Democratic opponent, J.B. Pritzker, are keen on talking about a topic both wealthy men purportedly know a lot about: money. At least not as it relates to the state's perennial budget problems.
March 9, 2018
As Trump Threatens to Kill New York Tunnel Project, Its Leader Responds
"There’s an important principle here that affects not just Gateway but every major project in the country," says the head of the project that advocates call one of the nation's most crucial.
March 6, 2018
The Pact Changing How Governments Respond to Disaster
In moments of disaster, local and federal resources are rarely enough. But another answer is emerging.
March 2, 2018
Washington Governor Admits Carbon Tax Defeat
Gov. Jay Inslee couldn’t get the votes in time to pass one of his top priorities: a tax on carbon dioxide pollution. It would have been the first tax of its kind in the country.
February 26, 2018
Supreme Court Justices Clash, Again, on Public Union Fees
The high court revisited an issue that has divided its members several times. The viability of public-sector unions could hang in the balance.
February 26, 2018
California Could Upend City Building Rules in Bid to Make Housing Cheaper
Housing prices in California continue to soar, in part because many cities have discouraged dense development. That’s led to a big fight in Sacramento over whether the state should force cities to allow apartment and condo buildings near transit stations.
February 14, 2018
The Bike-Share Company Trying to Bypass Cities
Most dockless bike-share companies want to work closely with cities. In Florida, Ofo has bigger plans that involve the state.
February 13, 2018
Can Congestion Pricing Fix Traffic Woes?
An idea that flopped a decade ago -- to charge people who drive into the center of New York City -- now has powerful backers.
February 11, 2018
Trump Infrastructure Plan Wants to Stop ‘Overreliance’ on Federal Money
The president’s long-awaited infrastructure plan pushes state and local governments to spend more but offers them a smoother path to getting federal regulatory approval.
February 8, 2018
What's Holding Driverless Cars Back? It's Not Tech. It's People, Says Michigan Governor
The roll-out of autonomous vehicles will be gradual, Gov. Rick Snyder said recently. But that doesn’t mean states should wait to address some of the technology’s potential downsides.
February 2, 2018
Why Transit Ridership Is Falling (Hint: It’s Not Just Uber)
A new study, done in Los Angeles, suggests that higher car ownership is actually most to blame.
February 1, 2018
All Aboard? The Uncertain Future of America's First Privately Built Railroad in Decades
Some say South Florida's Brightline can serve as a model for infrastructure development. But first, it has to be completed and prove it can make money.
January 29, 2018
Mayors Skeptical of Trump Infrastructure Plan
Mayors gathered in Washington last week worried that the White House’s plan would drain their resources. But they were hopeful that the new money could come directly to cities, instead of through the states.
January 25, 2018
Costs Balloon for California's High-Speed Rail
Even though the project will cost $2.8 billion more than planned, Gov. Jerry Brown still thinks it's worth it: "It'll last for 100 years, after all you guys are gone."
January 22, 2018
Leaked Trump Infrastructure Plan Would Put Onus on States
At a time when many state transportation officials are clamoring for more financial help from Washington, an outline of the president’s infrastructure plan depends heavily on an influx of state and private funds.
January 16, 2018
In New Governors’ Cabinets, Diversity Is Priority
Ralph Northam and Phil Murphy, both recently sworn in, are already making history.
January 16, 2018
With Gas Taxes in Peril, More States Study Alternatives
The idea of charging drivers for the miles they drive instead of the gas they burn is not new. But states are still sorting out how it might work.
January 10, 2018
Trump Drops Florida From Offshore Drilling Plan, and Other States Ask: What About Us?
The Trump administration's sudden reversal on Tuesday sparked a backlash among the other state leaders who have voiced opposition to the plan to drastically expand oil and gas drilling off their coasts.
January 8, 2018
Vision Zero Touted as Traffic Deaths Hit Historic Lows in 2 Major Cities
The milestones come at a time for New York and San Francisco when the number of traffic deaths nationwide has been on the rise.
January 3, 2018
Cities Debut Semi-Dockless Bike Shares
A major bike share company is rolling out a new service that it says offers the best of both dock-based and dockless systems.
December 22, 2017
The Federal Tax Overhaul May Boost States’ Bottom Lines, But Some Governors Don’t Want the Money
Any new windfall for states is certain to set off a battle in legislatures about how to spend it.
December 11, 2017
Beyond the Bus: ‘Microtransit’ Helps Cities Expand Transportation Services
After several private companies tried -- and failed -- to deliver on-demand group transit, some cities are now building those services themselves.
December 8, 2017
As More Prisons Shutter, Governments Wonder What to Do With Them
Distilleries? Homeless shelters? Museums? There are lots of creative ideas for repurposing old lockups. But finding one that's good for the economy -- and wins approval -- isn't easy.
December 5, 2017
Don’t Rush New Sexual Harassment Policies, Some Women Lawmakers Warn
The Illinois legislature was one of the first in the country to confront the fallout of the #metoo movement. Lawmakers there worry that going too fast could result in faulty policies.
November 27, 2017
The GOP Tax Bills Are Infrastructure Bills Too. Here’s Why.
Congressional Republicans are pushing a major overhaul of the country’s tax code. Many of the ideas they’re debating could have a big impact on infrastructure.
November 13, 2017
Tickets? Puh-leez. There Are Lots of New Ways to Pay Bus and Train Fares.
With new technology, passengers get the convenience of using either their phones or a versatile fare card. But making things simpler for customers is no easy task.
November 7, 2017
As Gas Companies Prepare Pollution Settlements, New Jersey Voters Limit How They Can Be Spent
The state is poised to receive hundreds of millions of dollars from BP, ExxonMobil, Shell and Sunoco.
October 31, 2017
Inside the Crucial (and Costly) Fight to Fix New York’s Tunnels
One of the most expensive infrastructure projects in American history is also one of the most vital. But no one knows how to pay for it.
October 27, 2017
When Polluters Pay States for Their Damage, Who Should Benefit?
Poised for settlement money from gas companies, New Jersey voters will decide next month whether it should be spent on the environment -- or balancing the state budget.
October 23, 2017
Louisiana Voters OK Measure to Tighten Transportation Spending
The public approved changes to how future gas tax money can be spent. But it’s largely a symbolic measure unless lawmakers approve a hike in the state’s gas tax.
October 18, 2017
As Outcry Over Sexual Harassment Grows, Focus Shifts to State Legislatures
Women in state capitols are saying #MeToo.
October 11, 2017
Highway Funding Impasse Hits Home in Milwaukee
A major highway expansion is now on hold because Wisconsin Republicans couldn’t agree on how to pay for it.
October 9, 2017
A Month After Hurricane Irma, Florida Cities Are Still Struggling to Clean Up
Local governments and private contractors can't find enough people and equipment to haul away debris.
October 3, 2017
Supreme Court Appears Divided in Partisan Gerrymandering Case
At issue is how to decide when legislative voting maps are illegally partisan. At Tuesday's hearing, Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concerns about how the case could impact the "status" and "integrity" of the Supreme Court itself.
October 2, 2017
Dockless Bike Shares Are Here. Are Cities Ready for Them?
A new wave of companies could disrupt the way city bike-share programs are run.
September 25, 2017
As Disasters Grow More Frequent, How Should States and Cities Prepare?
While Texas and Florida recover from hurricanes, other communities are looking at what they can do to prepare for flooding and other disasters. We talked to an expert in disaster planning to get her advice.
September 18, 2017
Buses, Yes Buses, Are 'the Hottest Trend in Transit'
Technology, declining ridership and changing demographics have spurred cities across the country to redesign bus systems that are more convenient. It's no easy task.
September 11, 2017
Septic Tank Pollution in the Hamptons? It's a Problem Local Officials Are Trying to Solve.
After decades of avoiding the pollution they cause, New York's Suffolk County is finally taking on the issue.
August 31, 2017
Trump Wants States and Cities to Pay More for Infrastructure
The White House said this week that it also aims to cut red tape. Many state and local officials like the idea of less regulations but fear less funding.
August 28, 2017
Court Case in Maryland Could Threaten P3s Nationwide
A judge’s last-minute demand for new ridership projections for a light rail line in the Washington suburbs could make investors think twice about working with the government.
August 24, 2017
On the Texas Border, Building Infrastructure Is Hard. Critics Say It's About to Get Harder.
The state's budget cuts target "colonias," makeshift subdivisions of mostly poor people outside city limits.
August 14, 2017
Speeding Plays an Even Bigger Role in Traffic Deaths Than We Thought, Say Feds
The National Transportation Safety Board wants governments to crack down on speeding, which claims as many traffic deaths as drunk driving. But the hard question is: How?
August 10, 2017
States Hope to Make One of the Dirtiest, Deadliest Jobs a Little Safer
Garbage workers are killed on the job more often than police or firefighters.
July 24, 2017
How One of America’s Hottest Cities Is Making Summer a Little More Bearable
Dangerous heat isn't new to Phoenix, but its efforts to keep people safe in triple-digit temperatures are.
July 24, 2017
In Navajo Nation, Bad Roads Can Mean Life or Death
Native Americans who live on the reservation in Utah are used to having to fight for basic government services. But they’d at least like roads that can reliably transfer patients to the ER and kids to school.
July 18, 2017
On Infrastructure, California Goes Back to Basics
The state's transportation chief calls a new $54 billion transportation package monumental. But the projects it funds will be more mundane than monumental.
July 10, 2017
Greener City Streets Aren't Just About Traffic. They're About Rainwater, Too.
As cities push to become more environmentally friendly, transportation planners are being asked to consider how both traffic and water flows through their streets.
June 26, 2017
Why the Latest News on Marijuana and Car Crashes Has Some Experts Skeptical
Other studies have found no significant effect in the number of crashes since the first three states legalized marijuana sales.
June 26, 2017
The Idaho City at the Center of the Refugee Controversy
A refugee center in Twin Falls has endured many months of anti-immigrant hostility -- and emerged stronger as a result.
June 23, 2017
Cities Revive an Old Idea to Become More Pedestrian-Friendly
“Pedestrian scrambles” surged in popularity half a century ago. Some places are bringing them back.
June 12, 2017
Cities Are Trying to End Pedestrian Deaths. New Data Suggests They're Making Progress.
The Vision Zero traffic-safety campaign depends on using data to identify dangerous conditions. Now that data is getting even better.
May 22, 2017
Should Struggling Airports Be Turned Over to Companies?
St. Louis International could become the largest airport in the country under private control.
May 19, 2017
How a Lawmaker Who Created Colorado's First 'Public Lands Day' Is Celebrating
In another state.
May 12, 2017
New P3s May Finally Bridge the Digital Divide
Many municipalities are forming public-private partnerships to bring high-speed Internet to long-neglected places. Their approaches, however, vary widely.
May 8, 2017
Raising the Gas Tax Is No Longer Taboo In Many States
Nearly half the states have increased fuel taxes in the past five years, suggesting it's perhaps not the political risk it was once thought to be.
May 3, 2017
Iowa Farmers Won a Water Pollution Lawsuit, But at What Cost?
A utility's novel attempt to force farmers to curb pollution in rivers failed. Now the utility is on the hook for millions of dollars to protect the region's drinking water.
April 27, 2017
Can Road Rage Stop Colorado's Plan to Expand a Highway?
The state wants to expand an already hated highway in an impoverished Denver neighborhood. The neighbors are fighting back.
April 24, 2017
A New Idea to Fight Silicon Valley Sprawl
Critics say suburban headquarters for companies like Apple and Google contribute to traffic and sprawl. The solution may lie in better connections to transit.
April 10, 2017
Your Image of a Firehouse Is Probably Wrong
As the demands on fire departments have grown in recent years, modern firehouses have had to change with them.
April 5, 2017
The End of Local Laws? War on Cities Intensifies in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott, an outspoken critic of federal overreach, recently suggested that his state should adopt a "ban across the board" on local regulations.
March 27, 2017
Transportation Advocates to Trump: Where's the Money?
The president's budget proposal has many in the industry worried that he might break his promise to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure.
March 27, 2017
Walking While Black: New Research Examines Why It's So Dangerous
Non-white pedestrians die at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts. Recent studies suggest drivers' prejudices may be to blame.
March 13, 2017
To Speed Up Infrastructure Projects, Trump Revisits Environmental Regs
The White House's push to build more infrastructure -- and quickly -- will likely bring changes to some of the country's most iconic environmental laws.
March 9, 2017
Engineers Give America's Infrastructure D+, Again
But it's not all bad news. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that some types of infrastructure have improved.
March 9, 2017
In Unconventional Courtroom, a Little Respect Goes a Long Way
Brooklyn, N.Y., has one of the most innovative courts in the country -- not just for its approach toward defendants but also for its success in reducing recidivism.
February 27, 2017
After Flint, Feds and Some States Speed Up Time for Notifying Public About Lead-Contaminated Water
Before the new laws, utilities let residents unknowingly drink toxic water for months.
February 17, 2017
How a Brooklyn Brewmaster Helped Make New York City Safer for Pedestrians
The story starts with a trip to Scandinavia.
February 13, 2017
These Places Lost the Smart Cities Challenge. But They Say They Ended Up Ahead.
Even though Denver and Austin came up just short in the federal technology competition, both are moving forward with their ideas.
February 6, 2017
The Swedish-Inspired Way American Cities Are Trying to End Pedestrian Deaths
As dozens of cities try to emulate Sweden's success, they're learning what works and what doesn't.
January 30, 2017
As Gas-Tax Profits Decline, More States May Turn to Tolls
Some states are seeking to fill funding holes and potholes with toll money. But it's an uphill battle.
January 17, 2017
In Final Push, U.S. Transportation Secretary Calls on Leaders to Rethink Their Mission
Outgoing Anthony Foxx says the industry needs to work more cooperatively to plan for the future.
January 5, 2017
L.A.'s Mayor on Trump, the Irony of Urban Politics and 'Un-American' Ideas
Eric Garcetti has big plans for Los Angeles, and he's not letting the new administration get in the way.
December 19, 2016
Mayors Vow Not to Let Feds Trump Their Climate Change Fight
As the new administration likely backs away from Obama's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases, mayors are stepping up their efforts.
December 8, 2016
FEMA's Plan to Make States Pay More for Disasters
It's one of the many ideas and practices that Craig Fugate, the agency's outgoing leader, hopes the Trump administration will adopt. Among the others: rescuing pets.
December 6, 2016
Forget the Boot, Parking Enforcers. Meet the ‘Barnacle.’
Two cities are testing a new, safer way to immobilize vehicles when their drivers haven’t paid parking tickets.
December 6, 2016
Biden and Trump Agree on One Thing: LaGuardia Airport Needs an Upgrade
And it's getting one, in part thanks to the nation's largest public-private partnership.
December 6, 2016
LAX's Makeover Inspires Airport Changes Around the Country
Los Angeles is spending billions to revamp its airport. The move is spurring other cities to make similar investments.
November 22, 2016
Private Companies Face Big Fines for Commuter Rail Problems
As delays and safety issues continue on privatized transit systems, that arrangement is getting new scrutiny.
November 9, 2016
Nevadans Vote to Dismantle the State's Electric Monopoly
The ballot measure to make the state’s electric utility compete for business was backed by a group of heavy hitters in Nevada politics.
November 9, 2016
Unions See Spotty Right-to-Work Results in Alabama, Virginia
Business leaders and Republican legislators want to make laws that limit the power of labor unions permanent. In one state, they just did.
November 9, 2016
Washington State Rejects What Would Have Been Nation's First Carbon Tax
The ballot measure, which was meant to curb pollution, had even divided environmentalists.
November 9, 2016
Solar Measure Fails in the Sunshine State
Voters rejected a controversial measure that pit environmentalists versus electric utilities.
November 9, 2016
In Cash-Strapped States, Voters Protect Transportation Funds
Illinois and New Jersey are joining the growing number of states that restrict how transportation money can be spent.
November 1, 2016
Fixing the Nation’s Second Busiest Transit System, From Every Direction
Washington, D.C.’s Metro has many daunting problems, partially because of the unique way it’s funded and managed. Its new management
team is tasked with fixing all of them.
October 25, 2016
How State Elections Could Affect Road Funding
The victors in down-ballot races could determine what approaches states take toward fixing up rundown roads and infrastructure in the years to come.
October 24, 2016
Are Voter ID Laws Dead? That Depends.
Judges are starting to strike down the laws, calling them racist. But their survival depends on the outcome of the November election.
September 30, 2016
Race, Redistricting, Religion and Death Penalty Top U.S. Supreme Court's New Docket
An evenly divided court could decide the fate of many cases watched closely by state and local officials.
September 27, 2016
States May Downshift Regulations for Driverless Cars
The federal government told states to take a backseat. While some will likely listen, others may push their plans full speed ahead anyway.
August 30, 2016
In Flint's Aftermath, Water Will Run by New Rules
The water crisis in Michigan highlighted major problems with not just federal regulations but the way localities enforce them. That's all likely to change soon.
August 23, 2016
Big Transit Plans Go Before Voters in November
The proposals could reshape several large U.S. cities for decades to come -- if they pass.
August 18, 2016
In South Dakota, Voters Get Rare Chance to Transform Politics
Advocates around the country are weighing in on ballot measures that would drastically change South Dakota's elections, weaken the state’s Republican Party and send a message all over.
August 10, 2016
Coming Soon to D.C. Sidewalks: Delivery Robots
Washington, D.C., will be the first U.S. city to let a European company test its technology that replaces delivery drivers.
July 27, 2016
Some Officials Are Getting Schooled in Running Elections
At a time when the job of elections administration is becoming more complex and more scrutinized, a major university has started formal training.
July 26, 2016
Why Water in Schools Is So Susceptible to Lead Poisoning
New York is set to become the first state to require schools to regularly test their water for lead. But it's far from the only place with the problem.
July 25, 2016
Tim Kaine: The 3 Lessons I Learned From Local Government
Hillary Clinton's running mate is one of the few people in American history to serve as a mayor, governor and U.S. senator. (Oh yeah, he was also a city council member.)
July 15, 2016
The Week in Politics: New Kansas Voter ID Rules, Ferguson's Legacy and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
July 15, 2016
With Pence Pick, Trump Defies VP Traditions
Governors seem like obvious vice presidential candidates. But Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is only the second governor to run for VP since 1972.
July 11, 2016
Before Castile Shooting, Minnesota's Racial Justice Movement Was Already Underway
The governor said it's time to confront racism. Groups like Black Lives Matter have been trying for years.
June 28, 2016
Bike Share Isn’t Just for Big Cities
Smaller communities are increasingly adopting bike-sharing programs. But they look a lot different than those in big cities.
June 24, 2016
The Week in Politics: Presidential Politics Hits Statehouses, a Race to Replace a Convict and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
June 23, 2016
Why Columbus Won the Smart City Challenge
The Ohio capital beat out 77 other cities, including techie San Francisco, with its plans to use technology to solve transportation problems.
June 23, 2016
Why an Unmowed Capitol Lawn Could Be a Sign of Good Management
Sometimes the most efficient thing to do is to not do something.
June 17, 2016
Streetcars: If You Build It, Will They Come?
Slow to build and expensive to operate, streetcars could be the most maligned mode of transportation in America. Still, cities keep building them.
June 15, 2016
When Uber Leaves, What Happens?
Uber and Lyft have stopped or threatened to stop serving cities around the country. When they actually do, start-ups and riders scramble to fill the hole.
June 8, 2016
For Highways, a Quest to Draw a Better Map
Missouri is driving the push to make state highway maps more accurate and easier to update.
June 6, 2016
How Obama Changed the Relationship Between Washington, the States and the Cities
States haven’t been the willing political partners President Obama once hoped they would be. He’s found some ways to work around that.
May 24, 2016
Oregon Gets Company in Testing Gas Tax Alternatives
As the gas tax brings in less and less revenue, states are watching Oregon and California as they experiment with different ways to charge by mile.
May 20, 2016
The Secret to a Successful Bike Share
Seattle’s struggle to attract riders reveals what makes a bike-share program thrive -- or in the Emerald City’s case, barely survive.
May 11, 2016
New York City's Trying to Fight Gentrification Before It Happens
The city is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to help keep certain neighborhoods affordable. But it might be making things worse.
May 9, 2016
Is Fingerprinting Uber and Lyft Drivers Actually Safer?
Ride-hailing companies argue it's not, which is why they refuse to do it and are backing out of cities that try to make them. But security experts and public officials think otherwise.
May 4, 2016
Alabama’s One-Man Pension Show
He’s not the governor. He’s not a lawmaker. But thanks to the way he runs his state’s pension plans, David Bronner may be the most powerful man in Alabama.
April 29, 2016
The Week in Politics: Business Tycoon Upsets Utah Governor's Race, Where Veterans Are Serving in Legislatures and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
April 28, 2016
Massachusetts’ Unlikely Transit Team
The state’s secretary of transportation, Stephanie Pollack, is a liberal in a conservative administration and an advocate in an administrative post. But she’s making it work.
April 27, 2016
D.C. Commuters Could Go Airborne
The city may build an aerial gondola to shuttle people into and out of its oldest neighborhood.
April 26, 2016
Fingerprint Uber Drivers? Voters to Decide
How people in Austin, Texas, vote next month on background checks for ride-hailing drivers could have big consequences for cities across the country.
April 15, 2016
Can New Mexico Refuse Tax Refunds to Immigrants?
New Mexico is holding on to more than $4 million in tax refunds from thousands of undocumented immigrants. They're suing the state to get their money back.
April 8, 2016
Cities Create Their Own, Greener Transit Apps
In an effort to help people become less car-dependent, cities like Denver are getting directly involved in the creation of transportation apps.
April 6, 2016
Why Women Could Be the Key to Curbing Water Pollution
In Minnesota, women will be paid to persuade resistant farmers to care and do something about the state's increasingly polluted waterways.
March 23, 2016
Flint Investigation Finds State Most Responsible for Water Crisis
A panel appointed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder acknowledges missteps at all levels of government, but says the state's governor, agencies and emergency managers are chiefly to blame.
March 22, 2016
Study: 'Sharing' Services Boost Transit
Public transit rarely competes for riders with the likes of Uber, Car2Go or bike sharing. Instead, the different transit modes help each other.
March 18, 2016
The Week in Politics: Police Shootings Oust Prosecutors, Voter ID Gets Tested and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
March 7, 2016
In Preparation for Driverless Cars, States Start Upgrading Roads
Here’s what some places are already doing to accommodate self-driving and connected vehicles.
March 7, 2016
When Regulating Self-Driving Cars, Who’s at the Wheel?
In order for driverless cars to conquer the road, someone has to write the rules for their use. Right now, it’s not clear who that someone will be.
March 4, 2016
The Libertarian on the Court Bench
One of the nation’s most prominent libertarian legal activists is the newest member of the Arizona Supreme Court.
February 23, 2016
A New Route for Funding Bridge Repairs: Truck Tolls
Rhode Island is likely the first U.S. state to toll truckers and use the money to fix its bridges, which are in the worst shape of any state.
February 17, 2016
Compromise Ends New Mexico's Yearslong Battle on Immigrant Licenses
The deal between the governor and lawmakers makes the state's driver's licenses compliant with federal law and more secure but also lets unauthorized immigrants drive legally.
February 16, 2016
L.A.'s Library of Open Data Sparks Better Government
The city has created a path for other municipalities to make it easier than ever for agencies to share information with the public and each other.
February 3, 2016
Flint Crisis Renews Calls to Replace All Lead Pipes in America
There are more than 7 million lead service lines nationwide, and replacing them isn't easy or cheap. But Flint on Tuesday pledged to join the few cities that have gotten rid of the dangerous infrastructure.
January 26, 2016
With a Year Left, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sets New Goals
Anthony Foxx wants to tear down infrastructure that isolates communities and overhaul the way federal transportation funding is distributed to states and cities.
January 25, 2016
Did California's Jail Reforms Cause an Uptick in Crime?
After voters eased penalties for several common crimes, opponents claim the reforms have led to a crime wave.
January 15, 2016
New Software Makes Transit Planning More Like Video Gaming
The technology could help agencies make bus and train routes more efficient and spur more public debate.
January 13, 2016
In Final SOTU, Obama Provokes One of His Biggest Barriers: GOP Governors
Republican governors have fought the president’s vision for America since he first took office. But he continues to push even their most-resisted policies.
January 5, 2016
What’s Keeping Pennsylvania From Passing a Budget?
Just like in Washington last year, Pennsylvania state lawmakers are still struggling to produce a state budget and avoid a partial government shutdown.
December 22, 2015
The Town That Can't Seem to Govern Itself
Colwyn, Pa., is a perfect example of what happens when virtually every aspect of local government breaks down.
December 21, 2015
To Avoid Losing Millions, States Tweak Gas Tax Laws
States that tie their taxes to the price of gas are in a tight spot as fuel prices hit six-year lows.
December 4, 2015
The Biggest Victim of Weekly Newspapers' Demise: Good Government
Alternative weekly newspapers are going out of business all over the country, leaving a huge void in local government coverage. Who will scrutinize city halls now?
December 2, 2015
A Decade in the Making, Congress Strikes a Deal on Transportation Funding
Here's how the new bill, which has been signed by Obama, will impact states and localities.
November 23, 2015
Water Utilities Target Private, Leaky Pipes
Hoping to keep pollution out of the water, agencies are looking for ways to convince -- sometimes compel -- property owners to inspect and repair them.
November 17, 2015
The Best Way to Prevent Drunk Driving? That's Debatable.
Advocates and states disagree over the effectiveness of ignition interlocks, which are basically car breathalyzers, versus 24/7 sobriety. Congress, though, will soon weigh in.
November 16, 2015
Can Governors Block Syrian Refugees From Their States?
After the terrorist attacks in Paris, more than half of the nation's governors -- almost all Republicans -- refused to accept Syrian refugees. Whether they have the authority to do so is questionable.
November 4, 2015
In Swing-State Ohio, Voters Limit Political Parties' Power
With the support of both Democrats and Republicans, voters ended some of the tactics that political parties use to increase their advantage in redistricting. It could be a big deal.
November 4, 2015
Texas Approves New Road Funding Plan
Voters approved a way to increase transportation funding without raising taxes or tolls. But some say it's a bad approach.
October 29, 2015
Congress Acts to Avoid Commuter Rail Shutdown
To avoid a traffic nightmare for millions of Americans, Congress is giving railroads more time to install a safety system to prevent deadly crashes.
October 28, 2015
Inside One State's Longest Budget Showdown in History
Businessman Bruce Rauner, the first Illinois governor with no prior political experience, promised to "shake up Springfield." Now he and lawmakers are locked in the state's longest budget showdown -- with no end in sight.
October 26, 2015
Roads Are Getting a Redesign
The ‘complete streets’ movement is reshaping urban boulevards, small-town main streets and even rural highways. But there are still plenty of bumps in the road.
October 20, 2015
Louisiana Voters Split on Transportation Funding
Voters agreed to invest taxpayer money into infrastructure but rejected a measure to divert money from the state's rainy day fund toward transportation.
October 19, 2015
Gabe Klein on Government Experimentation, Uber and Self-Driving Cars
A leader in urban innovation in both the public and private sectors, Gabe Klein offers lessons for local leaders around the country.
October 9, 2015
After Years of Court Orders, California's Prison Population Finally Hits Target
The state's notoriously overcrowded prisons are finally seeing some relief. But it wasn't the state that catalyzed the change -- it was the voters.
September 23, 2015
Crowded, Crumbling Roads Take Center Stage in Louisiana Governor's Race
The candidates promise to improve the roads and traffic -- but they haven't said how they'll find money to do it.
September 16, 2015
The New Tool Helping Cities Build Sustainably
Before constructing new infrastructure, government agencies are starting to evaluate projects' potential economic, environmental and social impacts first to prevent problems down the road.
September 2, 2015
Disabled in DC: How Taxis and Uber Might Be Worsening the Paratransit Problem
Washington, D.C., is turning to taxi cabs to help improve disabled people's access to transportation. But advocates worry the move may prove pointless because it exempts the ride-hailing industry.
September 1, 2015
Disabled in DC: How Full-Time, Quasi-Public Employees End Up on Government Assistance
Most cities contract out for jobs driving people with disabilities. The people in these positions often earn low wages, work long hours and sometimes even qualify for food stamps and Medicaid.
August 31, 2015
Disabled in DC: Coping With Increasing Costs and Demand for Paratransit
The challenges that the nation's capital faces to provide accessible and affordable transportation for people with disabilities reflect a nationwide struggle to live up to the ADA's promise.
August 26, 2015
States Step Up Scrutiny of Oil Trains
Some states are looking to prevent more derailments and spills, but the freight industry doesn't want more regulation.
August 17, 2015
How Car-Centric Cities Learned to Love Light Rail
While other cities have struggled to finance their existing transit, Sun Belt cities like Phoenix have embraced light rail as a way to transform urban life.
July 29, 2015
After Winter Woes, New Board Takes Control of Boston Transit
Historic snowstorms brought the city's buses and trains to a standstill for weeks. Is new leadership enough to get the agency back on track?
July 27, 2015
Wrestling With Dark History, This Time in Minnesota's Capitol
Even in a state that helped defeat the Confederacy, legacies of the Civil War era are raising tough questions in the state capitol today.
July 13, 2015
Can Funny Traffic Signs Save Drivers' Lives?
Highway agencies are increasingly using humor and wit to try to get people to drive safer.
June 24, 2015
States Take Larger Role in Passenger Rail
A federal law enacted in the late days of the Bush administration is starting to force states to take a closer look at local Amtrak routes that they subsidize.
June 3, 2015
Virginia Discovers P3 Projects Might Not Always Save Money
After a few high-profile setbacks, the state that's been a model for others interested in public-private partnerships is tempering its enthusiasm for them.
June 1, 2015
Farmers and Cities Play the Water Pollution Blame Game
The White House finalized a rule last week to strengthen the Clean Water Act. But it doesn't resolve the fights going on between urban and rural interests in Iowa and elsewhere over how to clean up.
May 27, 2015
A New P3 Model for Building Green Infrastructure
One Maryland county is testing a unique public-private partnership that would not only save money but also help the environment and local economy.
May 18, 2015
States, Not Just Feds, Struggle to Keep Gas Tax Revenue Flowing
According to a Governing analysis, two-thirds of states' fuel taxes have failed to keep up with inflation, forcing lawmakers to revisit the politically fraught issue of raising taxes.
May 5, 2015
How Much Did States Spend Battling This Winter?
A new survey tries to quantify for the first time how much it costs state transportation agencies to cope with snow and ice.
May 1, 2015
Los Angeles Sets the Track for the Safest, Smartest Train
Cities are supposed to implement positive train control by the end of this year, but many are lagging. Los Angeles, however, got a head start years ago.
April 29, 2015
Next Move Is Congress' in Transportation Funding Saga
Transportation advocates all agree on the need to boost the country's spending on roads, bridges and transit. But they, like Congress, are split on how to pay for it.
April 29, 2015
Supreme Court Rules States Can Restrict Judicial Campaigning
"Judges are not politicians," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in a 5-4 ruling.
April 14, 2015
How Cities Are Trying to Combat Toll Traffic
Transit agencies and companies have tried raising toll prices at peak times, but even that's not keeping drivers away, so they're looking for new ways to reduce congestion.
April 10, 2015
In Cities and Suburbs, Nearby Jobs Are Harder to Find
For most Americans, especially the poor and minorities, the number of jobs near home is declining.
April 8, 2015
The First New Rail Bridge to Mexico in More Than a Century
The 15-year effort required help, money and patience from two countries, one state and a railroad operator.
April 1, 2015
Gina Raimondo Confronts Rhode Island’s Uncertain Future
Rhode Island’s first female governor won support for her leadership during historic snowstorms, but it’s unclear whether courts or lawmakers will side with her on major pension and budget issues.
March 25, 2015
To Boost Employment, Town Considers Joining Private Sector
In a bid to give more jobs to residents of Akron, Ohio, Mayor Don Plusquellic wants to create a private entity to help the city build $1.4 billion in sewer improvements.
March 5, 2015
Alabama Suffers Setback in Railroad Tax Case
The U.S. Supreme Court sided with a freight railroad in its efforts to avoid paying sales tax on diesel fuel, but the legal challenge isn't over yet.
March 4, 2015
Some Cities May Soon Make Contractors Hire Local
Mayors say the U.S. Department of Transportation pilot program would help boost their local economies.
March 1, 2015
Why Cities Hit the Brakes on Red Light Cameras
The use of the once-popular traffic devices has been in decline since 2013.
February 25, 2015
Why Transportation Agencies Need More Women Engineers
North Carolina is trying to recruit girls for careers in engineering not only to fill anticipated vacancies but also because hiring more women could make the roads safer.
February 11, 2015
How Bruce Rauner Could Weaken Public Unions Nationwide
Illinois' new Republican governor wants the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the constitutionality of public-sector unions' funding sources.
February 9, 2015
Raising Gas Taxes Gets Bipartisan Boost from Governors
Fueled by low gas prices and deteriorating roads, at least a dozen states -- Democrat and Republican -- are considering increasing gas taxes this year.
February 2, 2015
What Obama's 2016 Budget Means for States and Localities
The president's budget would be a boon in a host of areas but also includes cuts to popular programs.
February 1, 2015
Suburbs Struggle to Aid the Sprawling Poor
Poverty in suburbs now outnumbers poverty in cities, a shift that’s put a major strain on public services and is easily visible in Austin, Texas.
January 28, 2015
Michigan Sends Road Funding Proposal to Voters
After several years, Gov. Rick Snyder has finally convinced lawmakers to spend more money on roads. There's one hitch: The state's voters have to approve the deal in May.
January 22, 2015
U.S. Transportation Chief Urges Mayors to Make Pedestrians a Priority
With pedestrian and cyclist deaths on the rise, Anthony Foxx challenged mayors to make the roads safer for both.
January 15, 2015
7 Ways Self-Driving Cars Could Impact States and Localities
Officials discussed the upcoming challenges earlier this week.
January 6, 2015
What Governors Want from Washington
Governors are busy preparing their agendas for state legislatures, but they have a to-do list for Congress too.
December 22, 2014
Washington, D.C., Looks to Bridge Divide with Bridge Park
A proposal to build a park over the Anacostia River would add a new landmark to the nation's capital and maybe help unite a long-divided city.
December 4, 2014
Utilities Worry Water's Becoming Unaffordable
Water bills have increased faster than any other and show no signs of slowing down, hitting low-income Americans the hardest.
December 1, 2014
Should Judges Be Allowed to Court Campaign Donors?
That’s what the U.S. Supreme Court will decide in a case that could make judicial elections even more like other political races.
November 24, 2014
Is the Federal Parking Benefit Worth $7 Billion a Year?
Transit advocates say the commuter parking benefit increases congestion and disproportionately benefits wealthy workers. But getting rid of it won't be easy.
November 6, 2014
What Midterm Election Results Mean for Transportation
Several victorious governors promised to find more money for transportation, while the Republican takeover of the U.S. Senate may slow progress on a federal surface transportation bill.
November 5, 2014
Voters Split on Transportation Funding
Constitutional protections for transportation money passed with overwhelming margins in Maryland and Wisconsin, but a bid to create an infrastructure bank in Louisiana failed again.
November 5, 2014
California Reduces Penalties for Drug Use and Other Nonviolent Crimes
The state that once pioneered get-tough approaches on crime with its “three strikes” law is now headed in the opposite direction.
November 5, 2014
Massachusetts Rolls Back Automatic Gas Tax Hike
One of the biggest criticisms of the gas tax in most places is that it doesn’t keep up with inflation. Massachusetts voters decided they like it that way.
November 5, 2014
Oil-Rich North Dakota Rejects Conservation Funding Measure
Environmental groups spent nearly twice as much money as their opponents to set aside some oil revenue for protecting the land, but the ballot measure lost by a landslide.
November 4, 2014
Traffic-Tied Texans Tap Oil and Gas Taxes for Transportation
Voters approved a constitutional amendment to increase transportation spending.
November 4, 2014
Why Cyclist Groups Lashed Out on the Latest Bike Safety Report
An analysis by the Governors Highway Safety Association that called attention to an increase in cyclist deaths caused an uproar among bike advocates.
November 1, 2014
How Political Donors Are Changing Statehouse News Reporting
A growing share of statehouse reporting in state capitols across the country comes from conservative groups, blurring the lines between journalism and advocacy.
November 1, 2014
Occupy Activist Earns a Seat on the Memphis Transit Board
The Occupy movement may be over, but some of its activists are still gaining influence in local government.
October 28, 2014
Increase in Bike Deaths Prompts Concerns
Most of the fatalities in the past three years happened in a handful of states and were adult men, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
October 27, 2014
3 States Consider Ways to Maximize Transportation Money
Voters in Louisiana, Maryland and Wisconsin will all weigh in on proposals that, supporters say, will make existing transportation resources go further.
October 23, 2014
North Dakota Fights over How to Spend Huge Oil Revenues
Conservation groups want to use oil taxes to protect the state's environment, but schools, businesses and the oil industry have different priorities. Voters will decide in November.
October 20, 2014
Why Texas May Tap Its Rainy Day Fund During Boom Times
The state's economy is attracting 1,500 new residents a day, but growth is costing billions of extra dollars in road and traffic maintenance every year.
October 15, 2014
With Overcrowded Prisons, Californians Could Soften Some Crimes' Penalties
Law enforcement says Proposition 47 is the wrong way to lower the state's prison populations.
October 10, 2014
Will Another State Repeal Automatic Gas Tax Hikes?
After two decades of leaving its gas tax untouched, Massachusetts tied the rate to inflation. In November, voters could join the list of states that repealed the automatic increase.
October 1, 2014
The Long-Term Cost of Building Transportation Projects on the Cheap
Factoring in the lifetime cost of new construction is considered good practice in the transportation industry, but surprisingly few government agencies do it.
October 1, 2014
The Driver Behind Public Transit’s Transformation in Atlanta
Keith Parker took over one of the most beleaguered and least loved transit systems in America -- and almost instantly reversed its course.
September 23, 2014
States Are Actually Driving Transportation Funding Declines
According to a new report, states' spending on transportation has dropped far more than the federal government's in the last decade.
September 22, 2014
Railroad Tax Fight Lands on Supreme Court Docket
Millions of dollars of tax revenue are at stake in a long-running dispute between Alabama and CSX. The decision could affect state tax systems nationwide.
September 9, 2014
Moody's Predicts Huge Potential for P3s
Public-private partnerships are still relatively new for most U.S. states, but analysts anticipate they will become more common.
September 1, 2014
Facing Climate Change, Cities Come to the Rescue
Lacking substantial state or federal support, local governments throughout the country are using natural disasters as a way to get their infrastructure, personnel and budgets better prepared for the next.
August 25, 2014
To Prevent Long Power Outages, Communities Look to Microgrids
As severe weather becomes more common, microgrids are gaining popularity as a way to keep the power on at critical facilities during widespread blackouts.
August 18, 2014
Alaska’s Oil and Identity at Stake on Ballot
In a state with an economy and government reliant on diminishing oil revenue, voters will decide whether to repeal a law that's designed to spur oil development but help the at-times corrupt oil industry.
August 11, 2014
Flagstaff Funds Wildfire Prevention with Bonds
The Arizona city is likely the only in the country to pay for wildfire prevention with bond money and is being looked to as a national model for leveraging federal funds.
July 28, 2014
Missouri Tax Hike Splits Transportation Advocates
Missourians will decide Tuesday whether to raise the state's sales tax to boost transportation funding.
July 16, 2014
Obama Wants Localities to Prepare for Climate Change
The Obama administration is taking action to help state and local governments prepare for climate change and natural disasters.
July 16, 2014
Local Governments Divided over New Clean Water Rules
After court rulings muddied up the law, new federal rules seek to clarify which bodies of water have to abide by the Clean Water Act.
July 11, 2014
The New Reality of Statehouse Reporting
While newspapers continue to cut their coverage of state capitols, a new study shows students and nonprofits are picking up some of the slack.
July 10, 2014
A Quiet Revolution in Trash Trucks
Garbage trucks get as little as 3 miles per gallon, making them prime targets in cities’ efforts to trim costs and curb greenhouse gas pollution.
July 1, 2014
Why Would You Have a Highway Run Through a City?
That’s what a growing number of cities are asking themselves -- Syracuse being the latest that may tear down its elevated urban expressway.
June 30, 2014
Star Players in World Cup Watch Parties: City Governments
Cities across the nation have teamed up with professional and minor league soccer teams to host public viewing parties to cheer on the United States.
June 23, 2014
Road Funding Bills Get Cold Shoulders at Statehouses
With elections looming, state lawmakers mostly left transportation funding alone.
June 23, 2014
Atlanta Shows What a Senior-Friendly Neighborhood Looks Like
Regional planners showcased a neighborhood with easy access to transportation, health services and entertainment. But it only lasted two days.
June 17, 2014
Some Cities Are Spurring the End of Sprawl
A new report claims there's an historic shift in suburbs from being car-dependent to walkable places, blurring the lines between "urban" and "suburban."
June 13, 2014
Localities Want More Say in Transportation Spending
Two years ago, Congress cut local leaders' role in deciding how federal money should be spent.
June 4, 2014
Under Scrutiny, States Trim List of Bad Bridges
All but nine states have decreased the number of "structurally deficient" bridges since the fatal Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. But experts warn that if Congress doesn't find the money to continue or increase current funding levels, the number of troubled bridges could start climbing again.
June 1, 2014
Should Private Companies Like Facebook Pay for Public Safety?
After the Silicon Valley city that Facebook calls home slashed its police services, Facebook put funding down for a new police officer.
May 29, 2014
How States Make Infrastructure Budgets
A new survey highlights the different approaches states take to manage long-term construction budgets.
May 28, 2014
Report: Keys to Successful Public-Private Partnerships
Flexibility, public engagement and predictability help attract outside money for infrastructure, experts say.
May 6, 2014
Motorcycle Deaths Decline in 2013
Cooler weather contributed to the rare dip, but safety experts say universal helmet laws are the best way to save lives in the long run.
May 2, 2014
Governors Push for Reforming the Revolving Door of Fire-Fighting Funding
As states and localities burn through federal fire-fighting funds faster than predicted, they worry the federal government will once again cut fire prevention programs to make up the difference.
May 1, 2014
Public Sector Takes Sides in Patent-Troll Fight
Transit agencies and public universities have a lot at stake while corporate heavyweights clash over state and congressional efforts to rein in “patent trolls.”
April 29, 2014
Obama Administration Unveils Transportation Spending Plan
With the "Grow America Act," the Obama administration wants to spur Congress to find money for roads, rail and transit before the federal government runs out of transportation money this summer.
April 22, 2014
Transit Agencies Turn to Alternative Fuels
Both environmental and budget concerns are prompting American municipal transportation agencies to turn away from diesel.
April 21, 2014
Facing an Uptick in Earthquakes, Oklahoma Consults California
After a dramatic increase in earthquakes that puts it behind only three other states in seismic activity, the Sooner State is worried about its bridges.
April 14, 2014
Congressional Inaction on Road Funding Hits the States
Concerned that Congress won't find enough money for planned projects by summer, Arkansas and Tennessee have scaled back transportation work. Other states are pondering similar moves.
February 26, 2013
Red-Light Cameras Keep Popping Up Despite Public, Legislative Outcry
This year, lawmakers in 22 states have filed more than 100 bills dealing with traffic cameras.