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.
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.
Can Surge Pricing Cut Energy Use?
California will be the first state where utilities charge more for power used during peak hours.
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.
Senate Bill Would Stop States From Punishing People at Work for Missed Student Loans
Some states can revoke your job license if you fall behind. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio introduced legislation that would outlaw that practice.
Where 'Bring Your Baby to Work Day' Can Be Every Day
A growing number of state agencies -- mostly in places with no paid family leave -- are letting public employees bring their infants to the office.
What Linda Darling-Hammond's Appointment Means for Education
Democrats once fought to keep her from becoming Obama's education secretary. Now she's set to lead California's State Board of Education, where she could influence the national party's education stances.
State of the Union Draws Polarized State and Local Responses
Governors' reactions to President Trump's address, which was heavy on immigration but also touched on infrastructure and drug prices, showcased the country’s sharp political divisions.
'A Slap in the Face': Amazon Deal Advances as Virginia Teachers Demand More Education Funding
The state House approved $750 million in tax incentives for the company while teachers protested outside the Capitol.
Mayors: Immigration Reform Would Take a Day If We Were in Charge
The White House and Congress now have three weeks to agree on border security -- or the government could shut down again. A bipartisan group of border-state mayors wants more than a wall -- if at all.
During Shutdown, Mayors Show What Bipartisanship Looks Like
The U.S. Conference of Mayors gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to discuss its agenda and tout its members' ability to work across party lines -- even on immigration.
How Nurses Prove the Power of Unions
In an anti-union era, nurses may have found a model for effectively organizing labor.
Not Just L.A.: Where Teachers Might Strike in 2019
Unrest over education funding and policy is brewing in several cities and states across the country.
Why the L.A. Teacher Strike Is Different From Last Year's Protests
Educators in the nation's second-largest school district are set to strike on Monday. The dispute could impact education policy across the country.
Young People Power Into Statehouses and City Halls
This year will see the largest class yet of millennials entering legislatures. How will they shape politics and policies?
ALEC Outlines 2019 Agenda to Erode Union Power
The conservative group of lawmakers recently convened in Washington, D.C., to strategize ways to capitalize on the Supreme Court's ruling this year that limited unions' ability to collect fees.
Newly Elected Democratic Socialists Bring New Ideas on Affordable Housing
The fresh crop of progressives taking state office next year could shake up the conversations about how to lower the cost of living.
Democratic Socialists Rack Up Wins
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib made headlines for their congressional wins. But a number of Democratic Socialists also won state-level races this election.
Democrats Win Total Control of 6 More States. What Will They Do With It?
The party now has 14 "trifectas," compared to the Republicans' 22.
One State's Voters Fight for Their Right to Sue the Government
States across the country have limited citizens' right to sue their state or local government. Voters in one of them, New Hampshire, revived it on Tuesday.
The Right to 'Live Free From Government'? New Hampshire Voters Just Gave It to Themselves.
Privacy concerns have prompted 10 states to add privacy protections in their constitutions.
Over PETA's Objections, California Voters Pass Strict Animal Protections
Advocates say Prop. 12 represents the world's strongest protections for animals raised for human consumption.
Offshore Wind Could Be the Next Big Breakthrough in Renewable Energy
After decades of false starts, turbines are starting to turn in several coastal states.
Recreational Marijuana Expands Into the Midwest
Legalization measures passed in Michigan but failed in North Dakota.
States Enacted 116 Immigration Laws in 2018
It's a slight decline from last year but still more than usual.
The Supreme Court Cases for State and Local Governments to Watch
In the cases the justices will hear this fall, legal observers say "state sovereignty is a really big issue."
How Democratic Socialists Performed in State and Local Primaries
Just over half of this year's candidates endorsed by Democratic Socialists are advancing to the general election. They could win seats for school boards, city councils and legislatures in 20 states.
In Immigration Vote, Oregon Keeps Sanctuary Law
Oregon voters were the first to directly weigh in on immigration during the Trump era.
Seth Rogen Inspires a U.S. City to Change the Public Transit Experience
The actor has become the voice of announcements on Vancouver's buses and subways.
What Brett Kavanaugh Means for States
The Supreme Court nominee's legal vision could empower state governments on some issues but imperil their laws on others.
California's Unprecedented Plan to Tackle Fake Election News
The state is launching an ambitious effort, along with tech companies, to monitor and remove disinformation on social media that could keep people from voting.
Fentanyl, Gas, Firing Squad: Why Execution Methods Are Changing
As states struggle to obtain traditional lethal injection drugs, some are turning to new methods of execution, or reviving old ones, as a backup.
Want Young People to Vote? Make Them Sign a Pledge.
New research suggests a simple way to boost turnout among first-time voters.