January 8, 2013
Immigration Makes Up Most of Federal Law Enforcement Spending
The United States spent nearly $18 billion on immigration enforcement in fiscal 2012, about 24 percent more than it spent collectively on the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Secret Service and all other criminal law enforcement agencies, according to a report.
September 28, 2012
Parents Owing Child Support Avoid Jail (Not For Free)
In Virginia, where parents owe more than $2 billion, a program helps solve the underlying issues that keep them from paying up.
September 28, 2012
Helping the Elderly During Disasters
As baby boomers age and more older Americans choose to live at home, governments face new challenges trying to plan for and respond to disasters.
August 31, 2012
States Struggle to Identify Disabilities in Older Drivers
Older drivers are keeping their licenses for longer and getting behind the wheel more often than ever before. Should this worry all the other drivers?
July 31, 2012
High School Majors Help Some States Cut Dropout Rate
Requiring freshman to “specialize” in particular subjects helped Florida significantly increase its graduation rate and decrease its dropout rate. Georgia is hoping for similar results.
May 31, 2012
Governments Discover Need for Mental Health First Aid
Mental disorders are more common than heart disease and cancer combined -- one reason states and localities are teaching their employees how to recognize the signs of mental health problems and how to help.
May 18, 2012
Incumbent Governors on the Campaign Trail
At least seven governors are facing reelection this year.
April 20, 2012
New Indiana Law Gives Residents Right to Resist Police
A new law likely makes Indiana the only state where people are allowed to shoot cops under certain circumstances. The change, police officials say, not only puts officer’s safety at risk but the public’s too.
March 30, 2012
Meth Lab Cleanup Program Contains Costs for Tenn.
Meth labs are on the rise again and federal funding can’t keep up. Now states have to pick up the mess -- and the bill.
March 21, 2012
St. Louis Firefighters Vote to Hire Lawyer Regarding Mayor's Pension Bills
Five trustees voted to hire a lawyer to potentially sue the city if one of Mayor Francis Slay's pension overhaul bills to control and reduce pensions goes into effect.
March 19, 2012
Los Angeles OKs Redistricting Maps Despite Race Concerns
Two black local representatives in Los Angeles have accused the city’s Redistricting Commission of violating the federal Voting Rights Act.
March 19, 2012
California Elections Expected to be Difficult for Incumbents, Third-Party Candidates
Incumbents and third-party candidates in California are going to have a tougher time getting re-elected this year thanks to new redistricting lines and new rules.
March 17, 2012
Spring Break! How Cities Prepare for an Increase in Tourists
Fun-loving college students present some public safety challenges for local officials.
March 16, 2012
Arlington, Va., Fire Chief: Cities' Emergency Response Could Suffer Due to Funding Change
Over 120 cities use a Metropolitan Medical Response System to create plans for homeland security threats in their community. Their ability to respond, however, may be inhibited with the loss of direct federal funding.
March 14, 2012
New Tools Estimate Potential Cost Savings for Upgrading Public Safety IT
Last month, IBM released two tools that give police, fire and emergency medical services an estimate of the direct and indirect savings that could come from upgrading their IT infrastructure.
March 8, 2012
Court: Boston Doesn't Have to Pay State's Share of Quinn Bill
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court unamimously ruled that municipalities don’t have to pay college educated police officers what the state owes them, reports the Boston Globe.
March 7, 2012
Abstinence-Only Bill Sent to Utah Governor
The bill overcame its last legislative hurdle when it passed the state Senate 19-10 -- mostly along party lines.
March 6, 2012
Utah, Arizona Lawmakers Try to Eliminate Polygamous Town's Police
While former polygamy sect leader Warren Jeffs is serving his time in prison for marrying and sexually assaulting minors, lawmakers are trying to take down his town’s authority.
March 6, 2012
FBI Busts Six 'Anonymous' Hackers
The computer hacker group Anonymous that’s compromised dozens of state and local government websites is no longer true to its name.
March 5, 2012
Local Pilots Divert Nonemergency 911 Calls
Pilot programs in the Pacific Northwest distinguish between emergency and nonemergency 911 calls.
March 3, 2012
D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier on Post-9/11 Info Sharing
Speaking at the annual AFCEA Homeland Security Conference, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier discussed the importance of information sharing in public safety and the improvements the region has made since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
March 1, 2012
IT Security Conference Responds to Threat from Anonymous
This week, government and industry representatives are convening at the annual AFCEA Homeland Security Conference in Washington, D.C. to discuss among other issues, cybersecurity and how to protect the government from hacker groups like Anonymous.
February 29, 2012
David Bragdon: New York City’s Sustainability Man
David Bragdon is responsible for making sure the city meets more than 400 sustainability goals before next year.
February 27, 2012
Indiana-IBM Trial over Welfare Modernization Contract Begins
Today marks day one of a six-week trial to settle a dispute between Indiana and technology mogul IBM.
February 24, 2012
Arizona Gov. Asked to Testify Before Immigration Law Heads to Court
Before the U.S. Supreme Court hears the arguments for and against Arizona’s controversial immigration law, the leader of a Senate immigration panel wants to hear the governor’s opinion on the issue.
February 23, 2012
South Dakota Bill to Limit Inmate Appeals Awaits Gov.'s Signature
Sitting on the governor’s desk is a bill that would limit the number of times people can appeal their serious criminal convictions.
February 21, 2012
GOP Candidates Travel to Arizona
The four Republican presidential candidates still standing will take the stage in Mesa, Ariz., tomorrow -- just under one week before the state's primary.
February 21, 2012
Arkansas Gov.: GOP Budget Could Lead to Layoffs
The state’s Republican party wants to chip away 3 percent from 11 agencies -- a cut that, according to Gov. Mike Beebe’s office, could send at least 76 state workers packing.
February 16, 2012
Montgomery County, Md., Fire Replacing 900 Radios
The process of replacing 900 shoulder microphones for firefighters in Montgomery County, Md., is underway, according to public information officer Scott Graham of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.
February 15, 2012
'Unprecedented' Bills to Downsize Michigan Courts Head to Governor
For years, the Michigan Supreme Court has urged communities to reduce the size of their courts -- and for years, most communities ignored this recommendation. So lawmakers took the matter into their own hands.
February 15, 2012
Michigan Senate OKs Voting Law Changes
One of the bills would require people to show photo IDs to register to vote, another would make people who volunteer to help with voter registration drives complete training, and the other would require people applying to vote to prove their citizenship.
February 15, 2012
L.A. Mayor Picked to Lead DNC in Charlotte
Antonio Villaraigosa is one of the nation’s most well-known Latino politicians, and the Latino vote is expected to be key in this election.
February 14, 2012
Judge OKs California DOJ Layoffs
California Department of Justice employees argued that Gov. Brown only ordered the layoffs as political payback, but the judge disagreed. Now, 81 people will soon be out of a job.
February 14, 2012
Arizona, Washington to Seek NCLB Waivers
Arizona and Washington state have both decided to seek waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind law, which mandates every student to be proficient in math and reading by 2014.
February 13, 2012
Obama Administration Requests $39.5 Billion for Homeland Security
In the fiscal year 2013 federal budget proposal released Monday, the Obama administration proposed pouring $500 million more into state and local governments this fiscal year, but also wants to make sure they spend what has already given them.
February 13, 2012
Public Safety Bolstered Under Obama's Budget
The White House seeks $290 million for the Justice Department's COPS Program.
February 10, 2012
Developer's Potential Run Heats Up Sacramento Council Race
The Sacramento mayor’s chief fundraiser is planning to join the city council race, but before he can, he has a lot of packing to do.
February 7, 2012
Appeals Court: California's Gay-Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
The court's ruling likely sets the stage for a U.S. Supreme Court showdown.
February 7, 2012
Do Police Departments Save Money By Making Officers Work Longer?
Many police departments moved to 10- and 12-hour shifts to cope with the recession. A new study shows that 10-hour shifts are best to reduce expenses and preserve quality of life.
February 6, 2012
Uninsured Artists Swap Health Care for Performances
New York City artists can now earn health credits for doctor visits and more if they offer their time and talents to hospital patients.
February 2, 2012
Univ. of Vermont is Latest to Ban Plastic Water Bottles
Hoping to save money and the environment, a dozen colleges have stopped selling bottled water on campus.
February 1, 2012
Denver Post Reporter Wins 2012 Hovey-Harkness Award for Public Service Journalism
Chris Osher has earned a journalism award, presented by Governing, for his investigative series of Colorado's poorly-managed state enterprise zone program that sparked proposed legislative change.
January 31, 2012
Asst. Labor Secretary: States Need to Communicate with Employers to Create Jobs
The U.S. Labor Department's Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Jane Oates said the places with the best job outlook are those that have direct communication with businesses.
January 31, 2012
School-Based Health Centers Reap Benefits
Studies have found that SBHCs improve students’ health-care access and school success. Now, the Obama administration is helping more states finance them.
January 30, 2012
Maryland Considering Incentives for Work in ‘Health Enterprise Zones’
The idea of offering financial incentives to boost services in select areas is common for economic development -- but rarely used to improve health care.
January 26, 2012
New York City Uses ARRA Funds for Hybrid Street Sweepers
They’re expected to improve the city’s finances and carbon footprint.
January 23, 2012
Minneapolis Uses Foursquare to Share Tips with Citizens
The city aims to promote its services and programs with people who check-in around the city.
January 23, 2012
U.S. Supreme Court Overturns California Slaughterhouse Law
The justices unanimously struck down a state law that would have required slaughterhouses to euthanize animals that can't walk and kept the meat from being eaten.
January 19, 2012
Courtroom Violence on the Rise
A Minn. courthouse shooting and a judge's decision to refuse cases in unsafe buildings sheds light on the increasingly unsafe conditions of many courtrooms around the country.
January 19, 2012
EPA Quiz Gives Answers for Financing Green Projects
The “Financing Program Decision Tool” shows state and local governments their best options for paying for energy upgrades.
January 18, 2012
Top Montana Ethics Leader Resigns Amid Allegations
Commissioner of Political Practices Dave Gallik resigned after every member of his staff accused him of making the state pay for time he was working on private matters, which he denies.
January 16, 2012
One R.I. School Goes Paperless in 2013
The state will supply an electronic device for every student in one school, cutting down on heavy and easily outdated textbooks.
January 13, 2012
Competition for Montana Supreme Court Seat Heats Up
District Judge Laurie McKinnon, who was named judge of the year in 2010, has announced that she’s joining the race to take retiring Justice James Nelson’s seat.
January 12, 2012
Colorado Governor Delivers State of the State
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper touched on a host of divisive issues in his State of the State address today, including the budget, economy and civil unions.
January 12, 2012
Woodbridge Housing Authority Is First to Turn to Wind Energy
The agency in Woodbridge Township, N.J., is using wind energy to save more than $6 million and keep greenhouse gases out of the air.
January 11, 2012
Energy, Pipeline Policies Center Montana Governor's Race
Mont. state Sen. Larry Jent, who's trailing behind his challenger in campaign fundraising, may be turning the tide of what's so far been a quiet gubernatorial race.
January 11, 2012
Montana Lawmakers Want to Save Supreme Court Ballot Measure
In Montana, a group of voters are trying to strike a measure from the June primary ballot and a group of Republican lawmakers want permission to stop them.
January 10, 2012
States Consider Following Calif.'s Suit and Banning Tanning
Several states may soon join California, which at the start of this year became the first state to make it illegal for teenagers to use cancer-causing tanning beds.
January 9, 2012
Conn. Gives Private Medicaid Insurers the Boot
The “insurance capital of the world” is only the second state to assume the health program’s financial responsibility in the last decade.
January 6, 2012
Mass. Scrambles to Fund Health Coverage for Legal Immigrants After Ruling
The Bay State's highest court ruled that all eligible legal immigrants must get the option of low-cost subsidized health insurance.
January 5, 2012
Utah Legislator to Consider Charging Medicaid Users for Smoking
A Utah state lawmaker wants to make Medicaid users who smoke pay higher co-payments. If enacted, it might be the first law of its kind.
January 5, 2012
A Library for Helping Limited English Speakers
This online Language Portal holds thousands of government documents designed to help people who speak limited to no English.
January 2, 2012
Mich. Program Gets Prisoners Out of Costly Isolation Cells
Some states are putting prisoners in isolation at increasing rates. A Mich. penitentiary program that has caught the attention of other states is looking to do the opposite.
December 30, 2011
Legislative Issues to Watch in 2012
These nine topics will shape debate in state legislatures in 2012.
December 22, 2011
The Best Government Ideas of 2011
Governing reviewed all its Idea Center entries throughout 2011 to share a select few for their unique approach to common problems.
December 20, 2011
Former Utah House Speaker Resigns to Run for Congress
A few resignations are passing through the Utah Legislature this month. The reason? State law bars lawmakers from fundraising for public office during the legislative session, which is just around the corner.
December 19, 2011
Wyo. Reality TV Show Aims to Get Kids Outside
"Wyoming's Call of the Wild" aims to get more kids interested in hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.
December 16, 2011
Dan Liljenquist Resigns from Utah Senate for Possible U.S. Senate Run
Just weeks after accepting Governing’s Public Officials of the Year award, Utah Sen. Dan Liljenquist has resigned -- a move that many speculate is because he plans to run for Congress.
December 15, 2011
New Colo. Education Website Gives Schools Letter Grades
A new system backed by 18 community groups gives parents and educators an easy-to-understand system to compare schools.
December 12, 2011
USDA Offers Insurance to Mont., N.D. Farmers to Grow Oilseed Crop for Biofuel
The camelina crop can be converted into renewable energy, possibly bringing new jobs to rural America. But until now, farmers lacked the incentive and insurance to grow it.
December 8, 2011
Schools Can Finally Give Leftovers to Food Banks
A recent change in federal law gives schools an alternative to throwing unused food in the trash.
December 5, 2011
Several States May Open Horse Slaughterhouses
Four years after the last horse slaughterhouse in the country closed, President Barack Obama paved the way for new plants to pop up.
December 5, 2011
Transferring 911 Mental-Health Calls Could Reduce Harm
An Oregon county will begin transferring 911 calls from people having mental-health crises to qualified professionals who can keep callers out of jail and danger.
December 1, 2011
Nashville Library Delivery Service Boosts Literacy
Instead of waiting for students to go to the library, which can be difficult since most aren't of driving age, Nashville Public Library is bringing the books to them.
November 28, 2011
Sending Sunlight Down to an Underground Park
A proposal to transform an inoperative New York City trolley terminal into an underground park could bring in money for the city.
November 21, 2011
N.Y. Credits Military Experience for Jobs, Education
The Cuomo administration strives to make military experience transfer into college credit and job certifications.
November 18, 2011
Utah May Offer Health Insurance in Exchange for Community Service
Utah health officials are mulling over the idea of giving health insurance to cash-strapped people in exchange for community service.
November 17, 2011
More States Offering Low-Interest College Loans
Some students have sought every form of financial aid possible and still can't afford college. Some states are stepping up to help.
November 16, 2011
Oil Pipelines at Risk of Failure in Mont., Wyo.
Federal inspectors have found hundreds of problematic pipelines in Montana and Wyoming that are at risk of causing another oil spill in the region.
November 15, 2011
Advocates Urge Congress to Fight State Voting Changes
Advocates want Congress to pass legislation to combat new state laws that they say will disenfranchise young, elderly, minority, disabled and low-income voters.
November 14, 2011
Cops' New Weapon for Accountability: Cameras
More and more police officers are walking around with body cameras on their uniforms in hopes of increasing transparency and accountability.
November 14, 2011
Supreme Court to Hear Health Care Reform Law
The nation's highest court will hear the case in March, but a ruling isn’t expected until June – in the midst of the 2012 presidential campaign.
November 11, 2011
Almost-Retired Lawmaker to Run for Utah Governor
State lawmaker Ken Sumsion will run on a campaign to reform public school spending and gain access to the state's federally controlled lands.
November 10, 2011
Oregon Is First State to Vote by iPad
The technology helps people with disabilities cast their ballots easily and more privately.
November 9, 2011
Eight States Launch Anti-Meth Websites
The websites feature graphic images and chilling statistics about the risks associated with methamphetamines.
November 8, 2011
Idaho, Mont. Wolf Hunts Head to Court
After two failed attempts to temporarily halt the hunting of wolves in Idaho and Montana, wildlife advocates are trying a third time today.
November 8, 2011
Idaho Works Out Details for Online Class Requirement
After Idaho became the first state to require high school students to take two online credits last week, state education officials are working on ways to keep as much of the taxpayers money in schools as possible.
November 7, 2011
Massachusetts Makes Use of Leftover Crops
The Massachusetts Gleaning Network will connect growers and volunteers in efforts to provide food in case of emergencies.
November 3, 2011
Judges Negotiate Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
In New York courts, which face a swarm of liability lawsuits, medically trained judges and attorneys work together to reduce the money and time spent on such cases.
November 1, 2011
Supreme Court Rejects Utah Church-State Case
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request yesterday to revisit the constitutionality of religious symbols on government property.
October 31, 2011
States Link Databases to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse
Drug dealers and addicts often jump borders to beat the system. Several states are trying to keep that from happening.
October 28, 2011
SCOTUS Preview: From the Courthouse to the Slaughterhouse
Many of the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court cases may affect state courts.
October 27, 2011
More Cities Will Get 'Smarter' in 2012
IBM will give $50 million in grants and expert advice to cities that want to solve their problems using data-based solutions.
October 27, 2011
Great Lakes States Ask High Court to Block Waterways
After the U.S. Supreme Court twice rejected requests from Michigan to close off Chicago area waterways to the invasive Asian carp species, the state is hoping there’s influence in numbers.
October 24, 2011
Finding Jobs on Facebook
The site is for more than social networking now. It could be how someone lands their next job.
October 20, 2011
Greening Public Housing
Indianapolis is among a few cities in the country making public housing a sustainable way to live.
October 17, 2011
Sacramento Offers 'Wheels to Work' for All
People can't secure jobs without showing up to interviews. Sacramento County is making sure homeless people can.
October 13, 2011
New Online Tool Tracks Personal Taxes
The City of Houston has created a new tool to show taxpayers how their dollars are spent -- down to the very last cent.
October 12, 2011
A Quick Lesson in Job Statistics
There seems to be confusion about jobs and the workforce in Illinois, so let’s clear it up a bit.
October 10, 2011
Google Helps Local Businesses Get Online
At no cost and in under an hour, businesses in ten states can create a website with the help of a web marketing pro.
October 6, 2011
Phoenix Metro Area Recycles Waste, Buildings to Fight Sprawl
Waste and rundown buildings are helping the region improve its neighborhoods at an affordable rate.
October 5, 2011
Medicaid, Criminal Justice Cases Start Supreme Court Term
While it's still uncertain whether the fate of the Affordable Care Act will be in the hands of the nation's top nine justices, a number of cases involving Medicaid and criminal justice could impact states.
October 3, 2011
Calif. Expands Recycling to Renters
A new state law requires apartment buildings to offer the option that many take for granted.
September 30, 2011
Student Solutions to Environmental Problems Save Governments Money
Tapping into young peoples’ creativity in search of green improvements has paid off for an Alaskan school district and its taxpayers.
September 29, 2011
Veterans Fight Unemployment with Fire
The California Conservation Corps is the latest to offer returning military personnel training in wildfire prevention, making them attractive candidates for firefighting and forestry jobs.
September 27, 2011
States Get Federal Funding to Employ People with Disabilities
Seven states are set to receive federal funding to create employment networks for people with disabilities.
September 26, 2011
Adding Asian Carp to Peoples' Palate
Illinois wants to serve the invasive species as a healthy, cheap option in food banks. But first, people must be willing to eat it.
September 22, 2011
Wash. and Va. High School Students Get IT Certified
Following North Carolina's lead, both states will offer computer technology training and IT certifications to all public high school students.
September 21, 2011
Report: First Time in 10 Years, More State Tax Reductions Than Raises
Despite budget deficits, states reduced more taxes than they raised in 2011, a recent National Conference of State Legislatures report found.
September 19, 2011
Hiring the Homeless to Build Their Own Houses
A Washington, D.C., program could be a model for weaning people off welfare, reducing the homeless population and improving the look of cities.
September 15, 2011
Prisoners Refurbish Recycled Computers for Agency's Use
A South Carolina prison is taking advantage of a new recycling law to save on IT spending.
September 12, 2011
Planning the Future -- for Free
MIT just released a program that shows city planners and policymakers how their decisions would affect urban growth.
September 8, 2011
Making Smart-Meter Stats Even More Accessible
People could pay more attention to energy data if it's displayed alongside personal photos in a digital frame.
September 1, 2011
Political Boot Camp for South Florida’s Leaders
A new program offers rookie elected officials a crash course in government, hoping they’ll avoid predecessors’ mistakes.
August 31, 2011
How A County Reduces Homeless and Jail Populations
Unlike most shelters, this one offers a place for people with mental illness and substance use problems to avoid jail and better their situations.
August 29, 2011
Terminal Bee
The nation’s first beehive farm, located at O’Hare, is creating some buzz by providing ex-convicts jobs, increasing bee populations and keeping runways clear.
August 25, 2011
Schools Start Cooking from Scratch Again
After years of serving factory-made food to students, Colorado schools have found an affordable way to offer healthy, freshly cooked meals.
August 22, 2011
The Hearing Impaired Get Involved in Emergency Response
For the first time in Texas, special-needs groups are being targeted for community emergency response training.
August 18, 2011
Making Use of the Shoulder Lane
Hoping to improve public transit's reliability and encourage its use, Illinois will allow selected buses to drive in the shoulder during rush hour.
August 15, 2011
Turning Toilet Water into Drinking Water
Facing extreme drought, municipalities in west Texas are beginning to recycle wastewater.
August 11, 2011
Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort to the Courtroom
Courts in several states allow stress-detecting dogs to face the stand with child witnesses.
August 8, 2011
Second Municipality to Allow People to Text 911
The "text-to-911" pilot will allow citizens who can't call 911 in Durham County, N.C., to connect with emergency operators.
August 4, 2011
Finding Summer Employment for Crossing Guards
Having crossing guards write parking tickets ends their paycheck-less summers and generates more money for the city.
August 1, 2011
America's First All-Electric Car Sharing Program
With 1,500 charging stations already in place, San Diego was selected to be the first city with such a service.
July 29, 2011
Providing Work Opportunities and Food to the Hungry
A county in North Carolina created a community garden so the unemployed can work for benefits, training and food.
July 28, 2011
'Secret Shoppers' Keep Tabs on NYC Supermarkets
A new initiative educates customers about their rights and allows them to easily report any violations that may result in overcharges.
July 25, 2011
Wellness Insurance Plan Improves State Workers' Health
Nebraska's public employees reportedly ate healthier, smoked less, exercised more and experienced less stress since enrolling in the new plan.
July 21, 2011
Medically Equipped Motorcycles Increase Response Time
The bikes enable paramedics to weave through traffic faster than ambulances.
July 18, 2011
The Northeast's First Cyber Disruption Team
Rhode Island has assembled a team to battle cyber disruptions that result from natural disasters, viruses or attacks.
July 14, 2011
Creating Competition for Charter Schools
Massachusetts is opening more “innovation schools” this fall to keep kids from transferring to charter schools and taking education dollars with them.
July 7, 2011
Learn Here, Live Here
Connecticut lawmakers want to offer its graduates a homebuyer tax credit to keep them from fleeing the state.
July 7, 2011
Funkhouser Leads The GOVERNING Institute
International auditing expert and former Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Mark Funkhouser will lead The GOVERNING Institute, a new research and advisory institute for state and local leaders.
June 30, 2011
Hoping for Brighter Budgets
The Arizona Department of Transportation is using solar-powered technology to reduce its fuel consumption and save money.
June 30, 2011
Do Superintendents Need Classroom Experience?
In recent years, state legislators and school boards nationwide have been paving the way for people with little or no education experience to lead districts.
June 29, 2011
N.Y. Union Negotiations Not Quite a Victory Yet
It is true that leaders of New York's Civil Service Employees Association agreed to a major pay and benefits contract. But this should not be mistaken as a victory for Gov. Cuomo or a concession from the union yet.
June 27, 2011
Seeing Solar Energy's Impact in Numbers
A new map calculates the potential, annual savings and environmental impact that solar panels would have on every building in New York City.
June 23, 2011
Lessening the Impact of Small Fines
Marin County, Calif., launched a community court to void certain unpaid fines for homeless and low-income people.
June 20, 2011
Providing and Protecting Volunteer Dentists
New laws in the Midwest remove disincentives for retired dentists to volunteer their services to low-cost clinics.
June 16, 2011
Cleaning the Way Out of Homelessness
In San Jose, homeless people who assist in cleaning local creeks can receive food, shelter and employment in return.
June 13, 2011
Keeping Misdemeanor Offenders Out of Jail
A new law in Kentucky gives police officers more power to judge offenders, hoping it will free up space in jails.
June 6, 2011
Infrared Technology for Repairing Roads
Several municipalities have found a quicker way to reduce the costs and traffic associated with road repairs.
June 2, 2011
An Educational Use for Cooking Oil
Instead of urging residents to throw their used cooking oil away, Dallas converts it into bio-fuel for school buses.
May 31, 2011
Is It OK to Text While Lawmaking?
The legality of texting while lawmaking has been cause for debate, but Texas may be the first state to ban the practice altogether.
May 26, 2011
Prioritizing Homes for LA’s Homeless
Members of the Hollywood community banded together to find homes for the homeless – making those in the greatest danger their top priority.
May 23, 2011
Txting Ur State Gov’t
Arkansas is the first state to allow citizens to text the government with questions.
May 19, 2011
From Michigan Farms to Your Plate
MSU researchers are developing a way for conscious consumers to track their beef down to the individual animal.
May 16, 2011
Making Emissions Testing Less of a Hassle
Tennessee is reigniting the use of remote sensing technology to test emissions while vehicles are on the road.
May 12, 2011
Minn. Counties Push for More Pilot Program Flexibility
A bill in the Minn. Legislature seeks to expand counties’ power so they can launch innovative programs without dealing with red tape.
May 9, 2011
CA Investigating Sewage as Potential Energy Source
A two-year, $1 million pilot will determine if this renewable source can be used for electricity.
May 5, 2011
Top 25 Innovations in Government Selected
From the facilitation of video chatting with inmates to planning for the next natural disaster, here’s a look at the nation's best problem-solving programs.
May 2, 2011
'Neighborhood Courts' to Reduce Crowding, Cut Costs
San Francisco’s one-of-a-kind program puts nonviolent criminals to work for clean records.
April 28, 2011
Reducing Repeat 911 Callers
A pilot program that saved the Baltimore City Fire Department money and increased their efficiency has become a permanent fixture.
April 26, 2011
Report: Economic Downturn Widened Pension Funding Gap
Newly released data show how the Great Recession exacerbated states' ability to fund pensions.
April 25, 2011
Reducing Pollution -- One Bulldozer at a Time
N.J. will retrofit construction equipment and impose stricter emissions standards to improve air quality.
April 21, 2011
Online Courses Help Students Manage Money
School districts are teaming with credit unions to help students meet financial literacy requirements in a flexible way.
April 18, 2011
Jobs on Wheels
Tennessee will roll out three vehicles to rural areas, bringing job-search assistance to those who need it most.
April 14, 2011
New Phone App for Filing Federal and State Taxes
With a few days left, iPhone and Android users can file their taxes with a few clicks.
April 11, 2011
Rebirth of the American Farmer
A pilot project in Washington state aims to attract more youth to farming by making internships safer and more educational.
April 7, 2011
Phasing Out The Big, Red Fire Truck
Notoriously gas-guzzling SUVs are being used in place of fire trucks to reduce fuel usage and costs.
April 4, 2011
Program Aims to Prevent Gun Violence ‘Disease’
A New Orleans initiative identifies those in contact with shooting victims and tries to keep the violence from spreading.
March 31, 2011
'Talking Bus' Technology Prevents Pedestrian Accidents
In several cities, buses alert pedestrians when they are making a turn.
March 28, 2011
Prepaying for Electricity in Ocala, Fla.
Residents will have the option to pay their electricity usage similar to the way they pay for gas -- upfront.
March 24, 2011
Drive-bys Reduce Western Mass. Residents’ Heating Costs
A new state pilot program is using thermal imaging technology inside SUVs to evaluate and improve the energy performance of homes.
March 21, 2011
Failing High Schoolers Get a Dose of Reality
A new program in Hawaii high schools shows students what their life could be like if they don’t improve their grades.
March 17, 2011
Five Localities Aim to Eliminate Junk Mail
One program has the potential to save municipal governments up to $10 per household in collection and landfill costs.
March 14, 2011
Online Citizen Profiles Improve Emergency Response
Citizens that upload vital information into online profiles allow emergency call centers to improve their speed and quality of assistance.
February 24, 2011
Mental Health Court Cuts Spending and Reduces Crime
A program to treat, rather than jail, the mentally ill in Colorado has saved the county and state $600,000.