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Mike Maciag

Data Editor

Mike Maciag -- Data Editor. Mike analyzes databases and works on data journalism projects for the magazine. He writes on a variety of topics and manages the Governing Data portal for Governing.com. Prior to joining Governing, Mike worked at local newspapers in Erie, Pa., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Atlanta. He holds a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University and undergraduate degrees in journalism and computer science from the University of Dayton.  Email mmaciag@governing.com | Twitter @mikemaciag

Municipalities spend more than a billion dollars a year on settlements and claims from citizens. Some are trying hard to rein in those costs.
Chapter 9 bankruptcies and debt defaults have driven a surge in monitoring -- and the localities seem to appreciate it.
The laws are meant to make it easier for ex-felons to get hired. But they're having the opposite impact on some people who don't even have a criminal history.
The sector added more jobs in recent months, but it still hasn't recovered from cuts during the recession.
Younger companies are crucial to creating jobs and promoting innovation in local economies.
Some say police officers are increasingly reluctant to intervene in dangerous situations, fueling a crime wave in cities throughout the nation. Others say that's just not true.
America's largest state park is a battleground between conservation activists and small towns desperate for development.
Several factors are behind the drastic differences in funding.
In the midst of its biggest fiscal disaster in decades, the state is a good place to watch the evolving roles of freshman lawmakers and veteran lobbyists.
Cities, counties and states put a lot of effort -- and money -- into lobbying other levels of government.