Chief Storytellers: Community Engagement or PR?
Some critics wonder if the new city gig is a legitimate use of government money. Denver thinks so.
Authors
Graham Vyse |
Graham Vyse is a staff writer at Governing. He was previously a staff writer at The New Republic, and his writing has appeared in Slate and Washingtonian. His first job in journalism was covering the District of Columbia for the Current Newspapers, where he appeared on “The Fix’s 2015 list of best state political reporters” in The Washington Post. A native of Rhode Island, he received his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s degree in journalism from American University.
Parks for All
"Park equity" gets a new focus as cities tackle inequality in all facets of public life.
Voting by Phone Is Convenient, But Is It Too Risky?
The option is spreading at a time of heightened fear of foreign interference in U.S. elections. It has been used in a few local elections and will be available to some voters in the 2020 presidential caucuses.
After Federal Minimum Wage Bill Advances, What’s the Future of the Fight for $15?
The policy is already law in some states and cities, and has become a talking point for Democratic leaders and presidential candidates. But while it has helped lift some Americans out of poverty, it has cost others their jobs.
Cities Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition
Three American cities have now banned the use of facial recognition technology in local government amid concerns it's inaccurate and biased.
Not All About Trump: Democrats Worry About State Legislative Races
Panelists at the Netroots Nation conference this weekend raised concerns about finding enough candidates and donors for state legislative elections.
Will the Gerrymandering Ruling Motivate Donors and Voters?
The decision increases the focus on often-ignored state legislative elections, where the GOP has recently dominated.
Despite Historic High, LGBTQ Still Underrepresented in Elected Office
There are more lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans politicians than ever before, but they only make up .1 percent of elected officials.
In the State Where Teacher Strikes Started, Lawmakers Aim to Prevent More
The West Virginia Senate passed a bill that would not only punish teachers for protesting but also includes a charter school provision they recently fought to defeat. The House could vote on it as early as Monday.
Can Surge Pricing Cut Energy Use?
California will be the first state where utilities charge more for power used during peak hours.
As 2020 Census Looms, Citizenship Question Isn't the Only Concern
Census officials and immigration advocates warned Congress this week that untested technology and reduced federal resources could lead to vast undercounts.
Garcetti: Trump 'Walked Away From His Duty' When He Left Infrastructure Meeting
The president left the meeting with congressional leaders after only three minutes, holding an infrastructure bill hostage unless the investigations into him end.
'Game-Changer': Why Alabama's Abortion Ban 'Awoke' Protesters
A wave of conservative states passed abortion bans this year, but the national backlash didn't come until Alabama's was signed into law.
As Abortion Bans Spread, Hollywood Debates How to Protest Them
Some are boycotting Georgia after it passed a "heartbeat" bill last week. Others argue there are better ways to protect abortion rights.
In Congressional Hearing, Election Officials Appear United Yet Divided
Democratic and Republican secretaries of state agree that more money is needed to improve voting systems, but they disagree on how that federal funding should be spent.
As Protests Spread, Lawmakers Seek Punishment (and Protection) for Teachers
North and South Carolina teachers rallied this week. Educators in Sacramento, Calif., and Oregon could strike later this month.
Why, Despite Trying, No State Has Passed a Soda Tax Since 1992
In California, where the soda industry spends millions on lobbying, a bill to tax sugary drinks has been shelved. Lawmakers in four other states proposed one this year.
Sanctuary City Mayors Respond to Trump's Threat 'With Open Arms'
The president wants to release detained immigrants in cities where local leaders oppose his immigration policies.
Liberal Hollywood and Conservative Politics Clash in America's New Filmmaking Hub
Elite actors are threatening to boycott Georgia over a heartbeat abortion bill, endangering the state's a-list status among major TV and movie productions.
The GOP Mayor Pushing Climate Change Policies in Congress
Republican Jim Brainard of Carmel, Ind., has become a national voice on environmental issues.