Voices of the GOVERNING Institute
How States Can Begin Cutting the Costs of Health Care
Federal efforts to reduce wasteful spending haven't achieved much. It's an opportunity for states to innovate.
Ryan Holeywell is the communications manager for the Texas Medical Center Health Policy Institute in Houston. He previously worked at Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Holeywell is a former reporter for the Houston Chronicle as well as Governing magazine, where he covered infrastructure and federal policy from 2010 to 2014.
Holeywell earned his bachelor’s degree in political communication from George Washington University and is pursuing a master's degree in public Affairs from the University of Missouri.
Voices of the GOVERNING Institute
Federal efforts to reduce wasteful spending haven't achieved much. It's an opportunity for states to innovate.
Waze and other apps want to save drivers 10 minutes every day, but safety experts say it's too dangerous to use these apps while driving.
More than half the states enacted laws to combat metal theft last year, but there’s little analysis of which legislative policies actually work.
In the 1980s, San Francisco faced a court order similar to the one the state is facing now to reduce overcrowding. Rather than simply throwing the book at people, the city now often treats jail as a last resort and focuses on reintegrating ex-offenders back into society.
Recent departures mean familiar faces will take on DOT's top roles.
The committee chairman says he wants a highway bill on the House floor by August.
Three of the nation's top metros for carpooling are in the Aloha State.
At a press conference Thursday, the New Jersey governor said he was misled when he asked his staff about the closure of bridge lanes -- which some speculate was political payback for a mayor's decision not to endorse Christie for re-election.
One of the New Jersey governor's top aides ordered lane closures that gridlocked a town -- a move that Democrats say was political payback for the mayor's refusal to endorse Christie.
Wantwaz Davis, who served nearly 20 years for murder before being elected to the Flint, Mich., city council in November, sees his background as an asset -- not a liability.
Polly Trottenberg, a higher-up at the U.S. Department of Transportation, takes over an office that's been redefined in recent years.
Fewer stops can reduce travel times and operating costs, researchers say.
State Department of Transportation has awarded the final contract for improvements on roads impacted by the energy sector.
Wildfires in the U.S. are becoming bigger, more destructive and more frequent. And the extra cost of putting them out comes straight from the budget for fire prevention.
After Mayor John Cranley campaigned on opposition to the project, he announces "we're going to have a streetcar."
Plus six trending issues that could be big this year.
Voters elected an unusually high number of new big-city mayors in November.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's lead watchdog.
The highlights included a new transportation secretary and big funding hikes at the state level.
The newly proposed legislation comes as federal regulators consider lifting restrictions on the devices.
Congressional negotiators are supposed to deliver the outline of a budget deal next week. State officials are urging them to produce.
The legislation -- which would undoubtedly face an uphill battle -- would increase the federal gas tax by 15 cents over three years.
The legislation will eventually mean more than $2.3 billion annually in additional funds for transportation infrastructure.
Within 15 years, a new report says, every other day will feel like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Chicago’s infrastructure bank has been hailed as an innovative new financing model that could revolutionize the way cities build new projects and manage risk. If only it could get off the ground.
Transparency advocates praise the legislation, but states have questions about its costs.
Land bank programs have become a popular way for cities to acquire abandoned property and do something productive with it.
The new facility, which is being built less than 20 years after the current one, will cost Cobb County, Ga., $300 million.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers say the legislation, which provides a new way to pay for infrastructure projects, would allow states and localities to build quicker.
In the ultimate sign of the country's stadium-mania, the baseball team is poised to get another stadium despite moving to Turner Field in 1997.
In some places, cuts in intergovernmental aid played a particularly significant role in causing budget strain.
The decision likely means the structure -- once home to the Oilers and Astros and touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World -- will be demolished.
Plagued by drought, voters in the Lone Star State approved a plan to use rainy day funds to pay for projects that will preserve or expand the state's water supply.
Chicago's Gabe Klein and New York's Janette Sadik-Khan are poised to leave office within a few months. Their influence on their cities can't be overstated.
The ruling means that Virginia -- a national leader on public-private partnerships -- will likely continue its tolling push.
Public-private partnerships have become a trendy way to finance transportation projects. But there are big questions to ask before entering into a P3.
The legislation, which will cut red tape and ensure port projects are completed quickly, was passed almost unanimously.
A new study says that the feds should help develop a framework for states to address licensing of driverless vehicles.
With a rapidly growing population, stagnant water supply and regular droughts, Texas voters are being asked to make $2 billion in state financing available for local and regional projects.
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide whether it will regulate them this month. In the meantime, more than half the states have already restricted their sales.
Some security responsibilities are being shifted away from the federal government and to airports themselves. Critics say the change could cost airports more than $200 million a year.
Indiana was the final state to negotiate a deal with the passenger rail provider to continue service.
Once again, the passenger rail provider set a ridership record.
Here's a breakdown of which cases this session could have the biggest impact on Governing readers.
Protesters say they'll cause congestion on Washington's Beltway starting Friday, but state transportation leaders aren't saying much about how they'll respond.
Arlington County, Va., police went back to the basics and to everyone's surprise, a sign that says "Don't Hit the Car in Front of You" seems to be reducing accidents.
Many GOP governors oppose Obamacare, but they don't want their own states to suffer from a shutdown.
If the shutdown lasts more than a couple weeks, the states may start paying for federal programs. But it's unclear whether they would ever be reimbursed.
States and localities aren't too concerned about the immediate impacts of the federal shutdown that began at midnight, but a prolonged one is another matter.
The site of the now-demolished Detroit Tigers baseball stadium is now home to “pop-up dog parties.”
Even the country’s most sprawling, least dense, most automobile-dependent city in America is trying to adapt to people’s preference for urban living.
New York officials believe they're the first to use signs to encourage drivers to use cellphones in safe, designated places like rest stops.
Researchers are studying how motorists interact with their cars in the moments before a crash.
The legislation, which will cut red tape and ensure critical port projects are completed more quickly, got unanimous passage. Its next stop is the full House of Representatives.
The legislation to allow states and localities to collect online sales taxes has been stuck in the U.S. House, but the issue may gain momentum back.
Gov. Dave Heineman, who tried to eliminate the state income tax earlier this year, wants to replace the lost revenue by ending some sales tax exemptions. But legislators still aren't sold.
With Congress back in session, tough issues like Syria and the deficit may put the bill known as the Marketplace Fairness Act on the back burner.
The Reason Foundation -- one of the early champions of public-private partnerships -- outlines a plan for lifting the federal ban on interstate tolling to fund roads.
Backers say the Water Resources Reform and Development Act will cut approval time for much-needed upgrades to ports, inland waterways and flood control projects.
New Yorkers narrowed the field of candidates vying for mayor to two (or maybe three) on Tuesday. Here's what you need to know about them and the race.
Vice President Joe Biden highlighted the facility, which, among other winners of recent TIGER grants, has seen a jump in business thanks to booming auto exports.
The newest round of funding for the popular program includes $474 million for 52 transportation projects, including streetcars, roads, bike trails and "complete street" initiatives.
U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will take a spin in self-driving vehicles Wednesday morning.
The rapid proliferation of smartphones and tablets has led an increasing number of schools to allow students to bring their own devices into the classroom, leaving administrators with the big job of re-evaluating security and privacy policies and updating networks.
Long-time executive director Gary Thomas reflects on the milestone and the future of mass transit in North Texas.
Even though Walmart threatened to pull the plug on plans for D.C. stores if the City Council passed a bill to force it to pay more than the minimum wage, they passed it anyway. Labor advocates are hoping more cities will follow.
In 1984, Los Angeles reduced traffic and accidents during the Olympics in part by banning trucks from freeways during peak hours. Some lawmakers think it's a policy worth revisiting.
Many speculate it's because of the sagging economy, higher rates of telecommuting or more people living in cities. But a new study refutes all those claims.
Called Integrated Corridor Management, the program emphasizes coordination across all transportation agencies.
Helmet dispensing machines will debut in Boston over the next few weeks. Plus, more news you should know about transportation and infrastructure.
As part of a pilot program, bus riders get credits that they can put toward tolls.
The increase in riders comes at a pivotal time for the nation's passenger rail provider.
As more states pass laws authorizing testing of autonomous vehicles, key legal questions need to be answered.
The president's proposal would reduce the top corporate tax rate, eliminate loopholes and use the one-time revenue to pay for roads, transit and other transportation systems.
Hoping it will push U.S. lawmakers to develop a long-term transportation funding plan, infrastructure advocates developed a smartphone app that allows users to complain to members of Congress about their travel troubles.
The former county executive says that Maryland's new transportation funding package was key to his decision to take the cabinet-level post.
U.S. DOT tells states to be prepared for a slowdown in cash disbursements.
Many states ended fiscal year 2013 with a surplus, but experts warn that it doesn’t mean their financial woes are over.
It's the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Nearly 70 new electric engines will service the Northeast Corridor. They are expected to be more reliable and faster than the aging fleet they replace.
FAA is planning a system that will radically change how it manages air travel, but skeptics say it may be taking too long.
The high-profile light-rail project will link Detroit's two most vibrant sections. Financing for the $131 million line includes a huge amount of private and philanthropic support.
The legislation, which awaits the governor's signature, would mark a radical departure from the traditional gas tax to fund transportation infrastructure.
The struggling Pennsylvania city is auctioning off items that were acquired for an ill-conceived Wild West museum.
As U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood leaves office Tuesday, he sees a path forward for solving transportation's biggest problems.
The move will mean more money for infrastructure, but could also frustrate drivers traveling on Independence Day.
After eight years in office, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has put an indelible mark on the city's transportation network.
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, now confirmed as the nation's transportation secretary, could bring a unique mindset to Washington.
One Congressman hopes to solve the problem of overseas tax havens and failing infrastructure with one piece of legislation.
Transportation advocates want Congress to OK tolling on interstates, allowing states and cities to generate their own revenue.
Though advocates hoped the long-fought-for legislation would finally pass this year, the IRS scandal and the immigration bill have pushed it to the back burner and it continues to face an uphill battle.
A new report forecasts that most states will end the fiscal year in the black. But it may be too early to celebrate.
In the last few months, lawmakers in four states have voted to increase speed limits. Studies show doing so doesn't cause more accidents, but critics say it makes them more severe.
Transportation stakeholders have become increasingly vocal in recent years over the disconnect between the president's lofty rhetoric about the need to invest and his lack of serious policy proposals on the matter.
Three lieutenant governors -- in Florida, Massachusetts and Nebraska -- have resigned in the last four months.
Dauphin County's program is the first county infrastructure bank in Pennsylvania, and one of the first in the country.
As New York City rolls out its bike-share program, Hoboken, N.J., is debuting its own that could offer a new way cities -- both large and small -- can encourage bicycling.
The four-lane bridge north of Seattle that collapsed and send several cars into the Skagit River Friday was rated by the Federal Highway Administration as "functionally obsolete" and was in far better shape than many bridges around the country.
The Washington bridge that collapsed and sent two cars into the river may have been too small for today's traffic, but experts say it wasn't an investment issue.
The move comes at a time when Congress is preparing to develop its long-term passenger rail bill.
The Charlotte mayor didn't face many hardball questions from senators.
As passenger rail legislation expires this fall, those money-losing routes could be in the cross hairs of House Republicans.
"Bertha," named after Seattle's first female mayor, will soon start digging tunnels to replace the city's iconic highway that was destroyed by a disaster more than ten years ago.
In an effort to increase revenue, transit agencies are working to find new twists to old advertising methods.
State leaders say they had no choice to find new gas tax revenue since they risked losing federal funds.
The two initiatives could quickly become the largest bike sharing programs of their kind in the U.S.
It's the first time any version of the legislation, which state and local leaders have long fought for, has ever been approved by either chamber of Congress.
The Charlotte mayor's nomination as DOT secretary is being viewed as an overture to the role of metro areas in transportation planning.
Four years after President Barack Obama declared high-speed rail a national priority, the financial hurdles seem higher than ever.
Washington used to know how to listen to the states; there was even a commission for intergovernmental relations. Can Washington overcome politics and partisanship to work together again?
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office warns that Congress will have to dramatically cut transportation spending or raise the gas tax.
The legislation, which would allow states to collect sales taxes from Internet retailers, now has the White House's backing.
It's conventional wisdom in Washington that voters won't support a gas tax hike or a vehicle miles traveled fee. A new study suggests that long-held belief is wrong.
The president's new budget proposal increases total federal grant funding to states and localities, but some programs are on the chopping block.
The president's budget calls for ambitious infrastructure investments but -- yet again -- doesn't provide many details on how to pay for it.
Secretary of State Kate Brown wants to make Oregon the first state to instantly register voters when they apply for a driver's license.
Communities struggle with what to do with stadiums once sports teams leave. Indianapolis is converting its historic minor league ballpark into apartments.
The moderate Republican is resigning as mayor and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors to run for governor.
Created four years ago, the federal office was supposed to engage cities and metro areas in all major policy decisions. Today, the Obama administration has “little to show for its efforts.”
In an effort to reduce congestion, every traffic light in Los Angeles is now controlled remotely by a software the city has given the federal government to share with other cities.
A Senate committee unveiled the much-awaited legislation, saying it would offer states and localities tools to improve ports, the water supply and flood control.
The legislation fizzled last year as Congress became mired in the fiscal cliff debate. But advocates are hopeful for a different result this time.
The study, published every four years, is a key tool for infrastructure advocates.
One day in 2011, Tallahassee's now award-winning transit agency had 26 bus routes. The next day, they were all replaced.
Gov. O'Malley's plan borrows many ideas from Virginia's sweeping overhaul, but differs in a couple key ways.
As Congress mulls future of Amtrak, a new Brookings study says state support of the rail system has contributed to its record ridership.
The highway bill was passed last year, but lawmakers are already discussing its successor.
The city has a bold plan to make every vehicle in its fleet, including police cars, run on alternative fuels.
Under Bloomberg, the cityscape has been reshaped in unprecedented ways.
House Republicans are trying to figure out if the scheduled budget cuts would be as devastating to air travelers as portrayed -- or if it's all just a scare tactic.
While the administration warns of sequestration's impact on education, most programs won't be affected this academic school year.
Programs for the poor are of particular concern.
Barack Obama keeps proposing multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments. But they don't come with many details.
In a sign of just how serious the bed bug problem has become in some parts of the country, the legislature is close to making an unusual deal with the state's exterminators.
The decision brings Michigan's largest city one step closer to a state takeover.
Transportation stakeholders are urging the FCC to slow plans that could undermine much anticipated technology that can help drivers avoid crashes.
Gov. McDonnell's plan to scrap the gas tax got national attention. But the legislation's time is running out.
A new report estimates that offshore accounts maintained by corporations and wealthy individuals caused states to miss out on nearly $40 billion in tax revenue in 2011.
Congress had the chance to restore some programs as part of the fiscal cliff deal but failed to do so.
New line extends service to French Quarter, Superdome and downtown.
Vienna has figured out how to offer high-quality apartments with low-cost rent and renters' rights that would be unheard of in the United States. Advocates say it's a model worth examining.
The United Kingdom is giving unprecedented authority to its cities under a program that the United States could learn a thing or two from.
In an effort to reduce HIV rates that were approaching development-world levels, a government-run facility in the Canadian city welcomes people to use illegal substances under the supervision of medical professionals.
Few states have offices dedicated to examining increasingly popular P3 deals. Experts say it's time to copy Canada and change that.
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Rep. Oberstar and others explore disconnect between need for investment and public will.
After serving for all four years of the president's first term, LaHood is departing at a key time of transition in the transportation community.
Says current path is unsustainable.
Under a new proposal by Gov. Bob McDonnell, Virginia would become the only state without a gas tax.
Maryland becomes the latest state to start seriously question long-term transportation funding plans.
The fiscal cliff deal seems to have made it all but impossible for about 25 states to collect estate taxes, barring new laws.
A day after President Obama issued calls for expanded gun rules, the country's mayors are echoing his call for an assault weapons ban.
A new report warns of governments' continued "failure to invest" in roads, airports, electrical grid and other critical forms of infrastructure.
A new report provides insight on how far transit systems can push customers before they switch to other modes of transportation.
One former state transportation director thinks so. The revenue would provide a steady stream of funding for public transit and bike path improvements.
A federal court sided with Virginia in a debate over Clean Water Act powers.
Scheduled automatic spending cuts, while delayed, still mean uncertainty for some key programs.
Cities across the country are being forced to deny food and shelter to those in need, according to a new study.
Data gathered in Oregon and elsewhere could help open the door to a new way of paying for roads.
Here are 10 of the biggest topics states will tackle in the year ahead.
The mayor-elect discusses the city's $5 billion elevated rail line.
Several states are signaling their willingness to pursue higher fees and taxes to fund roads, rails and bridges.
While states as a whole are seeing their financial position slowly improve, the results have been uneven.
Even though the homeless rate stayed virtually the same over the last year, the number of homeless veterans declined, according to federal estimates.
Lawmakers stressed the importance of avoiding the so-called "fiscal cliff" and made their case for programs they want to protect.
The federal gas tax hasn't been increased since 1993 when it was used as a tool to reduce the federal deficit. Now faced with a similar situation, Congress may pay more attention to the idea.
See which programs get the biggest cuts, and when they'll really happen.
Brand marketing promises new attention -- and money -- to cities.
What's old, what's new and what's unclear for transportation policy in 2013.
The 2012 candidates will join up for the first time since the election.
The federal tax code has, in effect, subsidized the cost of borrowing for state and local governments. Some say that could be poised to change.
Former FHWA official gets top slot at state DOT association.
Local leaders say sequestration could be devastating to cities, but they also worry about the alternatives.
If Ray LaHood moves on, a new secretary would take office at a time when transportation faces big challenges.
With the passing a handful of ballot measures on Election Day and the surface transportation bill this spring, 2013 will be a busy year for infrastructure and transportation projects.
Three major cities will get new mayors next year.
Voters turned down a plan that's gained traction in 12 states over the last two years.
A wealthy opponent of Detroit's new international bridge fails to derail the project, despite spending big.
Voters repealed a unique law that gave state-appointed officials unprecedented power in struggling cities and school districts. But the debate is far from settled.
Voters overwhelmingly defeated a plan to dramatically change how primaries are conducted.
The state is the latest to consider implementing the controversial practice.
Voters will decide whether to create a new open-primary system that threatens the power of political parties.
A bridge owner has bankrolled a campaign to delay a major state-sponsored infrastructure project. For full election coverage, visit the 2012 Election Center.
Labor activists say a law giving the state oversight over local government is undemocratic. But fiscal conservatives say it's the only way to preserve financial stability.
Once a relative novelty, communal living facilities continue to increase in popularity -- and they could become a key part of the way developers and cities accommodate an aging population. View our series on aging here.
The battle between the states and the U.S. House of Representatives over the definition of marriage could signal federalism’s future.
Reforms are largely the result of a final subway crash in Washington, D.C.
Virginia and Maryland municipalities are likely to be hardest hit by defense spending cuts set to take effect in January.
Hundreds of cities are trying to follow federal orders to clean up their wastewater systems -- sometimes at a cost of billions of dollars.
Governing compiled reactions to comments made by President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Wednesday night.
One expert says the effort that developed the atomic bomb is exactly what's needed to turn some of America's financially distressed cities around.
This month marks Governing’s 25th anniversary, so we asked leaders for their predictions on how government will have changed 25 years from now.
As cities seek new ways to save money, more and more are requiring their employees to bid against the private sector for work in a process known as “managed competition.”
Social impact bonds are a relatively new financial instrument that promises to earn returns for investors while giving state and local governments the upfront capital they need to pursue money-saving programs.
Not much -- for now. But lawmakers, especially those from agriculture-producing states, have warned Congress about the troubles that could ensue.
Automatic spending cuts would slash important grants and hurt metro economies, mayors say.
State and local leaders say that in order to fix their budgets, they'll need to view citizens and government employees and partners.
Engineers say failure to maintain and expand facilities will make American goods more expensive.
A new report on city finances says local governments are still struggling and may continue to do so for years.
A new report emphasizes collaboration between state agencies and local partners.
Unlike California's well-known attempt to build a bullet train, a company in Texas says it can bring high-speed rail to the state at no cost to taxpayers.
The White House announced new regulations that should save Americans money and cut carbon emissions.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
The EPA released a new framework that it says will offer cities more flexibility and maybe more savings as they try to stop sewer runoff into lakes and rivers.
The wave of boomer retirees will transform the way cities look, from the way they grow and sprawl to minutiae such as curb heights and the fonts on street signs.
The state wants to end federal oversight of its elections.
The city is spending millions to improve its aesthetic appeal before hosting the national convention next week.
Agencies are seeking ways to curb the growing use of expensive paratransit service, but advocates question their methods.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Henry Cisneros discusses his new book on senior housing and what local and federal governments need to do to address the housing needs of seniors.
Atlanta-area voters rejected a one-cent tax for transit projects. But voters in three regions chose to make the investment.
The White House recognized the company for its green buses that can be charged in just 10 minutes.
The state Supreme Court says Michigan residents can decide the controversial law's fate in November. What happens until then is less clear.
The group representing the country's 3,000-plus counties gets its first new boss in more than 20 years.
Voters in the Atlanta area overwhelming rejected a dedicated sales tax for transportation projects. Are there lessons to be learned from that vote?
After the company's president expressed opposition to gay marriage, two mayors said they'll try to prevent it from expanding.
Localities from San Francisco to Jacksonville, Fla., are embracing bus rapid transit -- even if not everyone in the transportation community is sold on the idea.
It’s one of several bills introduced in the last year that could let states tap into a valuable revenue source.
Five U.S. ports should benefit from the president's decision to expedite their approval process.
Study led by government veterans warns of "calamity" for states if federal deficit reduction goes too far.
After a weekend conference in Williamsburg, Va., governors are still trying to figure out what the Supreme Court's ruling means for the future of Medicaid.
Our northern neighbor is paying for a new international bridge between Detroit and Canada. Is it too good to be true?
Miniature golf will draw those in Washington, D.C., to explore design while having fun at the National Building Museum.
While state capitals are the historic battleground on the issue, advocates on both sides of the argument are now making their voices heard at the local level.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
States are seeking to spend billions of dollars to build bigger ports to accommodate the massive ships that will soon be traveling through the canal. Can they move quickly enough?
Just a day before it would have expired, the Senate and House approve a two-year bill.
The City Council hopes bankruptcy protection will help it avoid a total collapse, but experts say it's only a short-term fix.
The latest highway and transit bill extension expires at the end of the week. Can Congress pass a new one by then?
Forty-seven projects across all modes awarded nearly $500 million.
USDOT is studying technology that allows cars to communicate with each other to warn drivers of potential collisions.
New study shows states owe $1.38 trillion more to retirees than they've set aside. That's about 9 percent higher than last year's report.
American Planning Association poll finds only 6 percent of respondents oppose UN policy.
Voters approve moves that could save the city nearly $1 billion in the next 30 years, but labor groups question the mayor's role in the process.
But growing Medicaid costs remains a concern.
Gov. Rick Snyder discusses the state's workforce, as well as his ideas for economic development.
Money's tight. So why don't governments work to determine how to get the best bang for their transportation buck?
The feds want cities to stop dumping sewage into lakes and rivers -- but the work will cost local governments billions of dollars.
A nonprofit hopes to turn an abandoned, underground streetcar station into a new type of development in Washington, D.C.
The state is finalizing a four-year construction project for one of the world's oldest schools for deaf and blind students.
Several federal deadlines to overhaul states’ driver's licenses systems have come and gone in the past seven years. As another one approaches, should states be concerned about complying?
The McAllen school district is within the nation’s poorest metro area, and it's reduced spending on instruction. But district officials are betting their tech investment will pay off.
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is likely the only public official who’s currently hosting a national television program while still in office.
A federal judge rejected part of a law that voter registration groups argued was so onerous it forced them to stop their voter drives in the state.
At least six states this year issued their tax refunds on debit cards, in a move they say will save money for both the taxpayer and the government.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
In the past, cities have resisted big-box stores. But now, government leaders from New York to New Orleans are actively courting places like Walmart and Home Depot to move in.
Don Borut, who has served as executive director of the National League of Cities since 1990, will retire at the end of the year, the organization announced this week.
Federal legislation could prohibit agencies from attending multiple conferences hosted by one organization.
State and local governments have joined the fight against a House plan to stop collecting demographic data.
Legislation would require banks seeking city business to submit detailed local lending data.
Weston, Fla., relies almost entirely on contractors to perform city work.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
The Motor City has a new CFO who faces an enormous task: putting one of the country's most financially stressed cities on sound footing.
State and local governments say without federal funding, a bill working its way through Congress threatens to greatly increase the costs of reporting.
Cities are pursuing "responsible banking ordinances" that encourage banks to lend more in order to compete for contracts.
The American Society of Civil Engineer's latest report says a failure to invest in energy infrastructure could have huge economic consequences for the country.
The annual ranking combines health, economy, government performance and other factors.
Online coupon site threatens to leave Washington, D.C. if it doesn't get a tax break.
A new report from University of Virginia's Miller Center offers ways for the transportation community to improve its outreach.
In Michigan, financial advisers take control of cities on the brink of bankruptcy.
One idea floating around on how to help cities pay for water infrastructure has already helped finance big transportation projects with large, low-interest loans directly from the feds.
House Rules Committee plans to meet to discuss another extension.
A new report from the federal watchdog says that state and local governments should move quickly to address financial challenges facing them.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
"Each flag has a story to tell," says the head of the North American Vexillological Association. Here's 13 of the best, as determined by Governing's Ryan Holeywell.
Nobody likes traffic and potholes. So why isn't the public engaged in the Congress's debate about transportation?
As the country debates the future of highways and transit, a major investment in air is planned.
Big winnings could mean big taxes for states that sold winning tickets.
In what might be the first suit of its kind, a federal judge ruled the mortgage giants must pay transaction taxes owed to state and local governments.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Business records in many states can be edited by just about anybody, making them an easy target for scammers.
From Washington, D.C., to California, read about the five biggest projects in the country right now -- and the five biggest ones in jeopardy.
Legislation would prevent transportation projects from going on hold at the end of the month.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's grandchildren asked a commission tasked with designing his memorial to return to the drawing board.
The decision is a victory for the transit community.
With the latest highway and transit bill extension expiring at the end of the month, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says another will be needed.
As states and localities face shortfalls, officials say revenue could help close the gaps.
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State Treasurer was allegedly sent a recording of his wife having sex with another man.
California is the latest to consider legislation that would establish rules for self-driving vehicles.
A pair of House Republicans are the latest to raise the alarm about the Frank Gehry project.
Congress has until the end of March to pass a highway bill or extend the current one. How that will happen is anyone's guess.
A federal mechanism used to help finance big transportation projects is being viewed as a model.
Reduced revenue and federal funding, combined with unsustainable employee costs, are making it difficult for the Oregon city to stay on top.
After being trapped on a train for eight hours with no food, water or heat in the middle of winter, passengers want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Gov. Martin O’Malley says his controversial plan will help manage the state’s growth while protecting rural areas and the Chesapeake Bay. But is he overreaching?
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He and others with business and political interests are leading a group working to buy the Philadelphia Inquirer.
City leaders say they need more transparent data in order to make accurate financial projections
The administration, for the second year in a row, requests cuts to a program that helps poor people pay their heating and cooling bills.
Jerry Sanders spoke with Governing writer Ryan Holeywell about how he hopes to turn what's been called "Enron by the Sea" into "ground zero" for pension reform.
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The battle over University of North Dakota's nickname continues, reports The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
A new report suggests Republicans haven't found the revenue they promised they had.
The president has an ambitious proposal that probably won't be considered seriously by Congress.
Cities and counties hope to fill budget gaps by recovering unpaid debts.
Transportation stakeholders say that House bill would make long-term transit investments a challenge.
Committee threatens future of transit's dedicated funding stream.
Remarks come on the same day the Congressional Budget Office announces that the Highway Trust Fund is heading towards the red.
The news comes on the same day House leaders will reveal their surface transportation legislation.
The study could be a lightening rod in the ongoing debate about government employee compensation.
A slew of different players are considering major changes to how federal spending is tracked and all of their efforts will likely impact state and local governments.
The economic impact of the stimulus is unclear and highly debated. But one thing is for sure: it's done more to promote government transparency than any piece of legislation in recent memory.
President Obama says it can, but analysts say that's an oversimplification.
But the National Parks Service director says the agency will “very soon” begin to enforce anti-camping regulations.
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New legislation would subject the legislature to greater transparency.
Cities and counties knew they'd lose CDBG money in 2012. But a quirk in the formula is causing some to see even larger cuts.
With Cecilia Muñoz in a new position, it's unclear who will take the reins at IGA.
Money will reimburse states for repairs prompted by natural disasters.
As temperatures drop, residents get less government help paying their heating bills.
Activists hope to recreate the Bank of North Dakota's model for lending.
The dramatic rise in the number of people who speak limited English has prompted very different responses from local governments.
A popular grant that funds the often-thankless work of forming master plans and zoning codes is no more.
A handful of platitudes have gained prominence among government leaders. They should learn to do more with less of them.
Federal Rail Administrator Joseph Szabo says that the feds remain committed to the controversial program.
Grants total $511 million for 46 projects across the country.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
After 20 years of neglect, the waterfront venue has been completely transformed -- for the worse. One group wants to restore it to its former glory.
A region that was largely insulated from the recession could feel big impacts from federal budget cuts.
Transportation Secretary comes into hot seat as California voters become increasingly frustrated with project.
If a community gets too large, it can lose out on some funding for bus programs. One coalition is hoping to change that.
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A new report shows state revenue and spending still hasn't returned to pre-recession levels. But it's getting close.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Houston’s sports teams left the Astrodome over a decade ago, and leaders still don’t have the answer.
Medicaid cuts are off the table. Housing programs aren't. See what else is affected by sequestration.
The federal government is working to improve the way it administers grants. But states and localities aren't part of the council taking on the issue.
Congress won't increase taxes to pay for transportation projects. But voters in local elections are choosing to do just that.
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Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley says state governments should stop cutting the public workforce.
The online retailer -- known for hardball tactics when it comes to sales tax -- appears to be shifting its approach.
Phoenix -- the only large city to elect a new mayor yesterday -- selects Democrat Greg Stanton as its new mayor.
Pilot program could mean less wasted time for local affordable housing offices.
Without getting wonky, Gary Hustwit's latest shows what's working -- and what isn't -- in cities across the globe.
Lawmakers hear from those who helped perpetrate the HOME program.
States are taking funds that could be used to avert cuts and instead putting them in the bank. Is that the right move?
State agencies examine how they'll respond to Congressional action -- without know what that action may be.
But federal officials say they'll likely need more data before they can make any change.
The largest elections jurisdiction in the country is trying to develop its own unique voting system. But it faces some hurdles to get there.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Underwater borrowers would be able to take advantage of historically-low interest rates under changes to HARP.
Democrats and Republicans both oppose the law. But they didn't repeal it when they had the chance Thursday.
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After Harrisburg files for bankruptcy, state lawmakers pass a bill that allows a receiver to enact a recovery plan.
The transportation secretary urges Republicans to invest in infrastructure, despite defeat of legislation.
State leaders and the mayor oppose the move, but the bankruptcy attorney -- representing the city council -- tells Governing the process will continue.
But a top Republican says the efforts are "a drop in the bucket" compared to the task at hand.
Troubled under the crushing debt of a failed incinerator project, Pennsylvania's capital city opts for Chapter 9.
Wisconsin cities top the list; Texas cities bottom out.
One program, designed to help up to 4 million homeowners get relief, has offered permanent aid to less than 900,000.
Daniels -- a former Office of Management and Budget director -- talks about the work of the super committee, and what Washington needs to do to fix its fiscal mess.
As Congress mulls and tweaks the president's legislation, a key adviser says a 'no' vote won't stop Obama's efforts.
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Retirement plan assets just had their fourth consecutive quarter of growth.
See where job growth is occurring in America. Topping the list: Ogden, Utah.
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Two senators are calling on Congress to adopt a technique used by some state legislatures: biennial budgeting.
Public-private partnerships have been portrayed as a miracle cure for the country’s crumbling infrastructure. Indiana’s experience may prove otherwise.
Some states have luck with biennial budgeting. A pair of senators say it's time for Congress to give it a shot too.
The White House office is more prominent and responsive than it ever was.
Bills to restrict states and localities’ taxing abilities are moving through Congress. If enacted, governments may have no choice but to raise taxes.
The New York mayor says America can create jobs by catering to foreign-born entrepreneurs.
Cities are tapping rainy day funds, which have lost 40 percent of their value from the pre-recession days.
The president wants the country to invest in infrastructure. Critics say his plan would make it more expensive for states to borrow money for those projects.
Select state lawmakers met with congressional super committee members this week to spare states from deep cuts. One of the lawmakers' biggest priorities addresses Medicaid.
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New study analyzes unique voting option in Nevada that lets voters choose "none of these candidates."
The Senate passes extensions to the programs after a block temporarily held up the legislation.
Nearly a third of the $447 billion proposal would go to state and local governments. But state and local leaders still have questions.
Fewer voting sites. Long lines at the polls. Untrained workers. A glimpse at Nov. 6, 2012.
With unemployment unchanged in August, city leaders say feds should invest in infrastructure and manufacturing
Millions could lose jobs if lawmakers fail to act.
Dozens of cities and counties insist that not all their residents were counted. They may be fighting a losing battle.
States are signing on to a plan that will drastically change the way the country selects its president. Supporters say they're halfway toward achieving reform.
Dozens of cities and counties insist that not all their residents were counted. They may be fighting a losing battle.
Michigan municipalities want to clear up the confusion over the two mortgage giants’ status. Are they government agencies or private companies?
The design for the 34th president’s monument is too trendy and cold, critics say.
State union leaders blamed a conservative organization for intentionally spreading misinformation about a labor agreement -- one that was voted down by workers.
Without the aid package, the country's unemployment rate could have been 18 percent higher.
Small businesses are using computers to cheat states and localities out of sales tax revenue. The technology is so good that some say it's nearly indetectable.
If it expires, states won't get payments from Washington, and the feds will lose $100 million per day.
America's longest-serving governor avoids getting too political during a speech before a bipartisan group.
Lawmakers say the onslaught of legislation is due to federal inaction. But could it be sending the wrong message to Washington?
The fiscal year ends Sept. 30, but Congress is nowhere close to finalizing its spending bills.
America's poorest communities play a crucial role in border protection. One expert says that greater federal investment would help.
As Congress eyes domestic cuts, the bankrupt Rhode Island municipality shows what happens when a city can't afford to function.
Congress could grant states the ability to collect sales taxes from e-retailers -- a power that has eluded them for years.
When the FAA's taxes expired, passengers could have saved money, but instead the airlines raised ticket prices. Now, the Treasury may try to claw that money back.
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Gov. Jack Dalrymple acknowledges "growing pains" but says the oil industry will be a long-term benefit to the region.
States continue to suffer through depressed revenue. Federal proposals may worsen the bleeding.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
The state's oil boom is bringing unmatched growth and unanticipated problems.
Congress is calling for USASpending.gov to be replaced with a site that allows states and localities to report their earnings themselves.
See which projects are included in $681 million worth of stop orders.
Congress has until midnight Friday to avoid furloughing 4,000 agency workers.
Western counties say they're getting stuck with the costs of taking care of abandoned livestock.
Public employee leaders say a conservative group tricked union members, but a state inquiry remains open.
The agency says the state guidelines are intentionally designed to promote flexibility.
The alleged scam affected at least 93 municipal bond transactions in 31 states, according to federal authorities.
A new proposal by Rep. John Mica would provide nearly $20 billion less each year than the Senate would.
Nearly $527 million will be available to state and local governments.
The new fiscal year for most states begins July 1. With it comes an increase in their portion of the Medicaid burden.
A new initiative in Washington aims to cut red tape and offer greater flexibility to state and local governments administering federal programs.
One Texas county saw a chance to cash in on radioactive waste by hosting a national dump site for it and collecting money from each state that participates.
More than half the price of a pack of cigarettes is taxes and other fees, which states don't get when smugglers and bootleggers find a way around them.
Due to the lower construction costs and higher safety rates of roundabouts compared to traffic lights, they're more popular than ever.
A new report from the U.S. Conference of mayors projects when unemployment will return to pre-recession levels in more than 360 metro areas.
As federal officials slash programs that aid state and local governments, mayors say savings should be found elsewhere.
Her committee proposes a six-year bill that preserves highway funding. There's little chance that will become law any time soon.
Gov. Rick Perry tells Fox News that "there is great terror" on the Texas-Mexico border. FBI statistics say otherwise.
Here's how to plan, fund and make a safer, more efficient transportation system.
The new executive director of the National Governors Association, Dan Crippen, has big shoes to fill. Luckily, he has years of experience working with governors.
Owners wanted municipalities to build them stadiums -- and taxpayers ponied up. Now the NFL may refuse to play games at the very facilities they requested.
Federal law prohibits the IRS from alerting government contract officers to tax scofflaws.
To prevent default, the Treasury Department stopped issuing a security that's key to municipal bond issuers.
States are lobbying Washington for permission to cut Medicaid rolls. If that happens, county leaders say, local governments would be left with the bill.
Only about 30 percent of jobs in the country's 100 largest metros are accessible via transit, according to a new Brookings report.
The president's budget calls for a highway bill that's nearly double the size of its predecessor. How to fund it, LaHood says, "is up to Congress now."
States spent $131 billion on transportation last year. But most can't say fully whether those investments paid off.
The requirement, considered burdensome by state and local governments, is now slated to take effect in 2013.
More than 100 projects sought the money rejected by Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Among the big winners: Amtrak's northeast corridor.
A new report gives credence to a plan that state and local government officials say will overstate the challenges facing pensions.
A draft transportation bill calls for federal highway officials to investigate a system based on miles traveled.
As the federal government marks the death of Osama bin Laden, local leaders highlight the millions just cut from anti-terrorism programs in transit systems.
The unregulated industry could soon face new rules from a legislature that has a Republican supermajority.
Only 7 percent of federal highway funds go directly to metro areas. Most gets funneled through the states. Kasim Reed says that needs to change.
State and local leaders have taken to saying, ‘We’re broke.’ The true story is a lot more complicated.
In an interview with GOVERNING, the new head of the National Governors' Association disputes recent data on pension gaps, and lays out his federal priorities.
State and local officials in the West are filing lawsuits to overturn new policies they say will prevent development and job growth.
He ran Providence for 20 years and went to prison for five. In his new book, the former mayor wants to set the record straight.
Once again, BATSA is proposed in the House. Under Republican control, it might have better luck.
Republicans tried to paint Scott Walker as an expert at solving state budget woes. Democrats portrayed Peter Shumlin as an alternative to Walker. Congress challenged both of their approaches.
To prevent deficits, states and localities would have to reduce expenditures or increase revenues by about 12.5 percent.
Sekou Biddle tells Governing what the experience was like and why he says the federal budget compromise is bad for D.C.
The plan could save $60 million annually in denied payments.
They're pushing Washington to focus on customs officers instead of Border Patrol.
Plan would freeze spending at 2008 levels for five years, remove transportation as a priority.
Trash collection would stop and libraries would close in the nation's capital.
States may have to develop plans for employees funded by federal dollars.
New policies seek to reduce false convictions by making witness IDs more reliable.
Police officials say the problems with tracking Internet phone calls are so prevalent that the federal government should step in.
Angry voters are increasingly using recall elections to remove local leaders.
State Rep. Aaron Peña represents part of the state that is 90 percent Hispanic. Why does he support Voter ID?
If retail stores can issue them, then the government can too. At least that's what one think tank says.
Cities in Arizona and Florida spend millions to host baseball teams during spring training. Is it worth it?
In a new report, Texas and Kentucky get high marks, while Maine is criticized for lack of transparency.
Congressional panel says Treasury Department found running HAMP to be an "overwhelming" task.
States could get exemptions from the Affordable Care Act -- provided they provide the same level of coverage.
Mayors say Chicago's new leader could provide them with valuable connections and provide a national voice on municipal issues.
Population decline will require "rethinking how we do almost everything," says Mayor Francis Slay.
Trucking jobs might take a hit. But trade advocates say there's an even greater upside.
Just 15 percent have raised property tax rates. Instead, they're cutting services and cutting personnel.
Local governments lack sufficient tools to prevent foreclosures, so they're following the fight closely.
The transportation secretary says America is ready for rail, even though governors are turning down funding.
Republican leaders from Idaho and Utah testify against the Bureau of Land Management's new policy on "wild lands."
Airline tickets to and from rural areas are becoming more expensive. Without a federal program that gives millions to airlines, they could be even worse.
USA Today finds a $2,500 gap between public- and private-sector compensation.
When legislators need nonpartisan reports, Dartmouth students do the legwork.
The president makes his case for investments at a time when governors are refusing federal money.
States are in the stages of developing "environmental literacy plans," which could help student engagement and achievement.
Public safety workers and the Federal Communications Commission have feuded over the future of a section of broadcast spectrum known as "D Block."
Eco-friendly fleets aren't all stalled, but they've shifted to a lower gear.
City mayors are ratcheting up the rhetoric as they combat GOP cuts.
Critics say new oversight rules would make volunteering an onerous process.
Some leaders are now hoping to apply the techniques used by the stimulus bill's auditors to others areas of government.
The White House's plan to cut more than $2.5 billion from a program that helps poor people pay for heating and cooling bills may leave millions out of luck, advocates say.
CDBG isn't the only local program getting cut. Learn about funding that's in jeopardy for affordable housing, historic preservation and other areas.
President Obama proposed cutting $300 million from CDBG, a favorite program among mayors. Saving it had been one of their biggest priorities for 2011.
The proposed cuts would be the largest reduction in discretionary spending in the country’s history.
Eminem's co-star in Chrysler's Super Bowl spot was the Fox Theatre, a Detroit landmark that was saved by a multi-million dollar preservation effort.
Witnesses disagree over whether state bankruptcy is a viable option, but Rep. Patrick McHenry says one thing is for sure: States aren't getting a bailout.
FY 2011 funding would be cut by 17 percent in those areas under Republican plan
Even discussing the issue will make borrowing more expensive, governors and legislators tell Congress.
A new study from the Pew Charitable Trusts compares city councils nationwide on factors like average salaries and tenures of their members.
The HHS secretary said a federal judge's ruling against the administration's health reform law is "a case of judicial overreach."
Economist Mark Zandi told GOVERNING's Outlook conference that GDP is growing, but that doesn't mean state and local governments will be able to increase expenditures.
Local leaders have a new ally in their fight for a larger chunk of the broadband network.
Philadelphia has one of the nation's best snow-response efforts. Mayor Michael Nutter explains how it all goes down.
Just one month into 2011, ten police officers have been fatally shot.
A U.S. PIRG report says gas taxes and other user fees don’t cover the cost of building and maintaining our nation’s highways, roads and streets.
Forget the border wall. Leaders see economic development opportunities in opening and updating international bridges.
Local leaders are engaging the White House in an all-out push to preserve current funding levels for community development block grants.
The president assured mayors that they've got a partner in the White House.
The Los Angeles mayor warns localities to be strategic in their requests given that funding may be hard to come by this year.
Prosecutors in the Cameron County, Texas, District Attorney's Office will start examining potential jurors' Facebook profiles during the selection process to get a better picture of who may be deciding the outcome of trials.
At this week's U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup urged mayors to join him in signing a "civility accord."
States must begin repaying the federal government for loans they took to pay unemployment benefits.
The federal government had ended its billion dollar project to build a "virtual fence" on the Mexican border.
Some critics think state and federal lawmakers are too focused on things like mandating hands-free phones and outlawing texting while driving.
The president and at least one GOP lawmaker are united in a push to cut millions from preservation grants.
A new study looks at the claim that highways pay for themselves in increased gas-tax revenues and other fees.
States say the new rule change in Congress will cause uncertainty in how money is distributed for roads projects.
If Congressional appropriations go unspent, they can be a double-whammy for states and cities.
A provision of the federal financial reform law means added cost and workload for state governments.
A proposal by the president's fiscal commission could dramatically increase the cost of borrowing for cities.
State and local officials are up in arms over a proposal in Congress that would change the way pension data is reported.
The federal government is urging states to adopt its 11-point plan to get dangerous drunk drivers off the road.
Incoming governors in two states pledged they wouldn't move forward on implementing President Obama's high-speed rail efforts in their states. So the federal government is distributing their funds elsewhere.
The tax bill the White House has negotiated fails to renew the popular Build America Bonds program, which makes borrowing less expensive for local governments.
Congress could force states and cities to allow union negotiation for police and fire fighters.